Program Overview

Introduction to the Alternative Route Program

The Alternative Route program at WSU Tri-Cities is designed for paraeducators currently working in local partner school districts. This program recognizes the expertise that paraprofessionals bring with them from the classroom and works with them to apply those skills in the university.

Program Overview

The Alternative Route program is a PESB-approved teacher preparation program that provides support for paraeducators to receive credit for their prior learning and work experiences, enroll in university courses, and receive an Elementary Education BA degree with K-8 endorsement and either a Special Education or ELL/Bilingual Education add-on endorsement.

Program Partnerships

The program is offered in partnership with Grandview, Kennewick, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Sunnyside, Wahluke, and Walla Walla school districts.

Admission Requirements

• Cohort Admission
• Program
• Advising
• Financial Aid
• Careers
• Faculty

To apply to the program, prospective students must:

• Apply for admission to WSU Tri-Cities
• Apply for admission to the Alternative Route program
• Take or have taken a basic skills test (e.g. ACT, SAT, or WEST-B) and have official scores reported to WSU
• Complete the program prerequisites, which include a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and passing all program prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher

Program Prerequisites

The program prerequisites ensure that candidates are ready to apply subject knowledge to their education courses. A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required, and all program prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

Program Structure

The program has been designed for students to complete coursework and become certified teachers in two years. Students earn academic credit through in-person evening courses with university faculty, courses situated in students’ jobs in area schools, and Prior Learning Assessments that let students demonstrate how they have met Washington’s teacher competencies through prior education or work experiences.

Support and Advising

Each participant receives specialized advising and support from the grant coordinator. Beyond planning classes, students learn about navigating campus policies and procedures, mentoring in their school work site, and preparing for exams such as the NES and West-E.

Financial Aid

Applicants may be eligible for financial aid that recruits teachers for high-need areas. These funds may include conditional loan scholarships from the State of Washington, the federal TEACH Grants, and WSU grant programs. Students may still complete the alternative route program even if they do not receive these funds.

Career Development

The Career Development Office offers workshops on how to develop a job search strategy, write a compelling résumé and cover letter, and sharpen interview skills – all of which will help students land a job in today’s competitive market.

Faculty

Students will take courses from a range of faculty members in elementary education and in their specialization area. All faculty are dedicated to integrating students’ work-based experiences with their university courses.

Program Completion and Certification

As a condition of the Washington State Alternative Route grant program, candidates who receive an Alternative Route Block Grant from the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) are required to teach for two years in a Washington K-12 public school, in a high-need endorsement area, in exchange for each year of funding received from PESB. The school district partners work with candidates to find mutually beneficial placements.