Alternative Certification for Paraprofessionals
Residency Teacher Certification
K-8 and Either ELL or Special Education Endorsement
Alternative Route 1 to certification programs enroll currently employed classified instructional employees (paraprofessionals) with transferable associate degrees. Since 2008, Heritage has prepared and placed paraprofessionals in ESD 105 school districts (i.e. Sunnyside, Union Gap, West Valley, Grandview, Yakima, East Valley, Mt. Adams, Toppenish, Granger, Mattawa, and Mabton).
Program applicants must meet the following qualifications for program enrollment:
a. district or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee;
b. pass WEST-B exam before program admission and WEST-E exam before co-teaching ;
c. meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements;
d. interview with University and district personnel; and
e. complete both degree and certification requirements in two years, including a mentored internship(s) to be completed in the final year.