Washington DC Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
In addition to the traditional path to teacher certification in Washington DC, there are alternative routes to teacher licensing within the district. Alternative teacher preparation programs, or non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. By combining teacher preparation with supervised teaching, these routes can help career changers achieve certification on an accelerated timeline. Continue reading to learn more about these options in Washington DC, or if you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, visit our guide to traditional certification in DC.
Table of Contents
- Washington DC Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
Washington DC offers alternative routes to teacher licensing to attract qualified professionals to the classroom. These alternative routes typically require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in a teachable subject. Those who qualify may complete an approved alternative educator preparation program, which can take as little as one year and lead to a graduate certificate. Candidates may also elect to pursue a master’s degree in teaching, education, or a teachable subject as part of the required educator preparation.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Washington DC
Washington DC recognizes several programs as fulfilling the teacher preparation requirements for alternative educator licensing. These pathways allow flexibility based on candidates’ past experience and education.
Initial License Option 1
The Initial License Option 1 route to certification allows candidates who are already enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program, have a bachelor’s degree, meet the basic skills requirement, and pass the Praxis Subject Test for their grade level and subject area to apply for a preliminary license. The Initial License allows the holder to teach in a classroom while completing their teacher preparation program. Candidates for this route must have an employment offer from a DC local education agency (LEA). For more information, visit the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) website.
Teach for America (TFA)
Teach for America (TFA) offers a pathway to Washington DC teacher licensing in subjects such as early childhood and elementary education, English, Spanish, special education, and STEM content areas. Candidates must meet DC’s requirements for the Standard Teacher Credential, which include passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the Praxis Subject Tests. Those accepted to Teach for America’s programs may pursue teacher certification while teaching full-time or elect to earn a master’s degree plus certification through one of the organization’s teaching partners. For more information, visit the TFA website.
Testing Requirements for Washington DC Alternative Certification
For all pathways to licensure except for occupational experience-based licensure, candidates for alternative teacher certification in Washington DC must meet the basic skills requirement and pass the Praxis Subject Test in the grade level and subject area to be taught. The basic skills requirement can be met with a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test, a 3.0 GPA for their bachelor’s degree, or a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or GRE.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Certified teachers from another state with a license equivalent to the DC Standard Teacher Credential who have completed an approved education program and have three years of full-time teaching experience may be eligible for a reciprocal teaching license based on a credentials evaluation. For more information, visit our teacher certification reciprocity resource or the OSSE website.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Washington DC
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification educator preparation providers (EPPs) below have been approved by the OSSE.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $37,319 |
| Gallaudet University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $18,410 |
| George Washington University | CAEP | Master’s | 16 | 5 | N.Av. | $40,308 |
| Georgetown University | — | Master’s | 3 | 3 | N.Av. | $30,710 |
| Howard University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $23,233 |
| Relay Graduate School of Education | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| Trinity Washington University | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $15,295 |
| University of the District of Columbia | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $16,125 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Washington DC based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Gallaudet University (12 months)
- Georgetown University (12 months)
- George Washington University (12 months)
- Howard University (12 months)
- Relay Graduate School of Education (12 months)
- University of the District of Columbia (12 months)
Additional Resources
- DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE): Provides detailed information on certification pathways and requirements, as well as resources for current educators.
- Teach for America DC and Virginia: Information on the Teach for America alternate route to licensure.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Washington DC Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Washington DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education: https://osse.dc.gov/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/