Teacher Education (K-8)
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) prepares graduates with a strong foundation in education and training, leading to initial K–8 teaching certification in Washington State with a primary endorsement in elementary education. Students also have the option to add a special education endorsement.
The goal of the program is to prepare teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to foster all students’ learning. Individuals enrolled in the BAS-TE program will interact and learn from local teachers and superintendents, who will teach, mentor, and guide students through the program.
Upon completion, students are prepared to obtain initial teaching certification (K-8) in the state of Washington with a primary endorsement in elementary education. Students can complete additional classes for a second endorsement in special education.
Program Details
The classes offered in the BAS-TE program are designed as hybrid courses, which means each class meets once per week with the remaining coursework online.
- Classes are offered in the evenings from 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Students will complete between 15-18 credits per quarter.
- Most students will be able to complete their degree in two years.
Program Approval and Certification
This program is approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) in the state of Washington. Upon successful completion of the program and related skills tests (see testing requirements), students are recommended to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Initial teaching certification in Elementary Education. Students who successfully complete extra course work and pass the WESTE exam are also recommended for a second endorsement in Special Education.
Title II Report
In accordance with the Title II Higher Education Act, the program is required to submit information regarding program requirements, admissions, enrollments, clinical experience, and completion rates. The report is updated on an annual basis. Read the full report (pdf).
Graduates are prepared to inspire and lead as certificated teachers in elementary classrooms, with the option to expand their impact through a special education endorsement.
Centralia College is now accepting applications for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Fall 2026 cohorts!
Here’s how to apply:
1. Apply to Centralia College- College: Centralia College
- Program: Baccalaureate
- Term: Fall 2026
- Degree or Certificate I am Seeking:
- Applied Management
- Behavioral Healthcare
- Diesel Technology
- Teacher Education
2. Complete the BAS Program Application
- Fill out the BAS Program application form online.
- After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on submitting your non-Centralia College transcripts and any additional documents required for your application.
Both steps are required to be considered for admission.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at bachelors@centralia.edu or 360-623-8927.
We look forward to receiving your application and helping you take the next step toward your educational and career goals!
Admission Requirements
Admission into the BAS-TE program is competitive. While meeting minimum requirements is necessary, it does not guarantee admission due to limited program capacity. To be included in the applicant pool, you must complete or submit the following:
- Completion of all BAS application materials
- Submission of test scores from WEST-B, SAT or ACT
- Associate degree or 90 quarter units (junior-level standing) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- English 101 English Composition with a minimum grade of 2.0
- College-level math course for which intermediate algebra is a prerequisite and contains quantitative skills distribution
- EDUC& 115 Child Development or PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 units)
- ECED& 180 Language and Literacy (3 units)
- A minimum of three additional units of education course work (ECED& 100 Child Care
Basics does not qualify for this requirement.)
- EDUC& 130 Guiding Behavior
- ECED& 170 Environments - Young Child
- ECED& 190 Observation/Assessment
- EDUC& 204 Exceptional Child
- EDUC& 205 Introduction to Education with Field Experience
- Highly recommended courses include:
Optional: Current Paraeducators can receive additional consideration points in the application process by submitting a letter from the school district(s) verifying years of service. Work experience as a para is not a requirement for program admission.
Additional Requirements to Complete After Acceptance in the Program
- Completion of FERPA release to share information with OSPI
- Completion of State of Washington required data sheet
Additional Requirements to Complete After Start of the Program
- Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) Background Check
- Pre-residency clearance
General Education Degree Required Courses
To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must successfully complete the following General Education coursework. These courses may be taken as part of the bachelor’s degree program:
- ENGL& 102 English Composition II
- 5 units of Social Sciences (students are highly encouraged to complete a history related social science course to prepare for the NES exam required for teacher certification and to acquire needed content knowledge to teach social studies in an elementary classroom)
- 10 units of Humanities (recommended CMST& 220 Public Speaking)
- 10 units of Natural Science with one science course containing a lab [students are highly encouraged to complete a physical science (oceanography, geology, chemistry) and a life science (nutrition, environmental science, biology) to assist in preparation for the NES exam required for teacher education and to acquire needed content knowledge to teach science in an elementary classroom]
Students must complete several certification requirements throughout the program.
- In the first quarter, students must submit fingerprints, pass an FBI background check (as required by RCW 28A.410.010), and obtain Pre-Residency Clearance through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
- Students must pass the NES I exam before student teaching in the second year. Prior to certification, students must also pass the NES II exam for elementary education.
- Students pursuing an additional endorsement in special education are required to pass the WEST-E exam.
Testing fees are established by a third-party vendor. Estimated fees are:
- WEST-B (prior to starting the program) - approximate cost $155
- Fingerprint and background check (prior to starting the program) - approximate cost $65
- WEST-E (special education endorsement test) - approximately $95
- NES I & II (elementary education endorsement tests) - approximate cost $155
- State Certification Fee - approximate cost $118
Tuition
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) sets the tuition rate.
For the current year's tuition rate, see Tuition & Fees - Bachelor of Applied Science.
The cost of room and board would be additional.
Financial Aid
For information on applying for financial aid, see Financial Aid.
Scholarships
Students can apply for scholarships online from Dec. 1-March 1. Visit the scholarships page for information and a link to the online application.
Will this degree prepare me to teach in a high school?
No, the BAS-TE degree is designed to provide certification in kindergarten through
eighth grade.
Do I need to be available during school hours to complete this program?
Yes, every quarter, students in BAS-TE complete practicum courses that require hands-on
work in a school setting. Also, the last two quarters of the program require full-time
student teaching during the school district’s hours.
What are the requirements for receiving an initial teaching certification?
The following tests are Washington State requirements and are NOT administered by
Centralia College. Students must pay for the associated costs out-of-pocket.
- Successful completion of the West-B (prior to starting the program) - approximate cost $155
- Successful completion of the West-E (special elementary education endorsement tests) - approximate cost $95
- Successful completion of the NES (special education endorsement test) - approximate cost $155
- Successful completion of program portfolio
- Successful completion of the BAS-TE requirements
- Fingerprint and background check - approximate cost $65
- State Certification Fee - approximate cost $118
Name of Program: Bachelor of Applied Science Teacher Education
Route(s) Offered: Route 1 for classified instructional employees (paraeducators with an associate degree)
Endorsement(s) Offered: Elementary Education (K-8) and Special Education (K-12)
Main Address: Centralia College main campus in Centralia
Delivery Method: Hybrid with in-person and online coursework
Delivery Format: Full-time evening program with classes two nights a week beginning at 5pm
Regions/School Districts Served: all school districts in Lewis and Thurston counties
Brief Program Description: The program prepares graduates with a strong foundation in education and training, leading to initial K–8 teaching certification in Washington State with a primary endorsement in elementary education. Students also have the option to add a special education endorsement. Upon completion, graduates will be in a position to affect the future of our communities through educating our youth.
Contact Information: BAS Programs - 360-623-8927, bachelors@centralia.edu
Estimated Time to Complete Program: 2 years
Prerequisites:
- Submission of test scores from WEST-B, SAT or ACT
- Associate degree or 90 quarter units (junior-level standing) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- English 101 English Composition with a minimum grade of 2.0
- College-level math course for which intermediate algebra is a prerequisite and contains quantitative skills distribution
- EDUC& 115 Child Development or PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 units)
- ECED& 180 Language and Literacy (3 units)
- A minimum of three additional units of education course work (ECED& 100 Child Care Basics does not qualify for this requirement.) Highly recommended courses include: EDUC& 130 Guiding Behavior, ECED& 170 Environments - Young Child; ECED& 190 Observation/Assessment; EDUC& 204 Exceptional Child; EDUC& 205 Introduction to Education with Field Experience.
Sample cost breakdowns:
- $2,794-2,843 per quarter for 6 quarters (elementary endorsement only)
- $300 per quarter for 6 quarters (textbooks, lab fees, etc.)
Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with children, parents/guardians, peers, administrators, and the community.
- Ensure cultural competence in teaching through adapting learner-centered curricula that engage students in a variety of culturally responsive strategies.
- Foster positive, inclusive, learning settings in cognitive, behavior, language, physical and social domains to create a safe and productive learning environment.
- Utilize feedback and reflection to constantly improve teaching practices.
- Elementary Education endorsement
- Understand and apply knowledge of the arts, English Language arts, health-fitness, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Understand and apply knowledge regarding the development and learning of children and young adolescents and how teachers can connect learning to students’ communities.
- Establish classroom communities that foster student engagement, learning and positive relationships.
- Use inquiry to effectively design and execute instructional plans and strategies that support diverse student learning within and across academic content areas.
- Design and implement a wide range of assessment strategies to inform instruction and support learning within and across academic content areas.
BAS-TE Education Plan
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
Emphasis: Teacher Education - Elementary Education
Units: 93-103
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Note - **Courses are only required for students completing both the elementary education and special education endorsements. ++Only currently certified teachers will completed reduced credits in Intro to Special Education and SPED Seminar.
Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Understand the foundations of special education.
- Understand the characteristics of special education learners.
- Understand assessment, diagnosis, and evaluations and appropriately identify and use appropriate tools.
- Understand planning, content and practices associated with delivering appropriate educational opportunities.
- Understand how to manage student behavior and social interaction skills.
This certificate is designed for currently certificated K–12 educators who want to expand their impact by adding a special education endorsement to their teaching credentials. It offers a meaningful opportunity to better support diverse learners and meet the growing needs of today’s classrooms.
To learn more about course availability and how to get started, contact the BAS Programs team at 360-623-8927 or bachelors@centralia.edu for information on class availability and registration.
Special Education Certificate Education Plan
Degree: Special Education Certificate
Units: 20-23
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