What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a certificate which enables technical experts to enter the field of teaching. CTE teachers can come from a variety of fields which entail specialized skills, applied science, technology, and career preparation. CTE offers three paths to certification: (1) a traditional six quarter program for candidates who are seeking to enter the teaching profession and obtain their Washington State teaching certificate; (2) a path for career changers who wish to enter the teaching profession and obtain their teaching certificate; and (3) a path for current teachers who intend to obtain a CTE endorsement.
Why EWU?
Eastern Washington University provides a collaborative learning environment for deep enriching experiences with flexibility to adapt to teacher candidate schedules.
The Education Department is dedicated to preparing future teachers to serve our region's communities as student-centered educators. Our curriculum supports teacher candidates in growing as professionals, leaders, scholars and practitioners while being mindful and reflective of the diversity within the classroom and society, empowering individuals through their unique backgrounds and experiences, to make a positive impact on the lives and education of their future students.
Is CTE Right for Me?
CTE teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, often enhancing the breadth of their content knowledge with on-the-job expertise and skills. This path to teaching certification has grown in popularity as trade schools, alternative paths to education and early career training opportunities have increased. CTE instructors focus on practical training geared towards instruction for a student's future career aspirations. The CTE Program offers three paths to certification:
- Plan 1- This path offers a Bachelor or Arts in Business Education (BUED) and follows a traditional six-quarter model. Courses are taken on campus and upon successful completion the teacher candidate is recommended for a Washington State Teaching Certificate.
- Plan 2A- This path offers online coursework which is not taken for credit for the purpose of adding a CTE endorsement to a current teaching certificate. Clock hours are completed in addition to coursework. This path is ideal for current teachers who have multiple hours of on-the-job experience in a technical field.
- Plan 2B- This path offers online coursework which is taken for credit and successful completion results in recommendation for a Washington State teaching certificate. This path is ideal for career changers who have multiple hours of on-the-job experience.