Recommending Educator Certification Based on Proficiency Evaluation
Alternative Pathways to Certification
Start Your Teaching Journey Today!
Western Kentucky University provides an alternate way to recognize competency and proficiency for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and relevant school-based experience, this program lets you earn your teaching license faster by showcasing your existing skills.
Talk to a Certification Advisor
This process aligns with 16 KAR 5:030 on Proficiency Evaluation and offers an option beyond academic credit to demonstrate professional readiness.
See Available Certification Areas
Is This Pathway Right for You?
This program is designed for individuals who already have a strong foundation from their education and work experience. See if you meet the core requirements to get started.
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Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution.
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GPA of 2.75+ (or 3.0 in last 30 hours).
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Relevant school-based work experience.
Unsure if You Qualify?
Your 4-Step Path to the Classroom
Step 1:
Compile your achievements, professional experience, and teaching skills. This is your chance to showcase your knowledge and competence.
Step 2:
Our committee will review your portfolio and create a tailored Educator Learning Plan (ELP) outlining your specific next steps.
Step 3:
Once your ELP is approved, you'll receive a provisional teaching certificate, allowing you to begin applying for teaching positions right away.
Step 4:
Begin your teaching career while completing the final requirements outlined in your ELP, blending professional development with real-world experience.
Available Certification Areas
Explore our initial and additional certification programs designed for educators.
Initial Certification
For candidates pursuing their first teaching certification at the graduate level.
- Biological Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- English
- Middle School English
- Middle School Social Studies
- Social Studies
- Elementary Education
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Learning & Behavior Disorders
- Middle School Mathematics
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Social Studies
- Business and Marketing Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Chinese
- Spanish
- Physical Education
- School Principal (Grades P-12)
- School Principal (Grades P-12)
Additional Certifications
For candidates who already hold a teaching certificate.
Core Subjects & Language
- Biological Science
- Chemistry
- Elementary Education
- English
- ESL Endorsement (P-12)
- Mathematics
- Middle School English
- Middle School Mathematics
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Social Studies
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Specialized & Advanced Areas
- Gifted Education (P-12)
- Instructional Computer Technology (P-12)
- Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Learning & Behavior Disorders
- Moderate & Severe Disabilities
- Literacy Specialist
- Library, Informatics, and Technology in Education (LITE)
- Physical Education
- Reading (P-12)
School Administrator Certifications
- Career and Technical Education Principal
- Director of Pupil Personnel Services
- Director of Special Education
- Supervisor of Instruction
- Career and Technical Education Principal
- Director of Pupil Personnel Services
- Director of Special Education
- Supervisor of Instruction
Application Deadlines & Decision Dates
To be considered for Proficiency Evaluation, candidates must submit all application documents, fees, and portfolio evidence by the submission deadline below. Late applications will need to wait for the next review cycle.
| Semester | Submission Deadline | Committee Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | October 1st | December 15th |
| Spring | March 1st | May 15th |
| Summer | June 1st | August 1st |
Learn the Key Procedures for Teacher Certification
Select the procedure that applies to your certification path to learn more about the requirements and steps involved. Whether you're seeking Initial Certification, adding an Additional Certification Area, or pursuing School Administrator Certification, each pathway has specific guidelines to help you navigate the process smoothly. Click on the appropriate link to get started.
THE OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR SERVICES
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1092
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Services & Programs
- Field Experience
- Student Teaching
- Teacher Certification
- Proficiency Evaluation
- Masters of Arts in Teaching
- International Student Teaching/Cross-Cultural Initiatives
Praxis
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