Designed to meet the urgent need for K–8 educators on the North Olympic Peninsula, this flexible, hybrid program prepares future teachers to lead with compassion, equity, and cultural responsiveness.
Developed with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusivity, and community engagement, the program is rooted in a comprehensive conceptual framework that reflects the college’s mission to advance student success and serve the region.
Key features of the BAS-TE program include:
- Residency-based model: Candidates gain real classroom experience starting in their first year, gradually increasing responsibilities under mentorship.
- Hybrid courses: Offered on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings, the program supports students balancing work and family life.
- Evening and online flexibility: Coursework blends in-person and virtual instruction to increase accessibility.
- No current waitlist and a low faculty-to-student ratio, offering a supportive and personal learning environment.
Set to begin in Fall 2025, the BAS-TE program is a flexible, high-quality pathway that prepares students for Washington state K-8 teacher certification.
- Career Opportunities & Earnings
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The Bachelor of Applied Science Teacher Education (BAS-TE) degree program prepares candidates for Washington state K-8 teacher certification. Graduates can pursue roles as teachers throughout the state or can look to work in other states—although there are further steps to take to have certification recognized in/transferred to other states. Please review the Washington State Certification FAQs for more information.
There is a high need for professional educators locally, regionally, and nationally, making it an exciting and fulfilling field for graduates to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and contribute to the betterment of society.
The BAS-TE program is a residency model. Throughout the program, candidates will invest time in K-8 classrooms, in multiple local districts and schools, with increasing frequency and complexity under the guidance of a mentor teacher and field supervisor. During their final two quarters, they will be in the classroom full time. In addition to this residency, candidates will complete two years of core coursework. Coursework is offered in the evening, with a mix of online and in-person classes.
- Program Features
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- Students in the BAS Teacher Education program have the advantage of a low faculty to student ratio.
- The BAS Teacher Education program does not currently have a waiting list.
- The BAS Teacher Education program curriculum is designed to prepare students for completing master's degrees in similar fields.
- Hybrid classes are offered Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings.
- Hybrid course schedule remains consistent throughout the program.
- Full-time students will complete 15 credits per quarter.
- Program Prerequisites
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1. Successful completion of the following courses (or their equivalent) with a 2.0 or better (submit transcripts and/or request for credit for prior learning/equivalency).
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I
- MATH 108 or the equivalent
- EDUC& 115 Child Development or PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology
- ECED& 160 Curriculum Development (5 credits)
- ECED& 170 Environments (3 credits)
- ECED& 180 Language and Literacy (3 credits)
- ECED& 190 Observation and Assessment (3 credits)
- EDUC& 204 Exceptional Child (5 credits)
- HIST& 214 Pacific NW History or IIS 101 Intro to American Indian Studies
2. Students seeking Washington state teacher certification must follow the guidelines set forth by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) which permits teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates to work in Washington schools. To earn a residency teacher certificate in Washington, candidates are required to take basic skills and content knowledge assessments. In addition, teacher candidates who are enrolled in PESB-approved teacher preparation programs are required to pass a performance assessment.
All Washington teacher candidates are required to take the Washington Educator Skills Test–Basic (WEST-B) for admission into a teacher preparation program. The assessment includes three sub-tests: reading, writing, mathematics. No passing score is required, however, if you score below 235 in any area (reading, writing, and math are all required), further information, coursework, and steps may be required.
- a. Visit the WEST-B website for information on test preparation materials, registration, test policies, test framework, test fees, and vouchers.
Washington Educator Skills Test–Basic (WEST-B)
- b. The testing resource hub provides resources for programs and candidates to increase access to test related materials across the state.
- c. Individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program may submit evidence of taking an equivalent national or out-of-state basic skills assessment approved by the Board, in lieu of the WEST-B. See the WEST-B equivalent assessment page for more details about the equivalent tests.
WEST-B Equivalent Assessment Page
- d. Vouchers: A limited number of vouchers are available to cover the cost of the WEST-B. Vouchers will be awarded the first of the month based on the highest amount of financial need (as determined by PC’s Financial Aid Office). Vouchers may only be used for new test registrations. The BAS-Teacher Education program will email you the result of your application. Do not submit payment for the test until you have been notified by the BAS-TE program about whether you have received a voucher. To qualify for a voucher applicants must meet the following criteria:
- i. Have applied to the BAS-TE Program at Peninsula College
- ii. Show financial need, as determined by the PC Financial Aid Office.
- iii. Have not received a previous voucher for the WEST-B. You may only receive the voucher one time.
- e. Voucher Values:
- i. WEST-B Voucher (up to $96) broken into $32 codes to register for each subtest.
- ii. APPLY FOR A TESTING VOUCHER HERE (INSERT LINK)
- Approximate Additional Costs
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- Request official transcripts from outside colleges (estimated): $20
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees: $2400
- Laptop computer: $1000
- Personal health insurance (recommended): $39- $190 per quarter
- Travel/Transportation: Varies
- Application Process
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Applications for admission are accepted year‐round. Once accepted into the program, students may start taking courses in fall quarter.
1. Apply to Peninsula College
- Apply for FAFSA/WASFA, if you intend to use financial aid.
- Send all official transcripts (or a request for credit for prior learning/equivalency) from previously attended colleges or universities to admissions for evaluation.
- Send West-B scores.
- Once Application and Transcripts have been received, you will be contacted by the Program Coordinator and asked to apply to the program.
2. Apply to the Program
- You will be given access to a Canvas site and asked to complete:
- Personal Statement
- Two Self Assessments
Teacher Education CoursesBachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education
Questions?
For more information about our Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare Program, please contact:
A. J. Zenkert
Program Coordinator
azenkert@pencol.edu