If you are checking on the status of your recommendation for certification, please follow the steps below:
UWA’s College of Education will provide remediation at no cost to education graduates whose performance indicates the need for additional support within the first two years after the beginning valid date of the Professional Educator Certificate, which was issued based on recommendation by UWA. Additional assistance may be requested by the new employee, the employee’s principal, or the employing superintendent.
For your convenience, please note the following information regarding certification. Application for certification is not subject to graduation deadlines.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY AND IS MADE THROUGH THE CERTIFICATION OFFICE. APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 60 CALENDAR MONTHS OF PROGRAM COMPLETION.
Upon satisfactory completion of requirements for the master’s or education specialist degree (including the State approved professional education requirements and experience) students who initially held or met requirements for an Alabama Class B or A Professional Certificate will qualify for the appropriate Alabama Class A or AA Professional Certificate.
Out-of-state students should check carefully the requirements of their respective states. The appropriate forms may be sent to the Certification Officer by mail or you may send a scanned copy of the form by e-mail to certification@uwa.edu. All mailed forms must be sent to the following address:
The University of West Alabama
Attn: Certification Office
1 College Drive, Station #8
Livingston, AL 35470
Click here to access the instructions for submitting the Undergraduate Area of Specialization Form.
Click here to access the Declaration of Citizenship or National Status of Applicant for Educator Certification Form.
Click here to access the Supplemental Experience form.
Click here to access the Notice of Intent to Renew or Reinstate Teaching Certification.
To register online, access preparation materials and more, visit the Praxis website.
The Praxis II ® tests of the AECTP measure general and subject-specific knowledge and teaching skills.
To determine the required Praxis II test(s) and score(s) for your major, choose the appropriate link:
Must indicate UWA as the score recipient. UWA Code: 1737.
Must indicate ALSDE as the score recipient. ALSDE Code: 7020
When you indicate UWA as a score recipient, your ETS file is linked with your UWA file using your Social Security Number. If you do not provide your SSN when you register for the test, the scores must be manually added to your account which could cause a delay in your progress.
It is the student’s responsibility to verify that the official Praxis score report has been received by the Certification Office. Student Scores can be viewed in the Test Summary section of Self-Service.
Foundations of Reading 190. Be sure to make UWA a score recipient to this test.
Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) is a portfolio assessment developed by the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity (SCALE) featuring three tasks: planning, instruction and assessment. It is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system used by teacher preparation programs throughout the United States to emphasize, measure and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need from day one in the classroom.
An edTPA passing score is required for all initial certification programs (undergraduate and Alternate A programs). All University of West Alabama (UWA) student interns must complete and pass edTPA during their internship course (ED 409/ED 509) for student teaching requirements and Alabama educator certification. A passing score on the edTPA is a UWA degree requirement.
Upon edTPA registration, teacher candidates have 18 months to prepare and submit a finalized portfolio for both initial portfolio submissions and retake submissions.
All UWA interns will receive support and guidance throughout the completion of edTPA.
For additional information on edTPA, refer to the following website: edTPA for Alabama.
Step 2: Complete Background Check Registration in AIM
Step 4: Complete authorization forms, schedule appointment, and fee payment
Step 5: Report for fingerprint appointment
The Verification of Higher Degree form is only for individuals who already hold a valid Alabama Educator Certificate and have earned an advanced degree. This form is not for those who have completed an initial certification degree program (undergraduate- Class B and Alternative Class A).
This form is not for individuals who are seeking certification in another state.
The applicant must complete this form and it must be signed by the LEA Superintendent. The form is to be mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education upon completion. This form does not need to be mailed to UWA’s Teacher Education and Certification Office.
You are still required to submit an application for certification (see above) for your endorsement to be listed on your teaching certificate. This step must be completed. Failure to do so may result in additional testing and/or classes if not done in a timely manner.
Questions regarding advance pay should be sent to payforadvanceddegrees@alsde.edu.
Alternative approaches to earning a Professional Educator Certificate or a Professional Leadership Certificate are available. More information can be found here.
Learn more about the Alternative Class A Program here.
You can complete the courses required by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for a provisional teaching certificate at the University of West Alabama. The Alabama State Approved Provisional Certificate in a Teaching Field (PCTF) provides educators with the coursework required to earn a Class B teaching license. It allows students to choose from an approved list of courses and approach the teacher certification program with just 12 credit hours.
The list of ALSDE approved courses for the PCTF approach can be found here.
Note that the PCTF approach does not lead to a degree or certification recommendation from UWA, only certification issued by the ALSDE at the Class B level. However, if you wish to pursue a graduate degree program in education, as well as Class A teacher certification, you may be interested in the Alternative A Program.
Individuals can earn a Class B certificate endorsed for Collaborative Special Education (6-12) that is tailored for special education to comply with federal guidelines. Certification is available for completion 100% online through the Online Temporary Special Education Certificate program.
The following are the requirements to pursue this certification approach:
The following are the required courses offered by UWA to pursue this certification approach:
Coursework completed ten or more years prior to July 1, 2022 will not be accepted. All coursework must be taken at UWA for this approach.
For more information, criteria, and application go to www.alabamaachieves.org.
View our listing of available online continuing education eLearning courses to build your resume and make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
Click here for more information!
Learn more about regional accreditation information here.
To be recognized as a catalyst for empowering learners to be global citizens who positively change the world.
The University of West Alabama’s College of Education is committed to…
LO #1: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
The Empowered Practitioner models sound research-based teaching methods and assessments to facilitate learning.
LO #2: Content Knowledge, Research, and Theory
The Empowered Practitioner applies content knowledge, research, and theoretical concepts to enhance learning.
LO #3: Diverse Learners
The Empowered Practitioner utilizes differentiated experiences to engage diverse learners.
LO #4: Technology and Communication
The Empowered Practitioner enhances teaching and learning through effective technology integration.
LO #5: Literacy
The Empowered Practitioner uses effective communication skills and demonstrates literacy across the curriculum.
LO #6: Professionalism
The Empowered Practitioner demonstrates appropriate professional practices.
