Frequently Asked Questions About the BAS in Teacher Education
General Program Questions
Can I get a Special Education endorsement through GHC?
At this time, GHC does not offer Special Education endorsement courses, however Centralia College does offer the endorsement and may allow students to take coursework through both locations in order to earn that endorsement.
Can I get an ELL endorsement through GHC?
Yes! Please take a look at our ELL Endorsement Option.
Can the BAST program be taken one class at a time, or must they be completed in sequence at a full credit load?
BAST is designed as a full-time, six-quarter program. There are a total of 23 courses for a total of 101 credits to be taken with a two year cohort.
Classes are scheduled in the late afternoon/early evening. Are there any day-time commitments?
Yes. BAST students are expected to be in an elementary school classroom at least one day a week (or two half-days a week) each quarter of the first year of the program (30 hours per quarter). In the second year, students are expected to complete at least 540 hours student-teaching. That includes 90 hours in the fall, including helping mentors prepare for the school year; 300 hours in the winter, including a minimum of 5 sequential weeks of full-time student teaching in the winter quarter; and 150 hours student-teaching in the spring quarter with a focus on ELL teaching strategies.
Why are the classes only offered at night?
The GHC BAST program has been designed to be offered in the evening to allow our students the ability to continue working, as much as possible, while they attend class. This is especially important for our students who are working in the school districts.
I have a Bachelor’s degree already. Do I need to take all of the classes?
Depending on the previous degree that applicants have earned, some classes may transfer. However, in many cases, individuals who hold a current bachelor’s degree will need to take a majority of the BAST classes to ensure that they complete the required content to be recommended for a teacher's certification.
What are the modality options offered?
The BAST courses are currently offered in person and/or hybrid learning modalities. This may change as determined by the health and safety guidelines from the Department of Health, the CDC, and the college.
How often is each class offered?
BAST classes are offered once a year on a predetermined sequence.
Can I work at a school while enrolled in the BAST program?
The GHC BAST program is designed with evening classes to allow our students that ability to continue working while they attend class.
What if I get below a B- in a BAST class? Will I need to retake it?
All coursework in the BAST program must be passed with a 2.7 GPA (B-) or higher. Any grade below that would require that course to be retaken at the next opportunity.
Application Questions
When are applications to the BAST program due?
Applications are accepted in Winter quarter for the following Fall cohort. Application deadlines will be announced mid-January.
How quickly do students hear back after applying to a BAST program?
Applicants should receive notification within one month after the application deadline.
How do I know if I have been accepted to the program?
Applicants will receive an email communication when a decision has been made.
Are students entering BAST required to have a background check?
Yes. Having a clear Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) is a condition for acceptance to the program. Students will pay the $12 fee to the cashier in building 2000 and email the receipt to the BAST program manager to complete the process. This is due prior to acceptance to the program.
Do I have to start in the Fall?
Yes. New students are only admitted for the Fall quarter. Exceptions may be made based on past bachelor level or higher successful coursework.
What needs to be included with the application?
The application to the BAST program includes:
- Essay Question(s)
- Resume
- WEST-B Skills Tests
- Transcripts from all college coursework (copy with application and official to be sent to the college for official evaluation),
- Three letters of recommendation
- WATCH clearance ($12)
Testing Questions
Do I need to pass the WEST-B to graduate?
No, The WEST-B needs to be attempted prior to starting the program.
Do I need to pass the WEST-E to graduate?
No, the WEST-E is required to earn an ELL endorsement. The BAST program does not require this test. As part of the requirements to graduate, students will have taken the courses necessary to qualify for this endorsement. It is highly recommended that students take and pass the WEST-E with a score of 240 or more to be recommended for the endorsement. This is currently an in-demand endorsement area.
Do I need to pass the NES subtests I and II to graduate?
Both Elementary Education subtests of the NES must be passed with a score of at least 220 to be recommended for certification.
Do I need to get a passing score on the Student Teacher Portfolio (STP) to graduate?
Yes. Grays Harbor College has adopted a Student Teacher Portfolio as the culmination project for the program. Students must receive a passing score on the portfolio to graduate.
General Questions
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
For the Teacher Education program, call the program director at 360-538-4181 or email bas@ghc.edu.
State Certification Questions
Where can I find the information on the requirements to become a certified teacher?
The requirements to graduate from GHC with a BAS in Teacher Education are listed on our webpage. Once accepted to the program, students will also receive a handbook with all the requirements for the program. State certification requirements can be found on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction webpage.
How long is a teacher certification good for?
A residency first-issue certificate is valid for 1.5 years after you begin full-time teaching. When it is reissued, it will be valid for five years. Teachers must earn and track clock hours to renew certification.