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Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you are looking for other information, please let me know and I will work on getting it added to this page.
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Question
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Answer
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How Long Does Each Class/The Program Take?
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Classes are typically 40 hours each, except for the last two. The program usually takes about a year to finish. However, some people have finished in as quick as three months. |
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I have a Masters/Been teaching for X number of years, etc.... Do I still have to take the WEST-B
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The WEST-B is required by state law. The only acceptable substitutes are listed on PESB's web site. Your education, age, years experience, etc. do not matter if you do not have WEST-B, WEST-B equivalent, or a National Board Certification listed on OSPI's site. You cannot get a CTE Teaching Certificate without one of these items, and OPLA will not be able to graduate you without the WEST-B criteria being met. |
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Do I have to pay all at once?
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OPLA is a pay as you go system. You only have to pay for the classes you are wanting to take. OPLA suggests that you pay and then take one class at a time. However, if you want to sign up for multiple classes, even all of them, at the same time, OPLA will facilitate that for you. |
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Can I get my Practicum waived if I am a certified teacher/Teaching CTE already?
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No, you cannot. The CTE Teaching Certificate is a new Teaching Certificate, and therefor it has all of the requirements of a new certificate. |
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Is CTE an endorsement on my teaching certificate?
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No, it is not. A CTE Teaching Certificate is a whole new teaching certificate. A CTE Teaching Certificate uses V-Codes to verify what you can teach, where as a General Education Certificate will use endorsements. |
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Will I have to take a WEST-E test to get my certification?
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The WEST-E exit exam is only required for General Education teaching certificates. The CTE certificate is backed up by 6,000 hours of industry experience, so you do not have to take a WEST-E to validate your skills. |
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