WASHINGTON
STATE RESOURCES

Washington requires all educators to hold at least a Bachelor's degree. More information can be found here: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/certification/teacher-certificate/washington-state-certification-frequently-asked-questions 

Washington requires all future educators to take content knowledge assessments called WEST-B and WEST-E/NES. Learn more about these tests here: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/preparation-programs/standards/assessments/ 

For initial certification in Washington, all candidates must:

• Earn a baccalaureate degree and participate in a teacher preparation program

• Complete required assessments

• Submit your application via the Education Data System

• Provide official transcripts and a recommendation from your teacher preparation program

• Submit to a background check and fingerprinting

More information can be found here: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/certification/teacher-certificate 

Washington offers four alternate routes to teacher licensures for district staff with an Associate's degree, district staff with a Bachelor's degree, those with a Bachelor's degree working in a field other than teaching, and district staff for those with a Bachelor's degree and a limited certificate. You can find more information all of these routes here: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/pathways/alternative-routes-to-teacher-certification/ 

The Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board maintains a list of approved preparation programs: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/pathways/becoming-an-educator/find-a-preparation-program/ 

• Washington Council for Exceptional Children - https://washington.exceptionalchildren.org/ 

• Student Washington Education Association - https://www.washingtonea.org/membership/join/swea/ 

• Beginning Educator Support Team - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/beginning-educator-support-team 

• Future Native Teachers Initiative - https://www.futurenativeteachers.org/about 

• Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) - https://www.pesb.wa.gov/pathways/rwt/ 

• Washington State Educator Workforce Program Scholarships - https://wsac.wa.gov/teachers 

• Washington College Grant - https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg 

• TEACH Grant - https://www.washington.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/grants/teach-grant/