Washington teachers are committed to our nation’s youth. Educators empower students, setting them up to be the leaders of tomorrow. Becoming a teacher in Washington means entering a dynamic and varied vocation that creates positive connections with children and the local community. 

Washington desperately needs more leaders to enter their classrooms and make a positive difference in children’s lives. At the start of the 2023-24 academic year, it was reported that Washington was the 12th most impacted state by the teaching shortage. 

The most desperate need is in Special Education. Other key areas of educational need include:

  • Math
  • Career technical educators
  • Elementary teachers
  • Language arts

However, Washington needs teachers in all areas of education. 

The process of becoming a teacher differs between states. In this guide, we’ll cover the various steps to becoming a Washington state teacher, including alternative pathways to certification. 

Is Teaching the Right Career for You? 

Teaching is the right career for those looking to use their lives to create positive change. It is also a dynamic profession with a lot of variety of interaction. Educators are required to lead by example while managing a classroom, preparing and teaching lessons, and communicating with their students’ families. 

Teaching is the right career for those not intimidated by responsibility. Educators have many demands, including meeting educational standards, collaborating with colleagues and the community, and modifying lessons to meet the needs of every student in their classroom. The hours are long, and many seek a teacher’s time and attention. 

The benefits teachers receive from their vocation differ from those in the corporate world. Joy is derived from seeing students reach their goals and enriching a local community. But the profession does come with some excellent employment perks, including good job security, health and retirement benefits, and long vacations.  

Salaries for teachers vary across the United States. For instance, the average annual salary in Washington is $86,804, whereas in Idaho, it is $56,356. Washington is trying to make teaching a more attractive occupation. They’ve introduced scholarships for teaching candidates, including block grants for those using an alternative route. 

State Requirements for Teaching in Washington

The United States does not have a singular pathway to becoming a teacher. Each state is responsible for coming up with its own process. The Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) oversees the pathways for their state. Certification is done through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The traditional route in Washington requires the following steps:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a teacher in Washington, a requirement echoed by the rest of the country. The most straightforward approach is to select a degree aimed at the grade level and subject areas a candidate wishes to teach. For example, a Washington teaching candidate might choose a degree in one of the following:

  • Early childhood education 
  • Elementary education
  • Early childhood special education
  • Secondary education
  • History, with teacher preparation option
  • Physics, with teacher preparation option

Obtaining a degree in education helps prepare a teaching candidate for a career in the classroom. Essential skills and knowledge obtained through the study and courses may include: 

  • Child development. 
  • Differentiated instruction.
  • Learning strategies and practices. 
  • Assessment and observation techniques.

2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Washington teaching candidates are required to attend an approved teacher preparation program. Those on the traditional route typically use the program offered by the same institution where they studied for their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. 

3. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Washington State Legislation WAC 181-78A-232 mandates at least 450 hours of student teaching experience for education candidates. The in-classroom experience provides space for teaching candidates to put theory and knowledge into practice and gain confidence. 

4. Pass Relevant Exams

Washington PESB requires teaching candidates to pass various exams related to the grade level and subject areas they intend to teach. One exam all Washington teacher candidates must take is the Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST-B). Content knowledge tests in Washington vary, depending on the candidate’s endorsement areas. 

5. Pass a Background Check

Washington educational candidates must pass a background check and complete a character and fitness supplement before being issued a teaching certificate. The OSPI provides full information on how to be fingerprinted and have a background check. The background check is done through the Washington State Patrol and the FBI. 

The purpose of background checks is to ensure the safety of the state’s students and staff. 

6. Get Certified

Washington teaching candidates seeking certification must do so through an E-Certification account via OSPI. There are different certificate types; examples include:

7. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree

The state of Washington does not require a master’s degree to teach. However, a master’s degree is awarded through some teaching preparation programs. In addition, a master’s degree benefits educators by making them eligible for a higher pay bracket and opens doors to further opportunities, including administrative. 

Alternative Pathway To Teaching in Washington

Washington has four main alternative routes to teaching and one recruitment program for high school teaching candidates. The advantage of Washington’s alternative pathways is that it is often a faster, less expensive, and more flexible route to teaching than obtaining a second bachelor’s degree. 

To find an approved alternative route program in Washington, use the PESB alternative route program tool. 

Alternative Route 1: Paraeducators with an associate degree

Washington’s Route 1 is designed for district staff with associate degrees. These are adults already working in a non-teaching position at a Washington school who wish to switch careers and become full-time educators. 

To qualify, candidates must:

  • Have an associate’s degree.
  • Employed at a school district.
  • Validation of having a role for 1 year or more that required leadership and interacting with students.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Attempted the statewide basic skills assessment.

Alternative Route 2: District staff with a bachelor’s degree

Washington’s Route 2 is designed for district staff with bachelor’s degrees or higher.

To qualify for the program, candidates must meet the following:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Employed at a Washington public school. 
  • Have validation of at least one year in a leadership role and interact with students.
  • Pass the background check. 
  • One attempt at the statewide basic skills and subject matter assessments. 

Alternative Route 3: Career changers with a bachelor’s degree or higher 

Washington’s Route 3 is for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher who wish to change careers into teaching and are not currently employed by a state school. To take part, candidates enroll in an alternative teaching preparation program that involves coursework and a year of student teaching. 

To qualify, candidates must: 

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Have references from previous employers and volunteer programs. 
  • Pass a background check. 
  • One attempt of the statewide basic skills and subject matter assessments. 

Alternative Route 4: District staff with a bachelor’s degree or higher and a limited certificate

Washington’s Route 4 is for bachelor’s degree holders or higher working for a school through a limited certificate. 

To qualify, candidates must: 

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Have references from previous employers and volunteer programs. 
  • Pass a background check. 
  • One attempt of the statewide basic skills and subject matter assessments. 

Recruitment Program: High school students who want to be teachers

Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) is a “grow our own” high school teacher academy program. The program targets high school students hoping to become teaching professionals. The program aims to increase diversity and opportunities in the teaching profession. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

Educator candidates are eager to land their first teaching position. While many teaching jobs are available in Washington, not all are in the district, grade level, or subject area you might wish to work in. Boost your chances of getting hired for the teaching position you want in your desired district by following our helpful tips. 

Polish Your CV

First impressions are important, so ensure your CV looks its best. Research what others in your field are doing with their resumes by asking others in the industry to share theirs, getting feedback from trusted sources such as mentors, and looking for online examples. 

Seek feedback on your CV from those in your network, such as fellow teaching candidates, coaches, and people who work in HR. 

Always proofread your CV for errors. You can also use proofreading software tools such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid to help you. 

Pro tip: read our CV out loud. The process slows you down, and your ears will help you catch any sneaky typos. 

Once you have a polished CV, save it as a template. Use it to craft a unique CV for each job application, tailoring it to highlight the specific skills, knowledge, and background each position seeks. 

Upgrade Your Skill Set

Gaining additional skills, knowledge, and experience will help your CV stand out from the rest. Go beyond the minimum required fieldwork and student teaching experience by doing one or more of the following: 

  • Coach youth sport. 
  • Gain additional qualifications, such as First Aid or Suicide Prevention. 
  • Sign up for workshops or webinars. 
  • Be a youth club leader. 
  • Work as a camp counselor. 
  • Volunteer at a non-profit. 

Teaching skills districts look for in new hires include: 

  • Leadership: Educators must be leaders in the classroom, the school district, and local community. Teachers display leadership by being good role models, excellent collaborators, and motivated to take on responsibility. Excellent leadership skills can be demonstrated outside the classroom through past work experience, roles in a church or other religious community, volunteer work, and fundraising initiatives. 
  • Time management: The demands on teachers grow each year. Guiding students through the state-mandated curriculum is only one of the many tasks assigned to teachers. There are after-school clubs and activities, committees, assessments, meetings, additional training, and lesson planning. Scheduling and other organizational skills are essential for teachers to meet all demands.
  • Digital literacy: Students cannot opt out of the technological age if they want to achieve their dreams; thus, teachers must lead by embracing the digital age. They must be comfortable with using a number of devices and adapting to advances. However, they must also guide students on how to use technology safely and how to evaluate the trustworthiness of sources, information, and images. 
  • Organization: Teachers have to juggle numerous demands. Educators must be confident in using tools and strategies to keep all their tasks, communications, learning plans, observations, and evaluations in order. These skills can be demonstrated through past employment opportunities, projects, and volunteer work.
  • Emotional intelligence: Educators work in a hotbed of personalities and needs, including stressed and anxious students and parents. Teachers need to remain calm and clear thinking while navigating the various demands, opinions, and situations that arise throughout their work.  

Begin Your Job Search

Begin your job hunt by looking at the Washington School District job pages directory. They list each district and, with a click, will take job seekers to the relevant page where openings are listed for that school. 

Washington teaching candidates can also find job openings on the following sites:

Also, don’t be afraid to approach desirable school districts. Even if they are currently staffed, you can still introduce yourself and ask to have your CV kept on file so you can be considered when an opening becomes available.

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Professional organizations and networks are valuable connections for educators. They provide teachers with support, information, and contacts. They are also sources for advocacy and opportunities.

Washington educators may wish to consider joining one of the following organizations: 

Ace Your Job Interview

Getting a teaching job in a Washington school requires acing your job interview. Don’t be scared. You can get yourself ready for the big moment by reviewing our top tips. 

  1. Research the school district. Every educational institution is unique. They all have a certain flavor of school spirit, educational philosophy, dress code, and community vibe. Find out as much as possible about the specific position you are applying for and the broader school atmosphere. The information will help you tailor your answers during the interview. In addition, use your research to ask quality questions that demonstrate you took the time to learn about the school before arriving.
  2. Frame answers positively. Everyone has dealt with stressful situations. We’ve all had bad days. There isn’t a teacher alive who hasn’t had to navigate difficult parents, demanding administrators, frustrating co-workers, and challenging students.
    However, an interview isn’t the time to vent. Instead, these hard situations are an opportunity to showcase how you successfully navigated the challenges. Be careful with your language when describing events. Don’t label parties as “terrible,” “losers,” or “obnoxious.” Instead, consider words like “stressful,” “worried,” and “active.”
    Show how you put the “anxious” parent at ease, re-directed a student’s focus, or successfully developed a strategy to handle a boss’s conflicting demands. 
  3. Dress for the interview, not a typical day at work. Professional interview clothes are a step (or many) above everyday work attire. When researching a district, read the student dress code in addition to the one for staff. It is considered good leadership to avoid wearing anything forbidden to the youth even if the adults are allowed. Also, avoid novelty or quirky accessories. While it can be fun to put on globe earrings for a geography lesson or a T-rex skeleton necklace in honor of a dinosaur theme week, they are not the correct tone for an interview. Instead, opt for a more classic look.

Career Outlook & Salary in Washington

Washington is one of the worst hit states by the teacher shortage. Yet demand is predicted to grow by as much as 16%. Thus, teaching is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fulfilling career with good job security. 

Washington is one of the top states in terms of teacher pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2023, the average salary of an elementary teacher in Washington is $91,390, and for secondary teachers, it’s $94,780. 

Washington needs teachers in all areas of education. However, the state’s greatest needs, according to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas Reports, are in the following areas:

  • Special Education, Pre-K-12
  • Elementary Education, Pre-K-8
  • Career and Technical Education, PreK-12
  • Mathematics, Pre-K-12
  • Language Arts, Pre-K-12
  • World Languages, Pre-K-12
  • Computer Science, Pre-K-12

PESB also provides up-to-date information on their state’s biggest shortage areas. Those looking to work in a shortage area might be able to make use of Washington’s various incentives, including:

Become a Teacher in Washington

Washington is an excellent state in which to live and work. It is a gorgeous part of the country with mountains, waterfalls, beaches, forests, and arid landscapes. People enjoy hiking, climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, whale watching, mountain biking, and camping. 

Washington also comes with some economic perks. For instance, it is one of only nine US states that doesn’t have income tax. It is also experiencing a booming job market. 

Washington also has lots to offer sports fans. There is the Seattle Mariners for baseball lovers, the Washington Wizards and Seattle Storm for basketball fans, and the Seattle Kraken for those who adore ice hockey. 

Ready to live and teach in Washington? 

Teachers of Tomorrow, the largest national alternative certification provider, is ready to help YOU become one of the top teachers in Washington state. Don’t wait! Begin your journey toward a career with a positive purpose today. 

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