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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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, <\/span>it was reported<\/span><\/a> that Washington was the 12<\/span>th<\/span> most impacted state by the teaching shortage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, Washington needs teachers in all areas of education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The process of becoming a teacher differs between states. <\/span>In this guide, we’ll cover the various steps to becoming a Washington state teacher, including <\/span>alternative pathways to certification<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The <\/span>benefits<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Salaries for teachers vary across the United States. For instance, the average annual salary in <\/span>Washington is $86,804, whereas in Idaho,<\/span><\/a> it is $56,356<\/span>. Washington is trying to make teaching a more attractive occupation. They’ve <\/span>introduced scholarships<\/span><\/a> for teaching candidates, including <\/span>block grants<\/span><\/a> for those using an alternative route.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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 <\/span>Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)<\/span><\/a> oversees the pathways for their state. Certification is done through the <\/span>Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction<\/span><\/a> (OSPI).<\/span><\/p>\n
The traditional route in Washington requires the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n
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:<\/span><\/p>\n
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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington teaching candidates are required to attend <\/span>an approved teacher preparation program.<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington State Legislation WAC 181-78A-232<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington PESB requires teaching candidates to <\/span>pass various exams<\/span><\/a> related to the grade level and subject areas they intend to teach. One exam all Washington teacher candidates must take is the <\/span>Washington Educator Skills Test<\/span><\/a> (WEST-B). <\/span>Content knowledge tests<\/span><\/a> in Washington vary, depending on the candidate’s endorsement areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington educational candidates must pass a background check and complete a character and fitness supplement before being issued a teaching certificate. The <\/span>OSPI provides full information<\/span><\/a> on how to be fingerprinted and have a background check. The background check is done through the Washington State Patrol and the FBI.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington teaching candidates seeking certification must do so through an <\/span>E-Certification account via OSPI.<\/span><\/a> There are different certificate types; examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington has <\/span>four main alternative routes<\/span><\/a> to teaching and <\/span>one recruitment program<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To find an approved alternative route program in Washington, use the <\/span>PESB alternative route program tool<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To qualify, candidates must:<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington’s Route 2 is designed for district staff with bachelor’s degrees or higher.<\/span><\/p>\n
To qualify for the program, candidates must meet the following:<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To qualify, candidates must:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington’s Route 4 is for bachelor’s degree holders or higher working for a school through a limited certificate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To qualify, candidates must:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Seek feedback on your CV from those in your network, such as fellow teaching candidates, coaches, and people who work in HR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Always proofread your CV for errors. You can also use proofreading software tools such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid to help you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Pro tip:<\/b> read our CV out loud. The process slows you down, and your ears will help you catch any sneaky typos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Teaching skills<\/span><\/a> districts look for in new hires include:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n
Begin your job hunt by looking at the <\/span>Washington School District job pages directory<\/span><\/a>. They list each district and, with a click, will take job seekers to the relevant page where openings are listed for that school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington teaching candidates can also find job openings on the following sites:<\/span><\/p>\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington educators may wish to consider joining one of the following organizations:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Getting a teaching job in a Washington school requires acing your <\/span>job interview<\/span><\/a>. Don’t be scared. You can get yourself ready for the big moment by reviewing our top tips.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n
Washington is one of the worst hit states by the teacher shortage. Yet <\/span>demand is predicted to grow<\/span><\/a> by as much as 16%. Thus, teaching is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fulfilling career with good job security.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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 <\/span>elementary<\/span><\/a> teacher in Washington is $91,390, and for <\/span>secondary<\/span><\/a> teachers, it’s $94,780.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Washington needs teachers in all areas of education. However, the state’s greatest needs, according to the <\/span>US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas Reports,<\/span><\/a> are in the following areas:<\/span><\/p>\n
PESB also provides <\/span>up-to-date information<\/span><\/a> 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:<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Ready to live and teach in Washington?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"