How To Become a Teacher Online in Washington

To become a teacher in Washington State, you'll need to earn a degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass the necessary exams, and apply for a teaching license. Some of these steps can be done online.

These options are great for students with busy lives, especially if you want to become a teacher for free online. Keep reading to discover how to become a teacher online in Washington.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Washington

Becoming a teacher in Washington requires earning at least a bachelor's degree. Most students choose a degree program that doubles as a teacher preparation program, and some institutions offer these online.

You'll also need to pass the required exams as well as a background check. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a teacher online in Washington.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

Before you can choose a degree program, you'll need to narrow down your area of focus. This includes the grade level and subject you want to teach, if applicable. Grade levels are usually broken into:

• early childhood education
• elementary education
• middle-grade education
• secondary education

Some elementary teachers may choose to pursue a specific subject area, like art, music, or physical education, but this isn't a requirement. Middle school and high school teachers usually need to choose a subject area, such as English, math, science, or social studies.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

The next step to becoming a teacher in Washington is to earn an undergraduate degree. Washington requires teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree, which takes four years of full-time study to complete.

While online bachelor's degrees in education aren't the most common, a couple of colleges and universities in Washington offer these degrees. You'll do coursework online, which will cover topics like lesson planning and classroom management, but still need to do your student teaching in person.

Learn more: Best Free Online Teaching Degrees & Certificates

3. Participate in a Teacher Preparation Program

All teachers in Washington need to complete an approved teacher preparation program. Many bachelor's degrees in teaching or education double as teacher preparation programs.

These education programs ensure that you meet all the educational requirements to qualify for a Washington teacher certification. You can find a list of approved programs at the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board website.

4. Complete Required Teaching Hours

As part of your teacher preparation program, you'll be required to complete a certain number of clock hours of student teaching experience. You'll usually fulfill this requirement toward the end of your program.

While you're student teaching, you'll be leading a class under the supervision of an experienced, certified teacher. You'll develop lesson plans, teach lessons, and help support students.

5. Pass Required Teaching Tests

Another certification requirement to become a teacher in Washington is to pass the required teaching tests. There are a few different tests you may be required to take, and many can be completed online.

Basic Skills Test

A basic skills test ensures that teacher candidates have basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills before entering a preparation program. Students can use their SAT or ACT scores to fulfill this requirement.

Students who do not have one of these scores can take the Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B). This exam includes three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics.

Content Knowledge Test

Content knowledge tests are designed to test your teaching competency in a specific endorsement area. For example, if you want to become a chemistry teacher, you'll need to take the chemistry content area exam.

Some subject matter tests are offered as National Evaluation Series (NES) tests, and others are offered as Washington Educator Skills Tests-Endorsements (WEST-E) exams. The type of exam you take will just depend on your endorsement area.

6. Pass a Background Check

To become a teacher in Washington, you'll need to pass a background check so the state can ensure that you're safe to work with children. This check consists of a check through the Washington State Patrol and the FBI.

Additionally, you'll need to be fingerprinted. You can learn more about how to set up a fingerprinting appointment through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The Character and Fitness Supplement

As part of your application for licensure, you'll need to fill out a Character and Fitness Supplement form. It's meant to determine whether you're a good candidate for licensure.

The form asks questions about things like your employment history and criminal record. You can find more information through the OSPI website.

7. Obtain Teaching Certification

Once you've completed the above steps, you'll be able to apply for your teaching certification. In order to do this, the institution through which you completed your teacher preparation program needs to recommend you for certification.

You can find the application instructions on the OSPI website. You'll also be able to submit your application online through the e-certification system on the website.

Online Bachelor's Programs for Aspiring Teachers in Washington

There are only a couple of institutions in Washington that offer online teacher education preparation programs. We've highlighted a few, as well as an additional program for future teachers.

Whitworth University � BA in Elementary Education

Whitworth University is a private Christian university in Spokane. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in elementary education.

The program's teacher certification program concludes with student teaching in the final semester. Students are expected to have completed all prerequisites before starting this program.

City University of Seattle � BA in Education

The City University of Seattle is a private university in Seattle. It offers a BA in education online with several endorsement areas, including elementary education, mathematics, and reading.

This degree satisfies the requirements to earn a teaching certificate in Washington State. Hybrid and Saturday classes are also available to interested students.

University of Washington � BA in Early Care and Education

The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle. It offers an online BA in early care and education.

This degree does not lead to licensure. However, students can use it to propel them into a master's degree teacher preparation program.

Can I Transfer My Teaching License From Another State to Washington?

Washington offers a few alternative routes to teacher certification for those who completed their teacher preparation program or earned their teaching license in another state.

If this applies to you, you'll apply for what's called a Residency Teacher Certification. You'll be able to transfer your education, but will still need to pass the appropriate teaching exams and complete a background check and fingerprinting.

How Do I Renew My Teaching License in Washington?

You'll need to renew your teaching license in Washington every five years. This requires completing at least 100 continuing education clock hours.

There are a few other continuing education requirements as well, including STEM requirements for teachers with specific endorsements. You can learn more at the OSPI website.