How To Become a Teacher in Washington 2025

<p>To teach in Washington State, aspiring classroom teachers in private and public schools are generally required to secure a residency teacher certificate. Paths to earn this certificate include the traditional route, the alternative route, the Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) program, and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate. Below, we'll highlight the requirements to become a teacher following the traditional route, which includes earning a bachelor's or master's degree and completing a teacher preparation program with a student teaching internship or practicum. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Before pursuing teaching certification in Washington, you'll need to decide the grade level and subject area you plan to teach. Making this choice helps determine the academic program to choose and the certification exam you'll take to secure a residency teacher certificate and an endorsement (a specific subject matter or content area listed on the certificate). </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Teaching in Washington elementary schools requires an understanding of multiple subjects, including English, health, math, science, and social studies. To earn an elementary education endorsement and become a certified educator, aspiring teachers must take a basic skills test, complete student teaching requirements, earn at least a bachelor's degree, and pass the appropriate elementary education certification exam. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Students interested in teaching in grades four through nine can find degree programs in Washington that prepare students for middle school certification exams in specific subjects (math, science, or humanities). In addition to completing a basic skills test, middle school teacher educational requirements include participating in student teaching experiences through a teacher preparation program. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>Prospective high school teachers can find several secondary education degree programs in Washington State offering a pathway to the residency teacher certificate. High school teacher educational requirements include taking a basic skills test, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing a certificate test in one of several endorsement areas. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Choosing the correct major ensures aspiring teachers gain the academic background and in-class skills to qualify for teaching roles at the appropriate educational level. For instance, if you want to teach in elementary schools, you'll pick an elementary education major that explores several subject areas and offers strategies for educating young students at multiple grade levels. </p> <p>Students interested in becoming middle school teachers should look for a middle-level education program that prepares students for a middle-level endorsement in general science, mathematics, or humanities (English language arts, reading, and social studies). Prospective high school teachers typically major in secondary education and add a concentration in the subject they plan to teach. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree, which is generally deemed the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a>, is the minimum educational requirement for certification. In these programs, students learn how to develop curriculum, plan lessons, and manage classrooms while gaining the skills to teach specific subjects at multiple grade levels. Student teaching, which is required to earn a teaching license, provides real-world classroom experience. </p> <p>Elementary education bachelor's programs explore subjects taught in K-5 classrooms, including mathematics, social studies, English, and science. Middle school degree programs in Washington explore concepts needed to pass the science, mathematics, or humanities teaching credential exam. </p> <p>Secondary school bachelor's degrees allow students to specialize in the subject matter that aligns with the endorsement they aim to attain (e.g., English language arts, chemistry, history, social studies, music, and mathematics). Bachelor's degree programs can also prepare students for specialized teaching roles in special education, early childhood education, and beyond. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>Though a master's degree isn't required for the residency teacher certificate in Washington, some students choose this advanced degree for its perks. Coursework in master's programs prepares students for the appropriate certification exam and endorsement while often placing a greater emphasis on research and exploring more methods for instruction and curriculum development. </p> <p>If you want to earn a higher teacher salary, completing a master's program is the way to go. According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>, workers with a master's degree earn hundreds more per week than individuals with a bachelor's degree. A master's in teaching or education degree can also qualify you for a higher-level role in school administration. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassWashingtonTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Washington Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>Candidates seeking teacher licensure in Washington must take a basic skills test and a content knowledge assessment. The basic skills test is completed during the application process for a teaching program. Students can take the Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or an equivalent exam like the SAT or ACT (out-of-state applicants can benefit from reciprocity exemptions if they've completed an equivalent test). </p> <p>After starting a teaching program and before beginning student teaching, learners must attempt a content knowledge exam such as a National Evaluation Series (NES) test or a Washington Educator Skills Tests-Endorsement (WEST-E) exam (note: Praxis tests are no longer used). </p> <p>Once students complete their degree and teaching program, they're ready to finish the certification process, which requires earning a passing score on an NES or WEST-E exam for their endorsement area. They must also complete a background check, fingerprinting, and a character and fitness supplement. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>After earning your residency teacher certificate with an endorsement, you're ready to pursue teaching positions in your school district of choice. Don't know where to find jobs in your area? Explore the following tips: </p> <ul><li><b>Get help from your teacher education program:</b> Most colleges assist students in their job search, resume writing, and interviewing to make securing a teaching position easier. </li><li><b>Connect with other educators:</b> Networking options are available online via teacher forums and social media platforms like LinkedIn. </li><li><b>Explore job sites:</b> Many job sites and apps, including ZipRecruiter and Indeed, list reputable jobs for recently certified teachers. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>The teaching degree program you choose depends on your academic and career goals. Let's say you want to teach high school math. In Washington, you'll pick a bachelor's or master's program in secondary education that prepares students for the mathematics certification exam and endorsement. </p> <p>Keep in mind that Washington offers pathways to certification that don't always require enrolling in a teaching program. For instance, if you have an associate or bachelor's degree and work in a school setting, the alternative route to certification lets you enroll in a one- or two-year certification program with a one-year residency. This enables students to bypass the traditional teaching degree program and begin their career sooner. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInWashington">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Washington</h2> <p>Are you ready to start a teaching career in Washington? Explore the frequently asked questions below to learn more about this process. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBecomeATeacherInWashington">What Degree Do You Need To Become a Teacher in Washington?</h3> <p>Whether you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> or work with 12th graders, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree to teach in public and private schools. Your degree should include a teaching program that qualifies students to sit for a WEST-E or NES certification exam and leads to an educator credential for your chosen grade level and subject. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoYouBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInWashington">How Do You Become a High School Teacher in Washington?</h3> <p>The process of becoming a high school teacher in Washington starts with enrolling in a secondary education degree program that prepares learners for certification in one of many endorsement areas. After completing the degree and teacher preparation program and passing a certification exam, you'll receive the teacher certificate and endorsement needed to start your career. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInWashington">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Washington?</h3> <p>When following the traditional route to certification, becoming a teacher takes about four years. You could, however, speed up this process by enrolling in an accelerated degree program. Another quick way to start teaching fast is by following the alternative route. This certification path enables students to secure a residency teacher certificate by completing a one- or two-year certification program that includes a short one-year residency. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareerToday">Start Your Teaching Career Today</h2> <p>Take the next step toward an exciting teaching career by exploring the accredited programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn ways they can help you navigate the teacher certification process and travel a rewarding career path.</p>