State hub
How to become a teacher in Washington
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Washington has 33 Title II providers.
- Complete clinical experience such as student teaching.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to Professional Educator Standards Board for an initial credential, such as Residency Certificate.
- Career changers can use one of 4 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in Washington
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antioch University Seattle | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 25 | 12 |
| Central Washington University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 1,254 | 465 |
| Centralia College | Traditional | 48 | 23 |
| City University of Seattle | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 589 | 173 |
| Clark College | Traditional | 5 | 5 |
| Columbia Basin College | Traditional | 61 | 25 |
| Eastern Washington University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 430 | 193 |
| ESD-U | Alternative, not IHE-based | 56 | 39 |
| Gonzaga University | Traditional | 130 | 61 |
| Grays Harbor College | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 18 | 8 |
| Heritage University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 83 | 48 |
| Highline College | Traditional | 47 | 13 |
| Lower Columbia College | Traditional | 52 | 17 |
| Northwest Educational Development | Alternative, not IHE-based | 98 | 75 |
| Northwest University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 37 | 24 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 208 | 78 |
| Pierce College | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 50 | 23 |
| Saint Martin's University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 72 | 42 |
| Seattle Pacific University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 188 | 96 |
| Seattle University | Traditional | 39 | 29 |
| The Evergreen State College | Traditional | 39 | 32 |
| University of Puget Sound | Traditional | 13 | 11 |
| University of Washington-Bothell | Traditional | 97 | 44 |
| University of Washington-Seattle | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 430 | 186 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma | Traditional | 53 | 19 |
| Walla Walla University | Traditional | 61 | 14 |
| Washington Education Association | Alternative, not IHE-based | 16 | 13 |
| Washington State University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 654 | 276 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | Traditional | 9 | 5 |
| Western Governors University - Washington | Traditional | 989 | 400 |
| Western Washington University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 811 | 278 |
| Whitworth University | Traditional | 380 | 83 |
| Yakima Valley College | Traditional | 20 | 18 |
About teacher preparation in Washington
Mission
To strengthen the educator workforce through professional standards, policy, and innovation.
Vision
An equity-minded educator workforce that facilitates learning and growth for each and every student.
Values
Educator voice
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Educator excellence for student success
Community engagement
Learning and innovation
Overview
We are one agency with two boards. We work to ensure Washington’s educator workforce is composed of equity-minded, professional educators who meet the diverse needs of students, schools, and districts. We work towards this vision by creating innovative policies that strengthen educator quality, support workforce development, and advance equitable pathways into the profession. The Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board recognize that high standards for all educators are essential to student success and achievement.
Strategic priorities
- Center the perspectives and experiences of practicing educators.
- Advance equity in the preparation and practices of educators.
- Foster and strengthen shared decision-making through inclusive partnerships.
- Use data and research to make informed decisions.
- Prioritize initiatives that advance racial justice in education.
- Engage and educate the public about policy efforts to innovate, improve, and respond to Washington’s education system.
Visit PESB’s website for more information.