Wa Teaching Certificate

This page contains information about the certification and renewal processes.

Wa teaching certificate. After two years of teaching experience its possible to pursue professional certification. Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The second level of washington teaching certification is the professional certificate. New teachers in washington state start out with a residency certificate and move to a professional certificate by completing a professional certification program at a washington college or university and submitting a proteach portfolio of professional development activities.

The state of washington requires prospective teachers either to complete a state approved teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university or to complete a state approved alternative certification program. Alternative pathways to educator licensure in the state are primarily designed for those who already hold a bachelors degree and are looking to change careers. This license is issued to those who hold a residency certificate and complete a proteach portfolio obtain national board for professional teaching standards nbpts certification or have a comparable combination of education and experience. In addition to traditional teacher certification washington state also offers options for alternative teacher certification.

In order to earn your washington state teaching credential you must complete required coursework fieldwork and standardized testing requirements. This includes classroom teachers principals paraeducators school counselors superintendents and more. Most certifications must be renewed by ospi every five years.