Become a Teacher
in Washington
Certification Roadmap
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Prerequisite Coursework
Teacher Preparation
Certification Reciprocity
Teacher Salary
Required Tests
Teacher Certification Information & Links
Washington Highlights
To become a certified teacher in Washington, you will need to fulfill all prerequisite coursework, teacher preparation, and testing requirements.
Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating the site with new information on a regular basis. To stay up-to-date with the latest in teacher certification, please complete the form in the right sidebar.
Teacher Preparation
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 Certification
Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Information about alternative certification in Washington is coming soon!
Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.
Certification Reciprocity
Washington will accept some teaching credentials from the following states. Contact the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida |
| Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
| Indiana | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana |
| Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan |
| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana |
| Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Teacher Salary
- Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Washington provides differential pay for teachers teaching in high needs schools and offers loan forgiveness for teachers teaching in shortage subject areas
- Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Washington has limited/weak induction policies in place
- Average Elementary Teacher Salary: The average elementary school teacher in Washington makes $51,370
- Average Secondary Teacher Salary: The average secondary teacher in Washington makes$54,050
- Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in Washington makes 130% of the salary of the average worker in Washington
- Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: The average teacher in Washington receives 15 weeks of vacation per year
- Number of Years to Tenure: Washington requires 2 years of teaching before a teacher is eligible for tenure
