Teaching Education Degrees in Washington

Students interested in becoming licensed as teaching in the state of Washington can choose from a variety of colleges and universities with in-state, campus-based programs, or from online colleges that offer online degrees in teaching.

We have assembled a summary of some of the top teaching schools in Washington and a description of some of the teaching programs they offer for aspiring teachers and those in need of certifications. You will also find some online teaching degree options for Washington residents.

• 3 teaching programs in Washington accredited by CAEP
• 2 CAEP-accredited Bachelor's degrees
• 0 CAEP-accredited Master's degrees in Washington

Besides obtaining a Bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher preparation program, teachers in Washington have to pass a content area test and basic skills test. The Washington Educator Skills Test is the instrument used to verify basic skills. Candidates who scored well on the ACT or SAT may have the test waived.

Requirements to Teach in Washington

The WEST-E is the test teachers must pass to earn endorsement of chosen subject area on the certificates. Every applicant must submit to a federal and state background check. The process is completed through a private fingerprinting service or an Education Service District law enforcement agency.

A Residency Certificate is issued that is valid for two years. During that time, the teacher completes two years of teaching in the state. It is then reissued for five years. The Professional Certificate is the second level certification. It is issued with a Residency Certificate and a completed ProTeach portfolio. The Professional Certificate is also granted to those who obtain Professional Teaching Standards certification or have a combination of experience and education that is comparable.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

The student financial aid programs for the state of Washington are known as Opportunity Pathways. They help thousands of students earn college credits, degrees, and certificates. There are three types of financial aid.

• Need-based programs
• Merit-based programs
• Targeted workforce

The Washington College Grant program provides financial assistance to eligible students for fees, books, and tuition. Low-income students, dreaming of a college education, receive financial aid from the College Board Scholarship. Eligible students are provided an approved job through the State Work-Study program. Students from foster card are helped by the Passport to Careers program to attend and succeed in apprenticeships programs and college. There is a Passport to Careers Guide to help eligible students apply, prepare, and pay for pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeships, and college. The American Indian Endowed Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to outstanding eligible students.

Requirements to Qualify for In-State Tuition

Some actions that prove an individual intends to live in Washington for more than a transient or temporary basis are required to become a resident of the state. State law requires a bona fide domicile to be established in Washington for one year before the start of a quarter or semester an individual intends to register, to qualify for in-state status. There are different ways to prove physical presence in Washington and intent to stay in the state permanently. They include:

• Washington driver's license
• Vehicle registration in Washington
• Voter registration
• Mortgage, rental agreement, or lease in Washington
• Pay stubs or W-2 from a Washington employer

The one-year waiting period begins when the last action to establish a Washington domicile is complete. For students to be considered financially independent, they must meet the following requirements.

• Cannot be claimed as a dependent on a tax return, no matter what the age
• No significant financial assistance from anyone other than a spouse

List of the Best CAEP Accredited Teaching Degrees in Washington

Seattle University

Seattle

CAEP

• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology Advanced NASP

Western Washington University

Bellingham

CAEP

• Bachelors in Early Childhood Education NAEYC
• Bachelors in Special Education and Elementary Education Dual Endorsement CEC

Online Teaching Degrees in Washington

Central Washington University offers several online master degree education programs, including master degrees in higher education, education literacy, special education, school administration, and health & physical education. CWU also offers an online Alternatives Pathway to Certification program and an endorsement for library media.

Online courses in subjects like mathematics, reading and writing, science, classroom computing and language are offered at Columbia Basin College. Northwest University offers online Master of Education and an online Master of Arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages. The University of Washington – Seattle offers an online early childhood & family studies degree completion program.

Washington Teacher Certification & Specializations

Central Washington University offers certification programs in higher education, school administration, career and technical education, master teacher, literacy, health & physical education, information technology, and special education. Several endorsements are offered through City University of Seattle, including elementary education, reading, English language learners, mathematics, middle-level math, and special education.

CU – Seattle also offers several graduate and professional certificates for those seeking advanced education. Eastern Washington University offers a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate, a principal certification, and an M.I.T. certification in secondary 5-12 or elementary K-8.

Bachelor’s in Education Degrees at Washington Schools

Individuals seeking initial certification as licensed teachers have many options open to them at multiple universities in Washington. They both have bachelor degree programs in elementary education, early childhood education, English language arts teaching, special education and technology education. Students that want to focus on what subject can choose areas like mathematics, Spanish teaching, history, English, and biology, among many others.

The special education program at EWU prepares students to teach special education students K-12. Students will spend an entire quarter student teaching. There are several universities with different BA degrees with with concentrations such as middle level mathematics, English language learners, early childhood education, reading and special education. Students in this program can combine concentrations to earn dual certifications. Courses for this program are offered on campus, online and even on weekends.

The elementary education bachelor degree program at Northwest University not only prepares students to teach children K-8 but also offers students a choice of four endorsements: mid-level science, mid-level math, mid-level humanities and English language learners. The University of Washington – Seattle offers teacher preparation programs in elementary, secondary and special education.

Master’s in Education Degrees

Central Washington University offers master degree programs in physical education; school and public health; special education; language, literacy and special education; and educational foundations & curriculum. Some of these graduate programs also offer specializations. The Master of Education program at Eastern Washington University offers concentrations in curriculum and instruction, educational foundations, adult education, and literacy.

City University of Seattle offers a Master in Teaching program that enables graduates to earn a Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate as well as the graduate degree and be certified to teach grades K-8. CU – Seattle also offers M.Ed. programs with majors in curriculum and instruction; guidance and counseling; educational leadership; leadership in education; reading and literacy; school counseling; and special education.

A huge selection of master degree teaching programs is also offered at the University of Washington – Seattle. UW-Seattle also has a Seattle Teacher Resident program that allows students to complete a 5-quarter apprenticeship in a public school.