Becoming a high school teacher in Washington State involves academic achievement, professional testing, and state-level certification, governed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This guide outlines the comprehensive path, starting with foundational education and progressing through the initial and advanced stages of licensure.
Educational Requirements and Teacher Preparation Programs
The foundational requirement is earning a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. While the degree does not have to be in education, the coursework must provide depth of knowledge in the secondary subject area the candidate intends to teach. This content expertise is formally recognized through an endorsement, a subject-specific designation listed on the teaching certificate.
Following the bachelor’s degree, candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs are offered by Washington colleges and universities and are designed to provide pedagogical training and classroom experience. The program culminates in an endorsement for a specific secondary subject, such as history, chemistry, or English language arts.
Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree can enroll in post-baccalaureate programs, often structured as “cert-only” routes or combined Master in Teaching (MIT) degrees. Washington also offers “Alternative Routes to Certification” designed for career changers or classified school employees like paraeducators. These pathways are generally shorter and allow candidates to complete their training while working in a school setting.
Required Washington State Certification Assessments
Certification requires successfully completing two state-mandated examinations: a basic skills test and a content knowledge assessment. The basic skills requirement is typically met by the Washington Educator Skills Test—Basic (WEST-B), which assesses proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Candidates can also submit scores from approved alternatives, such as the SAT, ACT, or the NES Essential Academic Skills Test, and may mix and match passing subtest scores.
The content knowledge requirement ensures the candidate is proficient in their intended teaching field. This is fulfilled by passing the appropriate subject-area test, administered through the Washington Educator Skills Test—Endorsements (WEST-E) or the National Evaluation Series (NES) exams. Passing scores must be submitted to OSPI as part of the official application for a certificate.
Applying for the Initial Residency Teacher Certificate
After successfully completing the educational program and passing the required state assessments, the candidate applies for the Residency Teacher Certificate. This is the first level of licensure in Washington and is initiated when the state-approved preparation program officially recommends the candidate to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The application is submitted electronically through the state’s E-Certification system.
The application requires documentation, including official transcripts verifying the degree and program completion, and official score reports from the required WEST-E/NES content tests. A mandatory part of the process is the character and fitness review, which involves submitting fingerprints for a state and federal background check. The Residency Certificate is issued for a period of five years.
Advancing to the Professional Teacher Certificate
The Residency Certificate serves as the full teaching license for the first five years of a teacher’s career. Washington State now offers multiple pathways for continuing licensure beyond that initial period, and advancing to the Professional Teacher Certificate is now an optional credential. The former Professional Certificate Assessment, known as the ProTeach Portfolio, is no longer available for new teachers.
The primary pathway for new Washington teachers to earn the Professional Certificate is by achieving National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification. This rigorous, performance-based assessment involves compiling a detailed portfolio of teaching practice, student work, and reflections. Teachers who choose not to pursue the Professional Certificate can renew their Residency Certificate in five-year intervals by completing at least 1.5 years of full-time teaching experience within the two years prior to renewal.
Maintaining Your Washington Teaching License
Teachers must meet ongoing requirements to maintain a valid license, regardless of whether they hold the Residency or Professional Certificate. Both certificates are renewed on a five-year cycle. The primary requirement for renewal is completing 100 clock hours of continuing education or its equivalent. This professional learning can also be satisfied by completing college quarter credits or through structured Professional Growth Plans (PGPs).
Specific training topics are mandated within the 100 hours. Renewal requires completing at least 15 clock hours focused on equity-based school and classroom practices. Additionally, teachers with endorsements in certain subjects, such as secondary science or mathematics, must complete at least 15 clock hours emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) integration.
Finding High School Teaching Positions in Washington
With the Residency Certificate, certified educators can begin searching for high school teaching positions across the state. Most Washington school districts post vacancies on their own websites or use regional application systems. The state’s Employment Security Department WorkSource system is another resource that lists education job openings.
Applicants should tailor their materials to reflect the state’s educational landscape. Resumes and cover letters should highlight experience with state learning standards and demonstrate an understanding of educational equity initiatives. Preparing for interviews should involve articulating how instructional practices support all students and align with the principles of equitable instruction.