Washington State offers various ways of becoming a licensed classroom teacher for elementary schools, junior high schools, or high schools. All ways start with getting a four-year BA degree from an accredited college after graduating from high school.
How to become a classroom teacher in Washington State:
- 1. Washington State requires new teachers to have a BA degree from an institute of higher learning.
- 2. Washington State requires new teachers to have received teacher trainings from an accredited college or university to prepare them for classroom teaching.
- 3. Washington State offers various alternative methods of receiving a temporary or initial teaching license while completing trainings needed for a professional teaching license. These programs have been set up to help people with BA degrees to enter the classroom quickly when their services are needed due to teacher shortages. For more information on these programs, contact the Washington State Office of Public Instruction.
- 4. Washington State requires all new teachers to pass background checks.
- 5. Washington State requires new teachers to take basic skills tests that are appropriate to their areas of teaching.
- 6. In Washington State, license renewal requires a specific amount of hours devoted to professional development or ongoing trainings that are required of all teachers.
The Seattle Public School District is one of the largest school districts in the United States. The larger population areas of Washington are always looking for qualified classroom teachers. Places to explore for job opportunities in Washington State include Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and the Vancouver areas. WaTeach is an internet site that hosts some teaching job offerings.