First, you must become a certified teacher to become a Washington State teacher. This is done through a residency certificate. You must complete two years of full-time teaching experience to become a resident teacher. You must also complete four Professional Development Plans. You can get assistance from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Other routes to teaching in Washington
Washington State is experiencing a shortage of teachers in many subject areas. This makes alternative paths to teaching a great choice for career changers. These programs are often more affordable and provide a faster way to become teachers. These programs offer occupational expertise and are applicable to the field. A person with a bachelor's degree may enroll in an alternative route program to elementary education.
Teacher certification is required to become a Washington state teacher. There are many paths to teacher certification. The one that you choose depends on your education, work experience, and area of specialization. The Washington State Teacher Certification Guide can help you determine the right route.
Requirements for earning a teacher's certificate
First, students must complete a teaching program. There are two programs approved by the state, the University of Washington's Teacher Education Program and the University of Washington-Seattle's Graduate Center. Alternative preparation programs can be completed by those without a college education through an approved university. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction maintains an approved list of programs.
Candidates for teaching jobs in Washington must pass a basic skills exam. This test assesses skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Candidates with high SAT scores may be exempted from this test requirement by some schools. A second test is required in order to verify a candidate's knowledge and skills in content education. This test is called the WESTE. A teacher candidate who passes both these tests will be eligible for endorsements and certification.
You will need to complete the following requirements in order to earn a master's level education or teaching degree
Washington state offers many options for students who want to earn a master's degree in education. The state has two major university systems, the University of Washington State University and many other public universities. The University of Washington maintains campuses in Seattle (bothell) and Tacoma. Washington State University is present in Pullman Spokane, Spokane, Vancouver. Many schools also offer online degrees.
Earning a master's level education in education can lead you to better salaries, greater job security, and even retirement benefits. In addition, earning a master's degree will improve your teaching skills. This will allow you to communicate with students in new ways, and maximize the educational value of each lesson. This will be a benefit to your students as well as your school district.
Passing a content knowledge assessment requires that you meet certain requirements
To be a teacher in Washington, you must pass the content knowledge assessment. The content knowledge assessment verifies that you have an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter of your endorsement area. This test is called the WESTE, or the National Evaluation Series. To be eligible for a teacher preparation program, applicants must pass the assessment. Candidates with other undergraduate degrees will also need to pass the exam before they can begin the student teaching process.
You must have a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on ESL education to become a Washington teacher. Eligibility for the English Language Learns certification (ELL) is required as part of the TESOL2010 standards. Washington has three levels of licensure and has a thorough certification process for teachers. Each level requires content knowledge and skills assessment.
FAQ
What is the average time it takes to become a teacher in early childhood?
It takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. The majority of universities require that you take two years to complete general education courses.
After completing your undergraduate studies, you will usually enroll in graduate school. This allows you to become a specialist in a specific area of study.
For example, you could choose to focus on child psychology or learning disabilities. After earning a master's, you must apply to a teacher preparation program.
This process may take another year. To gain practical knowledge, you will partner with experienced educators.
You will also need to pass state exams in order to become a teacher.
This process can take many years. Therefore, you won't immediately be able jump into the workforce.
Is becoming a teacher difficult?
It takes a lot of commitment to become a teacher. Your studies will require a lot of your time.
While working towards your degree, expect to be working around 40 hours per work week.
In addition, you will need to find a job that fits your schedule. Many students have trouble finding part time jobs that balance schoolwork with their lives.
If you get a permanent job, you'll likely be teaching classes during the workday. You may even need to travel to different schools throughout the week.
What is an alternate school?
An alternative school is a school that offers students with learning difficulties education with the help of qualified teachers who are sensitive to their individual needs.
Alternative schools are designed to give children with special education needs the chance to learn in a normal classroom setting.
Additional support is available if needed.
Alternative schools are not only for those who are excluded from mainstream schools.
They are accessible to all children, regardless if they have disabilities or abilities.
How do I select my major?
Students choose their majors based on their interests. Some students prefer to choose a subject they like because it's easier than other subjects. Some students want to go into a field where there is no job. Some students choose a major in order to earn money. No matter what your motivations, it is important to consider the job that you may be interested in after graduation.
There are many ways you can find out more about different areas of study. Talk to your family and friends about their experiences. Check out newspapers and magazines for possible careers. Talk to a guidance counselor at high school about possible career paths. Visit your community center or library to find out more about Career Services. Check out books on various topics from your public library. You can search the Internet for information about specific careers.
What is the difference in a university and college?
A university is an institution that offers higher education. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in different fields.
A college is usually smaller than a university and has a lower reputation. While it might offer fewer courses than a university, it often has its own specialist department.
What salary does an early childhood teacher earn? (earning potential)
The median salary for early childhood teachers is $45,000 per calendar year.
However, there are some areas where salaries are generally higher than average. Teachers in large urban school districts are often paid more than teachers in rural schools.
Salaries also depend on factors like how large the district is, and whether or non-degree-holding teachers.
Teachers make less at first because they aren't as experienced as other college graduates. But their earnings can rise significantly over time.
Statistics
- Among STEM majors, that number is 83.5 percent. (bostonreview.net)
- Think of the rhetorical power of nineteenth-century abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Occupy Wall Street activists with their rallying cry of “we are the 99 percent.” (bostonreview.net)
- These institutions can vary according to different contexts.[83] (en.wikipedia.org)
- They are more likely to graduate high school (25%) and finish college (116%). (habitatbroward.org)
- They are also 25% more likely to graduate from high school and have higher math and reading scores, with fewer behavioral problems,” according to research at the University of Tennessee. (habitatbroward.org)
External Links
How To
Why homeschool?
There are many factors that you need to consider when deciding whether or not to homeschool.
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What type of education are you looking for? Are you looking for academic excellence or social skills development?
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What level of involvement do you desire to have in your child's education and learning? Do you prefer to stay informed about what your child is doing? Do you prefer to keep informed or let your child make the decisions?
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Is your child a special needs child? What can you do to help your child with special needs?
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Do you have the ability to manage your children's time? Are you able to commit to teaching your child at-home every day?
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What topics will you cover? Math, science, language arts, art, music, history, geography, etc. ?
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How much money do your parents have available for education?
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Is your child old enough to start school?
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Your child will need a place to live. This includes finding space large enough to house your child, as well providing facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens.
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What is the age of your child?
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When does your child go back to sleep?
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When does he/she finally wake up?
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How long does it take to get from point A to point B?
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How far is your child's school from home?
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How far is your home from your child's school?
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How will you transport your child to and from school?
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What are some of the advantages of homeschooling?
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What are the downsides?
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Who will watch over your child when he/she goes outside?
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What are your expectations?
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What type of discipline do you want?
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Which curriculum will you use for your studies?
Homeschooling is a great option for many reasons. Some of these reasons are:
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Your child has learning disabilities that prevent him/her from attending traditional schools.
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You would like to offer your child an alternative educational system.
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You require more flexibility in your scheduling.
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High tuition fees are not something you want to pay.
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Your child is receiving an education of a higher quality than the one he/she could get in a traditional school.
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You believe you can teach your children better than any teacher in a traditional school setting.
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You don't like the way the school system works.
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The rules and regulations of school are confusing to you.
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You want your child to develop a strong work ethic.
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You want the freedom to choose which courses your child takes.
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You want your child to receive individual attention.
Other benefits of homeschooling include the following:
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There is no need to worry about uniforms, books, pencils, paper, or supplies.
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Your child can be educated according to their interests.
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Homeschooling allows parents the opportunity to spend time together with their children.
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Homeschooled students tend to learn faster because they are not distracted by peers.
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Many homeschoolers score higher in standardized tests.
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Homeschool families tend be happier overall.
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Homeschool students are less likely to drop out of school.