Become a Teacher

Teaching in Washington State

Washington state teachers must be certified to teach and must hold an endorsement in a teaching area. Future teachers must complete a state-approved certification program to earn their initial, residency certification, as well as complete coursework and pass a content exam to earn an endorsement. For information on teaching in other states, please view the School of Educational Studies Professional Licensure Disclosure.

Additional information on state certification & endorsements

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB)
Become an Educator (PESB)
Alternative Routes to Certification (PESB) - routes not offered at UW Bothell
Adding an Endorsement (OSPI)
Endorsement Competencies (PESB)

Teacher candidate standing beside elementary student

Teacher Education at UW Bothell

The School of Educational Studies offers three, traditional-route teacher certification programs - two of which are classified as Elementary Education Teacher Certifications, and the other is a Secondary Teacher Certification.

Elementary Education Teacher Certification

The School of Educational Studies offers two pathways to Washington state teacher certification with an elementary education endorsement. These full-time, highly-structured, cohort-based programs are designed for those interested in teaching grades K-5.

Educational Studies: Elementary Education Option

The Elementary Education Option is UW Bothell's undergraduate certification pathway. Upon completion of this program, students graduate with a B.A. in Educational Studies and meet the requirements to be recommended for residency certification with an elementary education endorsement.

During the program, students also complete a 20-credit concentration in either English To Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or Special Education (SPED). Both concentrations qualify teacher candidates to add one of these endorsements to their elementary education endorsement.

Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate

The Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate program is UW Bothell’s pathway for those who have already earned at least one prior Bachelor’s degree. In four quarters, candidates meet the requirements to be recommended for residency certification with an elementary education endorsement.

While an additional endorsement is not embedded in this program, candidates can work toward an additional endorsement as part of the M.Ed. with English To Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) concentration.

Prepare to Apply for Elementary Education Certification

Secondary Teacher Certification

Secondary & Middle Level Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate

The School of Educational Studies has suspended admissions to the Secondary & Middle Level Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate. We are reevaluating a program delivery model that will best serve our students, local school districts, and community. Please check back for further updates as they become available.

The Secondary & Middle Level Teacher Certification Program prepares students to become certificated high school or middle school teachers.