Washington Teaching License

Washington Teaching License

If you are thinking of becoming a teacher you will be ready to take the very hard and responsible job. Not everyone is ready to take that very important role and prepare a whole generation for life. So, if you are taking that risk and thinking to become a teacher, firstly you will need to obtain a teacher’s license.

Learn how to use Washington teacher license lookup or Washington state teacher license lookup tools to verify a Washington teacher license.

Moreover, learn how to obtain a teaching license in Washington or to verify a Washington teacher license.

How do I find my teacher license number Washington?

If you want to know your teacher license number you can check when you receive your license. But, there is a portal, where you can find any information you need. On the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website, you can find everything about a teacher. Moreover, you can learn how to get licensed in Washing or renew your license through the portal.

How long does it take to get a teaching credential in Washington?

There are several ways to get your teaching credentials to be able to apply for a license. And, each of them takes a certain time and abilities. If you choose the traditional way of becoming a teacher you will have to get at least a bachelor’s degree. After that, complete an approved Washington teacher preparation program. And, pass an exam. So, in this case, you will spend at least 4 to 5 years to get the required credentials.

The alternative ways

The Washington State offers alternative ways to get your credentials. This means that you can work in schools while earning the certificate. So, this can work for you if you are thinking about changing your career and become a teacher. There are 4 options. And they are called the Four Alternative Routes:

  1. Route 1: For district staff (e.g., paraeducators) with an associate’s degree
  2. Route 2: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree
  3. Route 3: For “career changers” with a bachelor’s degree
  4. Route 4: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree and a limited certificate.

How do I get certified to teach in Washington?

For your Washington teaching license, you should apply to the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board.

  • Firstly, obtain a bachelor’s degree.
  • Secondly, complete a teacher preparation program approved by the Board.

After that pass the required exams. This is to check your basic skills and your professional knowledge.

Now you are ready to submit your application.

Required Documents

With your application you should submit the following documents:

  1. Proof of clearance of your background check
  2. Official transcript from your university
  3. Proof of completion of teacher preparation program
  4. The scores of your exam

You will need to pay $74 as an application and as a Residency Certificate fee.

If you are applying for the first time you will first get a Residency Certificate. This is valid for 2 years. And, you can renew your certificate or apply for the Professional Certificate.

How do I become a teacher in Washington from another state?

Unlike many other states, Washington requires teachers from another state to apply for a Washington Teaching License. The requirements and the application process are the same. You should have at least a bachelor’s degree, proof of compliance with the teacher preparation program, and exam scores.

On the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction official website, you will find a certificate and the application type that is right for you.

Elen G

Elen G

Elen is an English-Armenian-Russian translator and interpreter. But recently she tested her skills in content writing. According to her words, it's her new passion. Elen finds it more interesting to make searches and write content rather than look through the dictionaries to find a good synonym for a word. She hopes, that she will succeed in this field too, and will continue to grow and learn every day.