Teaching Math in Washington

When it comes to education, Washington is a mixed bag. It offer numerous routes to certification, including alternative routes and reciprocity options. You’ll also find myriad professional development associations, conferences and organizations, including those focused exclusively on teachers in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Scholarship and incentivized borrowing options are also available to help defray teachers’ costs of education and professional training.

While these and other characteristics make Washington a great location for any up-and-coming math teacher, the state’s education system falls short in the areas of teacher compensation, school funding and student-to-teacher ratios. For instance, it’s worth noting that Washington is ranked last in average teacher compensation among West Coast states, and 24th in the nation. Washington’s student-to-teacher ratio of 18.5:1 puts it right near the bottom of the list. It also ranks low (41/50) in terms of per-pupil spending.

Math Teacher Certification in Washington

Math Teaching Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Washington teaching credential, all teachers are required to complete the requisite undergraduate coursework, hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher), pass the required standardized professional teaching examinations and complete an approved teacher preparation program.

Credentials & Exams

• Testing Requirements: In order to qualify as a certified teaching in Washington, prospective teachers must complete the Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic) or Pre Professional Skills Test and any required Subject Area Competence assessments (Washington Educator Skills Test – Endorsements).
• Initial License: This initial teaching license is issued to prospective teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program ,or an alternative approved program, along with other specified testing requirements.
• Residency/Reciprocity Certificate: This initial license is issued to prospective teachers who have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and have completed an approved teacher preparation program. For the reciprocity certificate, candidates must have a minimum of three years experience and hold a valid teaching certificate from another state or jurisdiction.
• Professional Certificate: This advanced level regular certificate is the next level after the Residency certificate. In order to qualify, candidates must complete a Pro Teach Portfolio or a comparable program in another state OR hold National Board Certification.
• Emergency Certificate: This certificate is issued to candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree and “substantially completed” a teacher preparation program, but have not met the full requirements for the Residency certificate in the event that the school is unable to fill a vacancy with a regular certified teacher.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Alternate/Limited Teaching Certificate: Washington also issue alternate/limited teaching certificates in areas where there are insufficient certified teachers to fill vacant positions.