Changes to requirements for Alternative Routes (see WAC 181-80)
- Alternative Route 1 candidates will be able to conditionally enroll in a program while working to pass the WEST-B and they may enter a program with the equivalence of an associate’s degree.
- Alternative Routes 2-4 candidates will be required to attempt the WEST-E at least once prior to beginning their program, a change to the previous requirement of needing to pass the WEST-E prior to beginning.
- All Routes now have the same requirements of candidates earning at least one subject matter or geographic shortage area endorsement.
- All routes now require 540 hours of clinical practice as part of their residency.
Changes to requirements for WEST-B (see HB 1621, changes pending in RCW)
- The passage of HB 1621 removed the requirement of meeting a specific score on the WEST-B exam. Individuals must attempt the WEST-B at least once for admission to a teacher preparation program. Please see our FAQ for details.
What are the four routes?
Route 1: For district staff (e.g., paraeducators) with an associate’s degree
Who
Route 1 is designed for currently employed district staff with an associate’s degree (or equivalent in credit hours) seeking residency teacher certification with a subject matter or geographic shortage area endorsement.
What
Candidates enrolled in this Route complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less, including an employed mentored internship to be completed in the final year.
Entry requirements
- Degree at entry: associate’s degree
- Testing required for entry: at least one attempt of the statewide basic skills exam
Other entry requirements:
- District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of student interaction and leadership
- Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers
Route 2: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree
Who
Route 2 is designed for currently employed district staff with baccalaureate degrees, who are seeking residency teacher certification with a subject matter or geographic shortage area endorsement.
What
Cohorts of candidates for this Route shall attend a pre-residency intensive academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship while completing coursework.
Entry requirements
- Degree at entry: baccalaureate degree
- Testing required for entry: at least one attempt of the statewide basic skills exam and at least one attempt of the subject matter assessment required by law
Other entry requirements:
- District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of student interaction and leadership
- Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers
Route 3: For “career changers” with a bachelor’s degree
Who
Route 3 is designed for individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are not employed in the district at the time of application and who are seeking residency teacher certification with a subject matter or geographic shortage area endorsement.
What
Cohorts of candidates for this Route shall attend a pre-residency intensive academy, followed by a full year engaged with a school district as a mentored resident intern while completing coursework.
Entry requirements
- Degree at entry: baccalaureate degree
- Testing required for entry: at least one attempt of the statewide basic skills exam and at least one attempt of the subject matter assessment required by law
Other entry requirements:
- External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers
- Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers
Route 4: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree and a limited certificate
Who
Route 4 is designed for individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are employed in the district and hold a limited certificate, and who are seeking residency teacher certification with a subject matter or geographic shortage area endorsement.
What
Cohorts of candidates for this Route shall attend a pre-residency intensive academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship while completing coursework. If employed on a conditional certificate, the intern may serve as the teacher of record, supported by a well-trained mentor.
Entry requirements
- Degree at entry: baccalaureate degree
- Testing required for entry: at least one attempt of the statewide basic skills exam and at least one attempt of the subject matter assessment required by law
Other entry requirements:
- External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers
- Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers
Compare routes
| Entry requirements | Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 | Route 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum of AA degree (or equivalent) | X | |||
| Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution | X | X | X | |
| Attempt statewide basic skills exam | X | X | X | X |
| Attempt subject matter assessment | X | X | X | |
| Meeting the age, good moral character, and professional fitness requirements | X | X | X | X |
| Employed with the district at the time of application | X | X | X | |
| District or building validation of qualification, including one year of student interaction and leadership | X | X | ||
| External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers | X | X | ||
| Applicants for Alternative Route programs who are eligible veterans or national guard members and who meet the entry requirements for the alternative route program for which application is made shall be given preference in admission. | X | X | X | X |
| Program features | Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 | Route 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Must complete 540 hours of clinical practice | X | X | X | X |
| Seek certification in subject or geographic shortage area | X | X | X | |
| Required pre-residency intensive academy | X | X | X | |
| Full-year mentored internship (residency) | X | X | X | X |
| May serve as the teacher of record while in the Alternative Route program if employed on conditional certificate | X | |||
| Candidate eligible for residency teacher certification after successful completion of the program | X | X | X | X |
Other information
Admissions
- Each Alternative Route program has its own application process and you must contact the programs directly to learn more.
- Eligible veterans or national guard members who meet the entry requirements for the Alternative Route program will be given preference in admission.
Program cost
- Each provider sets the tuition for its Alternative Routes program.
- Some providers are recipients of the Alternative Routes Block Grant, which provides additional funding for candidate conditional loans and support. Contact the programs directly to learn more.
- Other sources of assistance may be accessed through financial aid.
State rule
The requirements for Alternative Route programs are outlined in WAC. All Alternative Routes partnerships must establish and maintain a memorandum of agreement outlining the expectations of all partners.
