On May 30, aspiring educators from across Washington gathered at the ESD 112 Conference Center for ESD-U’s annual Capstone Presentations Event, a culminating experience showcasing the knowledge, growth, and professional expertise candidates developed throughout the program’s intensive teacher preparation.

Designed to mirror a professional education conference, the Capstone event gave candidates the opportunity to present research, instructional strategies and classroom practices explored during their year in the program. Throughout the day, candidates delivered presentations to peers, faculty members, advisory board representatives, ESD 112 administrators and staff, and attended sessions led by fellow candidates, offering constructive feedback.

The event marked an important milestone for candidates.

“Our candidates work hard in ESD-U courses and in school placements throughout the year, developing the knowledge and skills they need to be culturally responsive, effective and compassionate teachers,” said ESD-U Program Director Lori Jass.

“Seeing them embrace the calling to become a teacher and watching them encourage one another gives us great confidence in the exceptional work they will do for Washington children and families.”

Building educators through a ‘grow your own’ approach

ESD-U was created to provide an accessible, high-quality pathway into the teaching profession for individuals already serving students and schools. Through its “grow your own” partnership model, the program partners with local school districts to identify and support future educators from within their communities.

Whether participants are paraeducators, emergency substitutes, conditionally certified teachers, teachers adding a new endorsement area, or professionals transitioning from other careers, ESD-U allows candidates to stay connected to schools while completing certification requirements. Candidates can often use their current school-based positions to fulfill portions of the program’s field experience requirements, creating a practical and financially sustainable pathway into teaching.

As a PESB-approved provider of non-traditional teacher certification, ESD-U is committed to preparing educators who are self-aware, culturally competent, collaborative, diverse, talented, skilled, and focused on growth and leadership. The program emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion and emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in active classrooms.

A rigorous, one-year pathway to certification

Unlike traditional teacher preparation programs that can span multiple years, ESD-U is intentionally designed as an intensive one-year certification pathway. The hybrid program combines online coursework, virtual collaboration, mentorship and field-based learning experiences with select in-person events. This flexible structure allows candidates to continue working while developing the instructional, assessment and classroom management skills needed to lead successful learning environments.

Throughout the year, candidates engage in coursework focused on educational equity, culturally responsive teaching practices, social emotional learning, instructional design, student assessment and professional leadership. They apply these concepts directly in classroom settings, creating an immediate connection between theory and practice. The Capstone event serves as the final demonstration of that learning journey.

Capstone event mirrors a professional conference experience

Far more than a traditional final project presentation, the Capstone event is intentionally designed to replicate the professional learning environments educators encounter throughout their careers. Candidates worked in teams to develop presentations that integrated program learning with real-world classroom practice. Sessions highlighted innovative instructional approaches, equity-centered teaching strategies and research-based interventions to improve student outcomes.

Throughout the day, attendees moved between sessions much like participants at a professional education conference, engaging in discussions, asking questions, and exchanging ideas. Candidates also demonstrated the professional dispositions expected of educators by providing meaningful feedback to their peers and participating in collaborative reflection.

The event created opportunities not only for professional growth but also for celebration. Faculty, staff, and candidates shared gratitude, reflected on the year’s challenges and successes and recognized the relationships built through the program.

“Watching the presentations throughout the day, it was incredible to see how much our candidates have grown as educators,” said ESD-U Program Specialist Alissa Jolly. “They demonstrated not only strong instructional knowledge, but also the confidence and professionalism that will serve them well as they enter the classroom.”

Preparing educators who transform lives

The Capstone event reflects ESD-U’s broader mission: to offer aspiring educators an efficient alternative pathway to teacher certification and to serve the diverse needs of students and districts across the region. Guided by values that emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion, self-awareness, practical lived experience, growth and leadership, the program seeks to ensure that every student has access to effective educators who understand and reflect the communities they serve.

As candidates complete their certification journey and transition into classrooms across Washington, they bring not only the instructional skills needed to support student achievement but also a commitment to creating equitable and transformative learning experiences. For ESD-U faculty, district partners and candidates alike, the annual Capstone event serves as a powerful reminder that investing in future educators is an investment in the future of Washington’s students.

About ESD-U

ESD-U is a teacher certification program operated by ESD 112 and approved by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). The program welcomes educators from across Washington state, offering alternative routes to teacher certification and a retooling pathway for current educators seeking additional endorsements. Through strong partnerships with local school districts, ESD-U prepares educators through a residency-based model that emphasizes practical classroom experience, professional growth, diversity, equity and inclusion, and service to students across southwest Washington and beyond.

Learn more about ESD-U by visiting esd-u.esd112.org.