ESD-U

ESD-U (Alternative Routes to Certification)2025-02-27T12:07:22-08:00

Teacher Certification that Works for You

About ESD-U

About ESD-U

ESD-U is a PESB approved provider of non-traditional teacher certification and professional development in southwest Washington and beyond. This residency-based teaching certification program supports a “grow your own” partnership with local districts and offers Route 2, 3, and 4, as well as a “retooling” route for currently certified teachers seeking to add an endorsement.

ESD-U is a hybrid program, with all courses held virtually with real-time instruction plus opportunities for in-person participation in select sessions. The program is intended to be completed within 1 year (July to June) with courses occurring in the summer, on Saturdays, and occasionally Wednesday evenings. Candidates will finish in early or late June, depending on endorsement area.

Your path to becoming a teacher starts here

Click to learn more about each program:

ESD-U Your Choice for Teacher Prep

Who to Contact

Who to Contact

General Questions

Email: esd-u@esd112.org
Phone: 360-952-3454
Website: esd-u.esd112.org

Lori Jass

ESD-U Program Director

Phone: 360-952-3412

Email: lori.jass@esd112.org

Alissa Jolly

ESD-U Program Specialist

Phone: 360-952-3424

Email: alissa.jolly@esd112.org

Amy Glenn

Secretary II

Phone: 360-949-1552

Email: amy.glenn@esd112.org

Sammy Carroll

Secretary II, Student and School Success

Phone: 360-952-3303

Email: sammy.carroll@esd112.org

Sign up for an informational session

Learn more about ESD-U at an Informational Session where we walk prospective candidates through the application process and requirements. Sign up today >

Field Supervisor Interest Form

If you are interested in becoming an ESD-U field supervisor and providing support for pre-service teachers, please fill out the Field Supervisor Interest Form.

Get Social with Us

ESD 112
ESD 112April 27, 2026 at 3:40pm
The SW WA Rural CTE Cooperative is expanding access to CTE courses for students in rural high schools. Through live, online classes, students can take career-focused courses, earn dual credit, and explore job pathways that prepare them for life after high school.

For Glenwood High School student Jocee Hoctor, the program is opening doors in Early Childhood Education. Through the cooperative, she is gaining hands-on experience working directly with young children while building practical skills for her future career. Glenwood School District #401

Currently, the Rural CTE Cooperative offers four career areas: Information Technology, Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Middle School Career Exploration.

Planning for the 2026 – 2027 school year is now underway with 15 courses available. To register, submit pre-enrollment by May 13, 2026. Read more and get links to more information in the ESD Newsroom: www.esd112.org/news/rural-cte-cooperative-expands-access-to-career-pathways-in-rural-schools/

Professional Development News

Become a certified teacher at a fraction of the cost with ESD-U

Applications for the 2026–27 ESD-U cohort are now open. This one-year, residency-based, flexible teacher certification program offers alternative routes to teacher certification for individuals with bachelor’s degrees. Compared to traditional certification routes, ESD-U provides a [...]

Related Programs

Go to Top