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 112February 6, 2026 at 11:00am
We are now accepting nominations for two highly esteemed regional awards: the 2027 Teacher of the Year and the 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year! These awards honor exceptional educators and school employees whose dedication and contributions make a lasting impact on Southwest Washington schools.

School districts, colleagues, students, families, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates. Nominations are open through March 1, 2026, via OSPI’s online nomination form.

The Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year represent the highest regional recognition for excellence in education. We encourage nominations for individuals who go above and beyond to support students, schools, and communities.

Learn more at: bit.ly/TOY-CSE-27

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 [...]

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