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:
Who to Contact
Who to Contact
General Questions
Email: esd-u@esd112.org
Phone: 360-952-3454
Website: esd-u.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
Professional Development News
Educators Explore Human-Centered AI at Forward ’26 Conference
More than 160 attendees representing 45 school districts, educational service districts and partner organizations gathered on June 23 at Woodland High School for Forward ’26: AI + Innovation, a daylong conference on the opportunities and [...]
Regional educators unite to support multilingual learners at ESD 112
On May 6, educators from across Southwest Washington came together for a day of learning and collaboration at the Multilingual Learning Network's Regional Professional Learning Community event, held at Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112). [...]
Regional educators collaborate at ESD 112 to strengthen postsecondary pathways
On March 9, Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) welcomed education professionals from across Southwest Washington to a Postsecondary Readiness Workgroup focused on building regional momentum and capacity to support students as they transition from [...]
Navigating AI together: How ESD 112 is creating space for shared learning across the region
When tools like ChatGPT brought artificial intelligence into the spotlight in late 2022, education leaders across the region faced new questions, opportunities, and uncertainties. Rather than navigating those challenges alone, many turned to one another. [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.