Are you already a teacher seeking an endorsement in another subject area? Do you want to make a career change that will enable you to have a positive impact on young people’s lives? Are you a college graduate and want to become a teacher but aren’t sure where to start? ESD-U may be just what you’re looking for!

Currently in its second year, ESD 112’s ESD-U alternative route to teacher certification program is now recruiting for its 2020-2021 cohort. It offers a “grow your own” partnership between ESD 112 and school districts wanting to support professional development for new and current teachers in their schools. The program has been approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).

“Our focus is to meet the needs of teacher workforce development in our region and across the state,” said ESD-U’s program director Mike Esping. “By partnering with our school districts to work with and support their own teachers, we’re helping to ensure that our districts get exactly what they need.”

Informational Sessions

At the informational sessions, we give a general overview of the ESD-U program, discuss prerequisites, review the application process, and answer any questions that come up. Click on an info-session below to learn more and RSVP:

  • December 10, 2019 at 4 p.m.
  • January 16, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • January 29, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • February 12, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • February 25, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • March 12, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • March 24, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • April 9, 2020 at 4 p.m.
  • April 21, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Potential candidates may also receive updates and application information by completing the ESD-U Candidate Interest Form located on the ESD-U website.

Applications & Deadlines

Applications for the 2020-2021 cohort will be available beginning in January 2020. The deadline for submitting your application is May 1, 2020. The new cohort will start in July 2020.

Scholarships

ESD-U is already a significantly more affordable teacher certification route than obtaining certification through a college or university. To ensure we’re doing everything we can to address teacher shortages in our region, thirty scholarships have been made available for ESD-U program participants in the 2020-2021 cohort. Information on the scholarships available will be covered at the upcoming informational sessions.

For questions and more information about ESD-U, contact esd-u@esd112.org.