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.

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ESD 112
ESD 112December 23, 2025 at 11:20am
ESD 112 offices will be closed starting tomorrow, December 24, through January 2. Our offices will re-open on Monday, January 5. Wishing all our school districts, educators, families, and students a restful and rejuvenating time together. We'll return ready to continue supporting equitable opportunities for every learner in southwest Washington.

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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