Washington · Career guide
How to become a Elementary Teacher in Washington
Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.
No elementary teaching positions are open in Washington right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Washington
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Washington typically requires:
- WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Tests — Basic) — Reading, writing, and mathematics (waived with qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores)
- West-E Subject Knowledge Assessment — Content area knowledge for your endorsement(s)
- edTPA — Performance assessment during student teaching (required for residency completion)
Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.
- Apply for your initial license through Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) →
- Job-search in Washington. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Washington
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Washington offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Residency Certification Program: Non-traditional preparation while employed by a district
- Troops to Teachers: Support for military veterans entering teaching
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates for industry professionals
- Washington Teacher Corps (for high-need schools)
Washington salary context
Average teacher salary in Washington: $67,687/year (rank #16 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $44,700/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Washington salary guide for the breakdown.