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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  3. 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) →
  4. 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.

Full Washington certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Washington salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Washington teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.