Washington · Career guide
How to become a English Teacher in Washington
English / Language Arts teachers cover reading, writing, literature, and (at the secondary level) composition and rhetoric. Demand is steady at the elementary level and modestly competitive at the secondary level outside the highest-need districts. ELA teachers play a central role in district-wide literacy goals, which gives the role outsized professional-development opportunities.
No English / language arts 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)
A content-area endorsement in English / Language Arts is standard. Some states also offer separate Reading Specialist credentials for K-6.
- 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 English / language arts 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.