Washington Education & Teaching Programs Online: Reviewing Top Schools

Education Associate Degree Programs

Associate degrees are an excellent starting point for Washington residents interested in teaching. These two-year programs cover essential educational theories, child development, and instructional techniques. Graduates can be teaching assistants and childcare workers or continue their studies in a bachelor’s degree program in education.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Education

Education bachelor’s degrees are for people who want to become licensed educators. With most programs taking between two and four years, students engage in extensive coursework covering teaching theories, classroom management, curriculum development, and inclusive practices. Programs often include student-teaching experiences, providing practical classroom experience essential for a teaching career.

Master’s Degrees in Education

If you want to deepen your education skills and knowledge for greater opportunities to affect the field, a master’s degree makes sense. Often completed in one to two years, these programs offer specialization in leadership, curriculum design, special education, or technology. They’re ideal for current educators who want to be administrators.

Advanced Education Degrees: Doctorates & Grad Certificates

The most advanced degrees include doctorates for educators who want high-level leadership and administrative roles. PhD and EdD programs are intensive, research-focused degrees for people who want to contribute original research and scholarship in educational theory, policy, or practice. Graduate certificates are short-term programs for educators seeking expertise in a specific education area.

Frequently Asked Questions from Washington Education Students

Is there financial aid available for my education degree or certificate?

Education and teaching students in top Washington programs can access various financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and other programs, to help fund their degrees. It’s always a good idea to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid first, as the FAFSA is how you commonly qualify for many scholarships, loans, and grants. This includes federal as well as state options. It’s also important to speak with your school’s financial aid office to see what they accept and what scholarships or work-study programs they accept or administer on their own.

What are some things to remember as I start my teaching career, to make sure that it’s successful?

There are many challenges to consider as you navigate your first year as a professional teacher, but a fair chunk of the advice that resonates well has to do with overall planning. Break down responsibilities into smaller tasks to stay on top of what’s required. Find a balance between how you structure classroom rules and how you bring fun into the environment. Resist the temptation to take on too many outside roles beyond the classroom at your school. Most importantly, make sure you book the time to plan your lessons and stick to that timing.

Who accredits the schools in Washington that provide education degrees and certificates?

There is a major body that ensures that your program has quality at the forefront: the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, or NWCCU. While there are some other groups, the NWCCU is the one that most colleges and universities tout. Seeing its logo as part of your program’s website speaks to the relevance of the curriculum and its promotion of student success and achievement.

What are some of the most common specializations I can earn with my degrees?

Some of the regular offerings include elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, and English as a Second Language, which is also known as English Language Learner. There are also many specializations that can be a part of a degree or separate certificate program. These include ones for leadership, instructional design, educational psychology, math and science, or higher education administration, among many others.

How do you become a certified teacher in Washington?

The full plan to become certified as a Washington teacher includes degree programs, exams, and endorsements. You’ll need to prove you earned an accredited bachelor’s degree and then take and pass the Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST), either for basics or specialties.

The tests cost $96 for all three basic subtests for reading, writing, and math; or that same standard price for the specialty exam of your choice. Washington also requires teachers to apply for endorsements from education leaders from the district in which you want to work.

What to Expect as a Teacher in Washington

Washington’s Best Resources for Education & Teaching Students

Whether you are a professional teacher or you are going through the educational system yourself as a student, there are resources that can help you learn more about your career or provide support for your degree program. Here is a list of some resources that are tied directly to the Washington education community.

Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession: CSTP supports teaching excellence and student achievement in Washington. They offer resources, research, advocacy, and training opportunities for the state’s educators, making it a comprehensive resource for professional development.

Nerd Farmer Podcast: Hosted by a past Washington State Teacher of the Year, this pod features content about state and national teaching and education issues among its diverse mostly weekly offerings.

Open Educational Resources Hub: The Washington OER Hub is an invaluable online library of K-12 open educational resources, offering lessons, videos, and guidance documents specifically for Washington educators, all aligned with state learning standards.

Opportunity Pathways: Through its financial aid program, the state government offers several need- and merit-based programs for students who are in participating institutions in Washington. It also includes workforce programs.

State Archives Educational Resources: The Secretary of State features links to dozens of publications, collections, videos and oral histories that can help Washington teachers with relevant state content for their students.

Teach Washington: The stories of state teachers’ career pathways are part of this resource website, which also include the steps to being certified and information on the state’s general attributes.

Washington Education Association: This Washington organization provides support and resources for education professionals, including scholarships, development opportunities, and advocacy information. This is a valuable resource for current and aspiring educators.

Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board: The PESB is dedicated to advancing equity in educator preparation and workforce development. The group offers resources and puts together initiatives that address disparities and promote cultural competency throughout the state.

Washington Student Achievement Council Teacher Programs: This state group’s Educator Workforce Program provides financial aid to attract and retain teachers in high-need subjects or locations. This is an excellent aid resource for students of top state education programs.

WSU Teacher Education Scholarships: This major university in the state has a particularly robust program for its education students, giving about $325,000 annually in scholarship support. There are also loan forgiveness programs through WSU.

Top Picks: Online Education & Teaching Programs in Washington

The best online programs for education degrees and certificates often include interactive coursework, virtual classroom experiences, and some in-person fieldwork or internships, allowing you to balance studies with other commitments.

The rankings below come from four-year-program schools with an online emphasis that volunteered information to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Stats to watch for include graduation rates, percentages of online offerings, averages for student grant aid, and student-to-faculty ratio.