News

The North Central Educational Service District has been awarded $280,000 in grant funding along with Eastern Washington University. The funding was awarded as part of the Alternative Teaching Certification program and made available through the Professional Educators Standards Board, and is designed to encourage candidates to become public education teachers.

The funding will provide tuition for a total of 20 candidates nominated by school districts within the NCESD four-county service area. Candidates must hold either an AA degree, or a Bachelor’s degree to qualify. At the end of the one or two-year program, candidates who complete the curriculum will be guaranteed a position within the public education system.

There are four pathways to completion of the Alternative Teaching Certification curriculum:

Candidates must hold an Associate’s degree and be currently employed as classified instructional employees (paraprofessionals). This route helps degree seekers earn their Bachelor’s degree and initial certification requirements within two years.

1. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree, but have not completed teacher preparation programs. They must also be currently employed by a school district in subject matter shortage areas.
2. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in specific subject areas, but are not currently employed by a school district.
3. Candidates must hold conditional teaching certificates, such as emergency substitute teaching degrees, in addition to Bachelor’s degrees. These individuals must have an expertise in a subject area, but did not complete a teacher education program.
4. Candidates must hold conditional teaching certificates, such as emergency substitute teaching degrees, in addition to Bachelor’s degrees. These individuals must have an expertise in a subject area, but did not complete a teacher education program.

All candidates must successfully complete the WEST-B skills test. Candidate selection is to be made by the individual districts. The grant funding will award tuition to 20 candidates. The program can accept as many as 60 candidates.

“This is a very creative solution to the teacher shortage we’re facing in North Central Washington. This funding allows paraprofessionals currently working within the school system and professionals working outside of public education to secure their teaching credentials. We’re thrilled that the NCESD is able to participate and offer tuition to candidates,” explained Brent Stark, Executive Director, Special Education and Student Support Services at the NCESD.