What is the Alternative Routes Program?

• Special Education
• English Language Learner
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Science
• Mathematics
• Middle Level Math
• Middle Level Science
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Biology
• Earth Science
• Bilingual Education
• Other secondary subject matter shortage areas may be identified by school districts as geographic shortage areas

What are the different routes?

Route 1 Alternative Routes for Classified staff, Paraprofessionals

Alternative route programs operating Route 1 enroll currently employed classified instructional employees (paraprofessionals) with transferable associate degrees seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education, bilingual education, English Language Learner or other shortage areas. Candidates enrolled in Route 1 will complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less, including a mentored internship to be completed in the final year. In addition, Alternative Route 1 programs uphold entry requirements for candidates that include: 

• District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee; 
• Successful passage of the WEST-B statewide basic skills exam and, 
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers.

Route 2: Alternative Routes for Classified Staff who hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Arts Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution

Alternative Route programs operating Route 2 enroll currently employed school district classified staff with baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited institutions. Route 2 candidates are seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas and areas with shortages due to geographic location. Candidates enrolled in Route 2 must complete a mentored internship complemented by flexibly scheduled training and coursework offered at a local site, such as a school or educational service district, or online or via video-conference over the K-20 network. In addition, Alternative Route 2 programs uphold entry requirements for candidates that include: 

• District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as classified staff; 
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's college or university grade point average may be considered as a selection factor; Successful completion of the WEST-E subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220 (3); 
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and 
• Successful passage of the WEST-B statewide basic skills exam.

Alternative route programs operating Route 3 enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited institutions, who are not employed in the district at the time of application. When selecting candidates for certification through route three, districts and approved program providers give priority to individuals who are seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas or shortages due to geographic locations. Cohorts of candidates for Route 3 attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship, followed, if necessary, by a second summer teaching academy. In addition, Alternative Route 3 programs uphold entry requirements for candidates that include: 

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor; 
• Successful completion of the WEST-E subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220 (3); 
• External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers; 
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and 
• Successful passage of the WEST-B statewide basic skills exam

Route 4: Alternative route for individuals teaching with conditional certificates

Alternative route programs operating Route 4 programs enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited institutions, who are employed in the district at the time of application, or who hold conditional teaching certificates. Cohorts of candidates for Route 4 attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship. If employed on a conditional certificate, the intern may serve as the teacher of record and is considered a Highly Qualified teacher under federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB), while serving as the teacher of record and supported by a well-trained mentor. In addition, Alternative Route 4 programs uphold entry requirements for candidates that include: 

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor; 
• Successful completion of the WEST-E subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220 (3); 
• External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers; 
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and 
• Successful passage of the WEST-B statewide basic skills exam