Teacher Academy
In Washington, Teacher Academy is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway for high school
students interested in becoming a teacher. They learn the fundamentals of the educational
system and practice instructional best practices in their Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) program.
Teacher Academies in WA have 3 main goals:
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Support and educate students for careers in education.
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Design and deliver programs aimed at encouraging high school students to consider and explore teaching careers in state-identified shortage areas – particularly mathematics, science, bilingual education, English as a second language, and special education.
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Coordinate and integrate services designed to overcome barriers to complete higher education teacher preparation programs and enter the teaching profession.
How do I start a Teacher Academy in my school?
Teacher Academy is situated in the requirements of the CTE Careers in Education “Career Cluster.” The Education and Training career cluster. If you plan to operate your teacher academy as an approved CTE/CIE course, you must submit the required approval forms to OSPI. OSPI also offers annual professional development for new and continuing CTE programs. Contact the OSPI Career and Technical Education office for more information.
What can I do if a student is interested in becoming a teacher or teacher assistant?
There are many ways to become a teacher in Washington and the pathway you choose will depend on your educational background, learning preferences, and professional experience. Direct students to teachwa.org to help guide them through the process.
