Educational Service District 123

Referring to his own lack of success as an actor, a high school acting teacher once informed his class, “Those who cannot do – teach.”

Of course, this facetious educator was implying that those individuals not proficiently skilled in a particular field choose to become teachers instead. This broad generalization clearly is not accurate. Yet, what if one assumed for a moment that the converse to this assumption was true: that those who are skilled in a specific discipline could not teach?

Educational Service District (ESD) 123 recently adopted a program that rejects this theory. The new Alternative Routes to Certification Program at ESD 123 is an opportunity for individuals with a four-year degree to acquire teaching credentials. Persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree and have three to five years work experience may apply to this one-year program to become certified teachers in the state of Washington.

This program is not, however, an all-call for any job seeker possessing a college degree.   The Alternative Routes to Certification Program prepares prospective teachers in subject and geographic shortage areas so that they may take jobs where they currently live.  ESD 123, which is modeling its program after ESD 105 in Yakima, will certify teachers in the following five subject areas: special education, science, mathematics, English Language Learners (ELL), and bilingual education.

Bruce Hawkins, Superintendent at ESD 123, proposed the program to regional superintendents after perceiving the program’s success in ESD 105 – an unheard of 90% success rate.

“I see this program as a wonderful way to get people into our field,” said Hawkins.

Toni Neidhold accepted the position as Alternative Routes to Certification Coordinator at ESD 123 in November. After screening applicants, ESD 123 will accept a maximum of 15 individuals into the one-year program beginning at the end of June.

Before applying to the Alternative Routes to Certification Program, candidates must first pass the Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic, or WEST-B. This test is used by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) in order to assess the basic skills and content knowledge of all prospective teachers applying for educator preparation programs and applicants for residency certification in Washington State. In other words, this is the same assessment test that all applicants must pass before becoming certified as a teacher in Washington.

For those wishing to apply for the 2009 Alternative Routes Program, there are only two test dates remaining for which they may apply.  The WEST-B will be offered on February 21 and April 4. Applicants taking the February test must apply by January 16, while April test-takers must apply by February 27. To learn more about the WEST, visit their site at www.west.nesinc.com. For further information about the application process and program requirements, contact Toni Neidhold at 509.544.5762 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Once accepted into the program, participants will begin courses pertaining to Routes 2, 3, or 4. The three routes for which ESD 123 will recruit pertain to the following:

Participants are offered formalized learning opportunities by Central Washington University, Pacific Lutheran University, Western Washington University, and Heritage University. The coursework involves classes throughout the summer and fall. In the fall, students will begin a rigorous, mentored classroom internship. Interns work full-time with a mentor teacher in his/her classroom, not unlike customary student teaching. Completion of the program results in the same type of teaching endorsement provided by a traditional teaching program, and the degree earned is issued by Central Washington University.

The one-year Alternative Routes to Certification program costs $7,500. PESB is offering a limited number of $8,000 conditional scholarships to program interns. The scholarship is a loan that can be forgiven in exchange for teaching service in a designated shortage area. For every two years that a recipient teaches in his/her endorsement area in a Washington public school, the state shall forgive one year of loan obligation.

During these challenging economic times, the employment opportunities presented by this new program are exciting for all involved. One exciting opportunity available through the Alternative Routes program, often referred to as the “Corporate to Classroom” model, is intended for individuals employed in other professions and who are interested in transitioning to a teaching career. With job losses in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this is an intriguing prospect.

Again, the Alternative Routes to Certification Program is not for just anyone. There are clear expectations for candidates, not the least of which is a clear commitment to teaching as a career choice.

To say the least, ESD 123 is hopeful for its newest program. ESD 123 emphasizes that districts should not have to settle for less than the most highly-qualified teachers available.

As Hawkins envisions, “Imagine people who live and breathe their discipline and are willing to teach.”