Bill > SB5693

This bill establishes comprehensive new guidelines for teacher residency and apprenticeship programs in Washington state. A teacher residency program is defined as a collaborative preparation model where a teacher candidate spends a full year co-teaching with an experienced mentor while simultaneously completing targeted academic coursework. The program requires at least 900 hours of preservice clinical practice, a formal partnership between a school district and a teacher preparation program, and provides funding for residents and a stipend for mentors. A teacher apprenticeship program is created for individuals with bachelor's degrees seeking an initial teaching certificate, which must provide 2,000 hours of mentored teaching experience. The bill also includes several technical changes to educator certification terminology, specifically proposing to rename "residency certificate" to "initial certificate" and "professional certificate" to "continuing certificate" starting July 1, 2026. Additionally, the legislation aims to create more flexible pathways for becoming a teacher, support alternative certification routes, and address potential teacher shortages by establishing rigorous but accessible preparation programs that provide intensive hands-on teaching experience and strong mentorship.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5693&Year=2025&Initiative=false