Frequently Asked Questions on Becoming a Certified Teacher

A certified teacher is an education professional who has completed the necessary education, training, and certification requirements to teach in K-12 schools. They are responsible for planning and delivering instruction, assessing student learning, and managing classrooms. Other terms for certified teachers could include certified teachers, classroom teachers, or simply teachers.

Becoming a certified teacher offers several advantages:

• You want to make a significant impact on students' lives and their future

• You enjoy opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth

• You like working in diverse educational settings

• Teaching is career that provides stability, benefits, and potential for advancement You'll be part of a collaborative professional community

Certified teachers work in various educational settings, including:

• Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools

• Special education classrooms

• Alternative schools

• Online learning platforms

• Adult education centers

• Tutoring centers

In their day-to-day work, classroom teachers perform many tasks, including:

• Building relationships with students and families

• Planning and delivering lessons aligned with curriculum standards

• Assessing student learning through various methods

• Managing classroom behavior and creating a positive learning environment

• Communicating with families about student progress

• Collaborating with other teachers and school staff

• Grading assignments and providing feedback

• Attending professional development sessions

• Participating in school events and meetings

Certified teachers in Washington State typically work a contracted school year of around 180 days. The standard workday is usually 7-8 hours, but most teachers spend additional time before and after school hours:

• Preparing lessons

• Grading assignments

• Communicating with parents

• Attending meetings, and

• Participating in professional development

Many teachers also lead extracurricular activities, clubs, or coaching positions that extend beyond the regular school day. While summers and holidays offer breaks from classroom teaching, many educators use this time for planning, professional growth, and preparing for the upcoming school year.

Yes, teachers in Washington State are represented by unions. The Washington Education Association (WEA) is the largest representative of public school employees in the state. The WEA provides collective bargaining support, professional development opportunities, and advocacy for education policy. Local union chapters negotiate contracts with individual school districts that establish working conditions, salaries, benefits, and other employment terms. Union membership is optional, but those covered by union contracts typically pay dues to support representation costs.

Successful classroom teachers typically possess these key skills and qualities:

• Strong communication skills for effectively explaining concepts to students and communicating with parents, colleagues, and administrators

• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust teaching methods to meet diverse student needs

• Patience and emotional resilience when facing challenges

• Organizational abilities to manage classroom materials, schedules, and student information

• Problem-solving skills to address unexpected situations and student learning obstacles

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds

• Creativity in developing engaging lessons that reach students with different learning styles

• Leadership qualities that inspire and motivate students

• Empathy and compassion to understand and support students' social-emotional needs

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

Being a teacher can be hard work! Teachers need to plan many lessons, grade papers, and help students with different learning needs. Sometimes students have bad days or struggle to understand. But teachers say it's all worth it when they see a student finally understand something they've been working on. Many teachers love seeing their students grow throughout the year and knowing they've made a difference in young people's lives. The relationships teachers build with students and the chance to help shape the future are what make many teachers love their jobs despite the challenges.

Today's teachers need a range of technology skills, which means that your existing technology skills could be an asset if you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, including:

• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Google Classroom

• Experience with educational apps and digital teaching tools

• Ability to create and deliver digital presentations and instructional materials

• Skills in using video conferencing platforms for virtual learning or parent meetings

• Understanding of digital assessment tools and data analysis

• Knowledge of assistive technology to support students with special needs

• Digital safety and ethical use of technology in the classroom

• Basic troubleshooting abilities for common technology issues

• Adaptability to learn and implement new educational technologies

• Experience integrating technology into curriculum in meaningful ways that enhance student learning

Yes, Washington State offers specialized teacher roles that work with diverse learners including but not limited to:

• Special Education Teachers who work with students with disabilities

• English Language Learner (ELL) Teachers who support students learning English as an additional language

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers who provide instruction in specific career pathways

• Gifted and Talented Program Teachers who work with high-achieving students

• Reading Specialists who provide targeted literacy instruction

• Math Specialists who offer advanced or remedial mathematics support

• Music, Art, and Physical Education Teachers who instruct in these specialty areas

• School Librarians who manage library resources and teach information literacy

• Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) Teachers who work in non-traditional educational settings

• Native Education Teachers who provide culturally responsive education for indigenous students

A certified teacher holds a regular teaching certificate and is hired for a permanent position with a school or district, typically with a continuing contract. They are responsible for long-term planning, curriculum development, student assessment, and maintaining ongoing relationships with students and families.
Substitute teachers, on the other hand, fill in temporarily when the regular teacher is absent. In Washington State, there are different types of substitute certificates:

• Standard Substitute Certificates, which require the same preparation as regular teachers, and

• Emergency Substitute Certificates, which have fewer requirements but require district sponsorship

Substitutes generally follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher rather than developing their own curriculum, and their assignments may range from a single day to longer-term positions.

Yes, a substitute teacher who is working as an Emergency Substitute can become a certified teacher by completing a teacher preparation program and earning their residency teacher certificate.

Working as an emergency substitute can be a great way for someone to experience the teaching profession firsthand while earning a paycheck. You’ll see the day-to-day responsibilities of a teacher and how you may prefer to work with a particular age of learner or subject matter, helping you find the right fit for your career in education.