How to Become a High School Teacher in Washington

Teaching in Washington State is a career with real impact and strong financial rewards to match. The state’s average teacher salary is $96,589 per year, according to the National Education Association, with starting salaries averaging $60,658, the second-highest in the nation.

If you’re thinking about becoming a high school teacher in Washington, this blog walks you through everything you need to know about the requirements, certification pathways, and more.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Washington

The same basic requirements for earning a teacher certification apply to all grade levels in the Evergreen State. However, becoming a high school teacher in Washington requires a subject-specific endorsement, meaning you’ll need to demonstrate content knowledge in the area you plan to teach. This endorsement is covered in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and verified by passing the required certification exams (more on that below).

For a full breakdown of the certification process at all grade levels, check out Moreland University’s how to become a teacher in Washington guide. It covers everything from certificate types to the application process and walks you through each requirement step by step.

What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Washington?

Aspiring high school teachers in Washington State must have the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an accredited U.S. college or university
• A completed EPP including student teaching (clinical learning) experience and at least one subject-area endorsement relevant to high school instruction
• Passing scores on required exams such as the Washington Educator Skills Test—Basic (WEST-B), and Washington Educator Skills Test—Endorsements (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) test
• A cleared state and federal fingerprint and background check

This process typically takes 4 years to complete if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree. However, if you do already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject (not just education), you could earn your Washington teacher certification in as little as 9 months through an EPP like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.

Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Washington

Becoming a high school teacher in Washington is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to teach in Washington. Your degree doesn’t have to be in education. What matters at the high school level is expertise in your content area, which you will develop as part of your EPP coursework and demonstrate through your endorsement exams.

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

A reputable EPP — such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program — will equip you with the practical teaching skills and subject-area knowledge needed to lead a high school classroom. It includes coursework, mentorship, and a student teaching (clinical learning) component. You must earn at least one subject-area endorsement through your program, which will qualify you to teach a specific high school subject.

If you earned a bachelor’s degree in education, you likely won’t need to complete a standalone EPP.

3. Pass the Required Assessments

Aspiring high school teachers in Washington must pass two categories of exams:

• Basic Skills Assessment: The Washington Educator Skills Test—Basic (WEST-B), or an approved alternative
• Content Knowledge Assessment: The Washington Educator Skills Test—Endorsements (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) exam, depending on your endorsement area

Detailed information on required tests, timelines, and passing scores is available on the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) assessment page.

4. Complete a Background Check

Washington requires all candidates for teacher certification to submit fingerprints for state and federal background checks.

5. Apply for Your Washington Teaching Certificate

Once you’ve completed your EPP, passed your assessments, and cleared your background check, you can apply for your Washington teaching certificate through the state’s E-certification system. You’ll need to submit official transcripts, exam scores, and proof of EPP completion, along with an application processing fee.

Can You Become a High School Teacher in Washington Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can definitely become a high school teacher in Washington without a degree in education. Washington allows anyone who has a bachelor’s degree (regardless of the major) to pursue teacher certification by completing an alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

This path is particularly helpful for career changers and busy adults, helping them get into the classroom faster without requiring a new four-year degree.

Moreland University’s Washington teacher certification program online is a flexible, fully accredited pathway that can be completed in as little as 9 months. It includes dedicated mentorship and a hands-on clinical learning (student teaching) module that can be completed in your current classroom, if you’re already teaching. Plus, rolling admissions and monthly start dates mean you can begin your classes at a time that’s convenient for your schedule.

Moreland University Supports Washington Teachers

Teaching high school in Washington is a meaningful career that puts you at the center of students’ most formative years. The state is projected to see 8% job growth for secondary school teachers by 2034, compared to 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That makes now a great time to earn your certification in the Evergreen State.

Ready to take the next step? Complete your free application to Moreland University now. It takes less than 15 minutes to fill out, and most applicants hear back within 2 business days.

You can also request more information to explore how Moreland can help you build a thriving teaching career.