Teacher Programs | WSAC

Teacher Programs | WSAC
Our Work
What We Do
Learn about the statutory responsibilities of the Council
Our Mission
We advance educational opportunities and attainment in Washington
Legislative Work
Updates on the Council’s work in Olympia
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Our People
Executive Director
Learn more about WSAC’s Executive Director
Members
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Our Agency
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Our Location
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MEETINGS
Council Meetings
2026 Schedule & Materials
Jan. 27 - May 12 - Aug. 11 - Nov. 10
Boards & Committees
Washington Completes FAFSA Campaign - Advisory Board
Guiding statewide efforts that increase financial aid application completion
STEM Education Innovation Alliance - Advisory Group
Aligning Washington’s education system with a STEM-based economy
Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board
Providing guidance, recommendations, and accountability for workforce education
LEARN Community of Practice
A community of thought partners supporting adult learners and policy priorities
Events
Financial Aid Events
Attend a local or virtual financial aid event to get help completing applications
College Access Initiatives Training Center
A series of trainings around financial aid content and strategy sessions for supporting students
Archives
Meeting Materials
Find agendas and materials from past Council meetings
Workgroups & Events
Explore the materials of past events, and the composition, minutes, and agenda items of past workgroups
STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
About Strategy & Partnerships
2026 Strategic Action Plan
The Strategic Action Plan includes recommendations for programs, policies, and investments that can advance educational attainment
SAP Dashboard
Includes selected indicators that track progress toward the statewide postsecondary attainment goal, with a focus on equity
Affordability
Affordability Strategy
Our strategies for removing financial barriers
Tuition and College Costs
Costs related to tuition and fees for higher education in Washington
Immigrant Students
Information for students who are immigrants, are undocumented, or have DACA
Enrollment
Enrollment Strategy
Creating clear and accessible education pathways
College Admissions
Learn about the many post secondary options available in our State
Dual Credit
Explore options such as Running Start, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit Programs
Basic Needs
Basic Needs Strategy
Find policy and campus resources and get involved in a statewide learning community
Student Resources for Basic Needs
Helping students access need-specific assistance
Completion
Completion Strategy
Helping students persist and earn a credential
Transfers
Policies and procedures related to student transfers between higher education institutions
Academic Credit for Prior Learning
Credits awarded based on skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom
Partnerships
Regional Challenge Grants
Grants to local or regional partnerships for innovative interventions to increase college enrollment and completion
FINANCIAL AID
About Financial Aid
Washington State Financial Aid Programs
An overview of the financial aid programs available to Washington students
Apply for Financial Aid
Learn more and complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application
Participating Institutions
A list of colleges and universities that participated in Washington’s state financial aid programs
Financial Aid Appeals
If someone in your family has lost a job or is working less, colleges may be able to provide more financial aid
WASFA
State financial aid for undocumented individuals and others who choose not to submit a FAFSA
Need-Based Programs
Washington College Grant (WA Grant)
WA Grant gives eligible people more money for more types of education and training beyond high school.
College Bound
Provides financial assistance to low-income students who dream of a college education
State Work Study
Provides eligible students an approved job to support their education
Passport to Careers
Helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth attend and succeed in college, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs
Passport to Careers Guide
In-depth guide to help Passport-eligible students prepare, apply, and pay for college, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs
WA Grant for Apprenticeship
Helps income-eligible apprentices pay for tuition, fees, and materials.
Merit-Based Programs
American Indian Endowed Scholarship
Competitive scholarship to outstanding eligible students
Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)
Scholarship to outstanding students in career and technical education (CTE) programs
Targeted Workforce
Aerospace Loans
Supporting employment needs of Washington’s aerospace companies
Teacher Programs
Supporting Washington’s current and future teacher workforce
Washington Health Corps
Encouraging licensed health professionals to provide care at approved sites in rural or underserved areas
Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship
Providing support for aspiring mental health professionals.
National Guard Grant
Helping members of the National Guard get an undergraduate degree or certificate
Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Veterans
Helping dependents of veterans pay for postsecondary
Student Loan Debt
Student Loan Advocacy
Supporting current and future student loan borrowers in Washington
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Providing loan forgiveness for eligible government and nonprofit employees
ADMINISTRATION
Higher Education Administration
Colleges and Institutions
Higher education institutions serving students in Washington
Protecting Education Consumers
Ensuring Washington’s colleges and career schools meet required operating standards
Student Complaints
Resources related to student complaints
School Closures and Teach-Outs
Information for students affected by school closures and teach-outs
Degree Authorization
Ensuring postsecondary education quality
Approval of Veterans' Programs
Resources related to the evaluation, approval, and oversight of schools and training facilities for use of G.I. Bill® funds
Veterans' Education and Training
Promoting and safeguarding quality education and training programs for veterans
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
WSAC responsible for processing applications for SARA participation from schools based in the state
Student Residency
Further information on residency requirements in Washington
Financial Aid Administration
The Portal
Direct link to online resources for state institutions
FAA Resources
Materials for financial aid administrators
FAFSA Completion
Current data for Washington State and school districts
SETuP
Support for foster youth transitioning from high school to college, careers, or service
Unit Record Report
Unit Record Reporting resources
Institutional Participation in State Aid
Information for institutions of higher education seeking to offer Washington state financial aid to students
State Work Study for Employers
Information for organizations seeking to employ State Work Study students
Apprenticeship Program Providers
Information for providers wishing to participate in the Washington College Grant for Apprenticeships
Washington Health Corps Sites
Information for health care sites regarding Washington Health Corps participation
Suspended Programs
Materials related to latent SFA programs
Education Savings
Education Savings Plans
Resources related to the GET Prepaid Tuition Plan and WA529 Invest, and the plan’s governing committee
Education Savings Dashboard
Data visualizations to track program goals, measures and outcomes
Competitive Grants
Child Care Grants
Grants to institutions to help cover child care costs for eligible families
OUTREACH & INITIATIVES
College & Career
Plan Your Future
College and career planning resources for high school juniors and seniors
Financial Aid
theWashBoard.org
Free service connecting students with Washington scholarship providers
OtterBot
A free, 24/7 messaging service providing financial aid support to College Bound seniors
Schools & Partners
College & Career Culture Recognition Program
Celebrating the impactful work of schools that create a powerful college-going culture for their students
Your Future, Funded
Materials and resources for trusted messengers supporting financial aid completion
12th Year Campaign
Includes the College Application Campaign, College Goal Washington, and the FAFSA Completion Initiative
The Financial Aid Toolkit
Resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process
Aim Higher Washington
Initiative to increase equity through support for financial aid application completion in Washington.
Programs
GEAR UP
Federally-funded program providing services to low-income schools
Workforce
Washington Jobs Initiative
Helping Washington residents secure good-paying jobs
Career Connect Washington
Work-based and academic programs for young people
Higher Education and the Labor Market
An educated workforce is essential to the vibrant Washington economy
Career Launch Grants
Grants to eligible Career Launch endorsed programs at public four-year institutions to provide for new or expanded enrollment
Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP)
Grants to Tribes to support Tribal members in state-registered apprenticeships
NEWS & RESEARCH
News
News and Updates
Archive of Council updates and news releases
Publications
Reports
Archive of reports and publications regarding financial aid, policy, and research, plus statewide strategic planning
Data Dashboards
Data Dashboards
Collection of interactive data tools for users to explore postsecondary attainment data, FAFSA completion data, and more
Stay Informed
Council Emails
Sign up to stay informed with WSAC news
Teacher Programs
Overview
The Washington State Educator Workforce Program (EWP) provides financial aid to attract and retain teachers to work in subjects or locations of high need known as
shortage areas
EWP includes options for current teachers, student teachers, paraprofessionals, and non-educators hoping to move into the teaching field. Most are conditional scholarships that encourage individuals to pursue teaching in subjects or locations of high need, also known as "
Shortage Areas (PDF, 194.44 KB)
," in return for funding received.
Components that may be implemented soon could provide financial aid for:
Current teachers with federal loan repayment help in exchange for teaching in a shortage area.
Current students during their student teaching assignment.
NOTE: Applicants may only apply for one conditional scholarship at a time. Applicants may apply for both a Student Teaching Grant and one of the conditional scholarships at the same time.
View the
Quick Look Chart (PDF, 173.97 KB)
to compare basic information for each component.
Jump to:
Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship
Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
Student Teaching Grant
CONDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A conditional scholarship is a loan that is forgiven, in whole or in part, in exchange for service as a certificated employee in an approved education program.
Conditional scholarship participants must:
Commit to teach at a Washington K-12 public common school for a specified amount of time.
Complete and submit a signed Promissory Note.
If the participant fails to fulfill the teaching service obligation: Repay any funding received, plus interest and fees (adjusted for service completed).
Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship - Accepting Applications Now
The Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship supports Washington State certified educators looking to add a shortage area endorsement to their certificate. Participants are awarded up to $3,000 per endorsement add-on. Participants must fulfill their service obligation to avoid paying back the award. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis (there is no deadline.)
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship
Applicants must:
Hold a current Washington teacher certificate (Residency, Professional, or Continuing) or an expired Washington teacher certificate issued after 2005.
Pursue an additional endorsement in a shortage area.
Take one of the following pathways to add the endorsement that must be completed in the equivalent of one full-time academic year:
Complete an endorsement test only.
Complete an add-on endorsement program at a college or university (and test).
Attend an educator
preparation program
, approved by WSAC, to participate in state financial aid. (Check with the college or university or contact WSAC directly to find out if the program is approved.)
Enroll in an eligible Washington state college or university.
Awarding Priorities
Awarding Priorities – Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship
Applicants who are veterans of the U.S. Armed forces or members of the National Guard who meet the Minimum Qualifications.
Service Obligation
Service Obligation – Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship
To avoid repaying the conditional scholarship, participants must fulfill these service obligation requirements:
Teach in a Washington State K-12 public common school after earning the add-on endorsement.
The participant’s scholarship amount will be forgiven when they either:
Serve as a certificated employee in an approved education program for two full-time school years for each year of conditional scholarship received: or
Serve as a certificated employee in a shortage area in an approved education program for one full-time school year for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Participants who do not fulfill their teach obligation will have to repay the award, with interest and other fees. (Details will be in the participant's promissory note.)
How to Apply
How to Apply – Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis—there is no deadline.
Complete and submit the following required materials:
Educator Retooling Online Application
Administrator Letter of Support or Letter of Personal Statement (
MSWord
or
PDF (PDF, 259.39 KB)
NOTE: If selected, participants will need to complete and submit a signed Promissory Note.
Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship - Accepting Applications Now
The Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship is designed to support paraeducators and
Recruiting Washington Teachers
alumni who wish to become teachers by providing financial aid for the completion of an Associate of Arts degree. Participants are eligible to receive a Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship for up to four academic years. Scholarship award amounts may vary depending upon financial need and funds available. The Pipeline for Paraeducators award amount is up to $4,000 per academic year. Participants are expected to continue to earn their certification and fulfill a teaching service obligation in exchange for receiving the scholarship. Participants must currently be enrolled to receive an award. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis (there is no deadline.)
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
Applicants must:
Not have earned a college degree.
Provide documentation from their school district of one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee or completion of two years of a Recruiting Washington Teachers program.
Intend to pursue an initial teacher certificate with an endorsement in a shortage area via an approved teacher program.
Be accepted into and maintain enrollment for no more than the equivalent of four full-time academic years at a community or technical college.
File the current
FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application
Awarding Priorities
Awarding Priorities – Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
Applicants who are veterans of the U.S. Armed forces or members of the National Guard who meet the Minimum Qualifications.
Service Obligation
Service Obligation – Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
To avoid repaying the conditional scholarship, participants must fulfill these service obligation requirements:
Earn the Associate of Arts (AA) degree within four academic years.
Pursue an initial teacher certificate with an endorsement in a shortage area via a
PESB-approved teacher prep program
Teach in a Washington State K-12 public common school.
The participant’s scholarship amount will be forgiven when they do either of the following:
Serve as a certificated employee in an approved education program for two full-time school years for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Serve as a certificated employee in a shortage area in an approved education program for one full-time school year for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Participants who do not fulfill their teaching obligation will have to repay the award, with interest and other fees. (Details will be in the participant's promissory note.)
How to Apply
How to Apply – Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis—there is no deadline.
Complete and submit the following materials:
Pipeline for Paraeducators Online Application
Administrator Letter of Support (
MSWord document
or
PDF (PDF)
File the current
FAFSA or WASFA
(must submit within 10 days of submitting WSAC application)
NOTE: If selected, participants will need to complete and submit a signed Promissory Note and be enrolled in the institution selected. Payments are sent to the institution after WSAC has received a completed Promissory Note.
Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship: Application is open from March 23 through April 30, 2026 (approx. 5 p.m.)
Recipients of this application cycle will receive their awards starting fall term of the 2026-27 academic year.
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
The Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship is designed to provide financial aid to encourage persons to become teachers and to retain these teachers in shortage areas. The program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for up to four years, toward earning a Washington Residency Teacher Certificate. Award amounts may vary depending upon financial need and funds available.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
Application will open March 23, 2026.
Applicants must:
Be accepted into, and maintain enrollment in, a
PESB-approved teacher preparation program
leading to an initial teacher certificate. Generally, the applicant will be enrolled as a junior or senior in undergraduate studies or graduate school.
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
Intend to pursue an initial teacher certificate with an endorsement in a shortage area.
File the current
FAFSA or WASFA
financial aid application.
Have unmet financial need.
Awarding Priorities
Awarding Priorities – Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
Applicants who are veterans of the U.S. Armed forces or members of the National Guard who meet the Minimum Qualifications.
Applicants who are from underrepresented groups.
Service Obligation
Service Obligation – Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
To avoid repaying the conditional scholarship, participants must fulfill these service obligation requirements:
Teach in a Washington State K-12 public common school after earning the add-on endorsement.
The participant’s scholarship amount will be forgiven when they do either of the following:
Serve as a certificated employee in an approved education program for two full-time school years for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Serve as a certificated employee in a shortage area in an approved education program for one full-time school year for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Participants who do not fulfill their teaching obligation will have to repay the award, with interest and other fees. (Details will be in the participant's promissory note.)
How to Apply
How to Apply – Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
The recipients of this cycle will receive their awards in the fall term of the 2026-27 academic year.
Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship - Awards Made by Program Providers
The Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship program is designed to provide financial aid to encourage people to become teachers through alternative route teacher certification programs and to retain these teachers in shortage areas. The program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for up to two years, toward earning a Washington Residency Teacher Certificate. Scholarship award amounts may vary depending upon financial need and funds available.
Alternative route programs are partnerships between Washington professional educator standards board-approved preparation programs, Washington school districts, and other partners as appropriate. Currently, scholarships are designated to alternative route providers that have been awarded block grants through the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
An applicant must be accepted into and maintain enrollment in an
Alternative Route teacher certification program
and intend to pursue an initial teacher’s certificate with an endorsement in a shortage area.
Awarding Priorities
Awarding Priorities – Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
None at this time.
Service Obligation
Service Obligation – Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
To avoid repaying the conditional scholarship, participants must fulfill these service obligation requirements:
Teach in a Washington State K-12 public common school after earning an alternative route teaching certificate.
The participant’s scholarship amount will be forgiven when they either:
Serve as a certificated employee in an approved education program for two full-time school years for each year of conditional scholarship received: or
Serve as a certificated employee in a shortage area in an approved education program for one full-time school year for each year of conditional scholarship received.
Participants who do not fulfill their teaching obligation will have to repay the award, with interest and other fees. (Details will be in the participant's promissory note.)
How to Apply
How to Apply – Alternative Routes Conditional Scholarship
Participants are selected by
alternative route providers
that have been awarded block grants through the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). There is not a WSAC application process. Currently scholarships are awarded by providers who have a PESB Alternative Route block grant.
GRANT AID
Grant
means financial aid that is intended for a specific purpose. It is not a loan.
Student Teaching Grant: Application is open from March 23 through April 30, 2026 (approx. 5 p.m.)
Recipients of this application cycle will receive their awards starting fall term of the 2026-27 academic year.
Awards will not be disbursed until awardee has been placed to student teach at a Title I school.
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
The Student Teaching Grant is intended to provide additional funds to student teachers at Title I public common schools in Washington. This is a grant that does not require a service obligation or promissory note.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Student Teaching Grant
Application is now open.
Enrolled in a
PESB-approved teacher preparation program
leading to full residency certification.
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
Be student teaching at a
Title I
public common school.
Demonstrate financial need through the
FAFSA or WASFA
, meeting the following criteria:
- Family income at or below the amounts specified on the current
Washington College Grant Eligibility Chart
- Have unmet financial need after considering other state and federal grant aid received.
Not owe a repayment to any state grant or scholarship, nor be in default on a state student loan.
All candidates who meet these minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Student Teaching Grant Application
Apply on the Educator Workforce Portal
The recipients of this cycle will receive their awards in the fall term of the 2026-27 academic year.
Awards will not be disbursed until awardee has been placed to student teach at a Title I school
Contact - Teacher Programs
Nicole Witty, Assistant Director
Yezenia Bracamontes, Program Manager
teachers@wsac.wa.gov
888.535.0747, option 6
Subscribe to email updates from Educator Workforce Programs
Foundation
RCW 28B.102
Educator Scholarship and Repayment Programs
RCW 28B.76.699
Student Teaching Grant
Resources
Educator Workforce Program Reference Guide (PDF, 538.54 KB)
(2026-27)
Educator Programs at a Glance (PDF)
Teaching Service Verification Form (PDF)
Pipeline for Paraeducators, State Program, Handout (PDF, 564.49 KB)
Shortage Areas (PDF, 194.44 KB)
Unique Local Shortage Administrator Support Letter Template
Educator Workforce Program Legislative Report 2022-24 (PDF, 509.57 KB)
Adult Pathways Teaching Flyer (PDF, 27.19 KB)