Rooted with TFA Washington

Helping you plant roots in our state.

Welcome to Washington!

Whether you're moving to Washington for the first time or relocating within the state, we're here to support. Our team has put together this site to offer resources in Certification, Career, and Community as you transition. Below you’ll find our Alumni Support Survey, a tool we use to quickly understand the unique support you’re seeking and tailor our approach. We highly recommend you fill it out!

We look forward to leading and growing alongside you!

TFA Washington

Certification

Certification - TFA Washington Guide

Teachers must obtain a Washington certificate in order to serve in public schools. Washington’s Professional Educator’s Standards Board (PESB) has a high threshold for reciprocity, creating a potentially longer process to transfer your out-of-state license depending on your experience, the program you completed, and the endorsement you’re seeking. We recommend starting the process to transfer your certificate to Washington as early as possible.

See the TFA Washington Certification Guide for more information and a detailed step by step for transferring your certification.

Quick Certification Links

Submit a question to OSPI
Reciprocity information
Teacher Certification Assessments Requirements
Adding an Endorsement and scholarships for adding endorsements in shortage areas

Career

When looking for a position in Washington's school system, start early and be prepared for the process to take some time. We recommend applying for open positions and/or getting your application in with districts as early as possible; similar to most states, internal candidates have a window to apply before positions are opened to external candidates. Some highly sought districts, such as those in King County, have a longer period before positions are opened to external candidates, while chronically understaffed districts and hard-to-fill positions may move more quickly. Generally, hiring begins to pick up in March and peaks in the summer months. See a compilation of Washington districts, including links to job openings.

FAQs

What are the highest need districts in Washington?

According to the National Board High Poverty Schools List for 2023, the following 10 districts have the highest number of schools that are eligible as “high poverty”:

See a listing of “high poverty schools” in Washington with corresponding data (report will download)

Which districts does TFA Washington have partnerships with?

Washington actively partners with Highline, Federal Way, Renton, Yakima, Summit, Catalyst, Impact Charters, and Rainier Prep Charter School.

Which districts have TFA alumni teaching and leading?

Alumni teach and lead throughout the state, with the highest concentrations in:

Highline - approximately #
Federal Way - approximately #
Renton - approximately #
Tacoma - approximately #
Yakima - approximately #

What resources are available for resumes and interviews?

Resumes

Take your resume to the next level with the Alumni Resume Guide
Check out Coursera’s Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters
See Jobscan’s resume How To and examples

Interviewing

Go deep with Big Interview’s extensive interview Q&As and tips
Prep with Indeed’s 35 School Principal Interview Questions (and Answer Examples) and HBR’s 10 Common Interview Questions
Create your personal value proposition and gather evidence to support your interview preparations

Additional Resources

Indeed has a career guide open to all.

Does TFA Washington have hiring activities that Alumni can participate in?

Alumni can be included in TFA Washington’s corps member hiring activities, but must opt into it via the Alumni Support Survey.

Community

You'll find endless places to grow roots in Washington--whether you're looking for city life, small town comfort, or endless nature to explore, we have it all! Learn more about our beautiful state and the top areas that most Alumni settle.