From changemakers to educators, at the University of Washington College of Education, we create the leaders of tomorrow.

At the UW College of Education, our students address and find solutions to today's most challenging problems in education, our faculty and staff foster innovation, and together, we ensure the fight for equitable systems remains strong. We understand that becoming an educational leader is about a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to creating a positive impact in your community, and the world. At the College of Education, you’ll create new standards of excellence and innovation among educational leaders, and, in the process, make a positive and lasting impact on Washington and the world. 

Our teacher program graduate degrees offer study in a wide range of pathways, from Elementary Teaching to Special Education, and provide you with the opportunity to learn from top scholars and professionals committed to lead and inspire change.

UW College of Education students teach, undertake internships and other fieldwork, partner with faculty on research, all to prepare them to work in private, charter, and independent schools, community-based advocacy organizations, non-profits, educational support companies, policy and research centers, museums, academia, state and federal government, hospitals, scientific research centers, and more.

The UW College of Education is ranked as the #5 Public Education School in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

Click the links below to learn more about some of our programs, sign up for more information, or take a look at our Teacher Programs Viewbook to learn more:

At the UW College of Education...

We are committed to creating a sustainable, just, and vibrant society — locally and globally.

We believe in the power of a high-quality education degree, not just for the benefit of the individual, but for the countless people each leader — including you — will serve during your lifetime. 

We are dedicated to creating safe and welcoming learning environments that celebrate all differences, including diversity of life experiences, social background, worldview, and professional interests.

We are innovative, compassionate, and dedicated problem-solvers. Our community is excited to help you channel your assets to become leaders in education, public policy, and research.

Elementary Education (ELTEP)

The one-year Elementary Teacher Education Program has a program-wide focus on issues of equity and academic excellence. Program graduates are flexible, committed professional teachers with deep content knowledge in the entire elementary curriculum. From start to finish, students receive intensive mentoring and fieldbased instruction in partner school classrooms. Partners are located in surrounding school districts and focus on serving diverse, poverty-impacted communities. This cohort-based program starts in summer quarter and finishes with student teaching in the spring. After completing the residency certification and master’s degree, students can add endorsement specializations in teaching English language learners, special education, reading, and more. Learn more.

Secondary Education (STEP)

The one-year Secondary (Middle/High School) Teacher Education Program allows students to earn a Master’s in Teaching, with a residency teacher certificate in mathematics, sciences, social studies, language arts, or world languages. Graduates are prepared to address adolescent-specific issues, to support youth from poverty-impacted communities, and to help these students make the transition into young adulthood. The curriculum maintains a strong focus on issues of equity, access, and multicultural education.

Students have the option of adding specialized preparation and endorsements in teaching English language learners, special education, computer science education, and more. This cohortbased program starts in spring quarter and finishes in the summer. Learn more.

Special Education (SPED-TEP)

The Special Education Teacher Preparation Program is a six-quarter, cohort-based Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) program. This program offers three-courses of study (Early Childhood Special Education, HighIncidence Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Special Education, and Low-Incidence Teacher Education) that prepares teacher candidates to work with disabled students and their families from birth through 21.

The UW College of Education’s SPED-TEP has an emphasis in justice, families, instruction, and fieldwork experience as it prepares candidates to ask questions, collaborate, self-reflect, and critically problem solve. Students from any undergraduate background are encouraged to apply to this program. Learn more.

Seattle Teacher Residency (STR)

The 14-month Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) prepares residents to become teachers in the context of, and for, classrooms in Seattle Public Schools. STR accelerates student achievement through the preparation, support, and retention of a diverse group of exceptional teachers. STR residents receive an $18,500-living stipend, priority hiring and a guaranteed and binding contact with Seattle Public Schools, and the opportunity to change the lives of students in diverse communities and in Seattle Public Schools. This cohort-based Master’s in Teaching program is for individuals interested in elementary or special education and blends classroom apprenticeship with aligned, graduate-level coursework, and an intensive mentor partnership.

Graduates have a solid foundation in research-based teaching practice and a deep knowledge of curricula and resources used in Seattle schools. This program is for students who are passionate about teaching in urban schools and interested in making a five-year commitment to teaching in Seattle Public Schools. Learn more.

UW Accelerated Certification for Teachers (U-ACT)

U-ACT is an alternative teacher education program for full-time teachers-of-record (hired by a public school or district and teaching with a “conditional” certificate) within Washington. In this year-long cohort-based program, U-ACT students gain a strong foundation of ambitious, equitable teaching while working toward their Residency Teaching Certificate. All coursework is completed online. The program includes teachers employed through Teach For America or teachers who are not involved with Teach For America, but who currently teach through schools, districts, or independent schools.

To be eligible for U-ACT, an individual will need to be employed in a full-time teaching position at either a school, district, independent school, or through Teach For America. Teachers who aren’t affiliated with one of these pathways can apply to U-ACT, however, there is limited availability in the program for teachers who aren’t affiliated with one of these direct partnerships. U-ACT students can pursue a Master’s in Teaching degree by completing an additional year in the program. Learn more.

Financial Aid

At the UW College of Education, we are dedicated to making the College of Education an option for everyone, including underrepresented populations, international students, and people with unique challenges on their path to a graduate education. Your financial aid package may include financing your graduate education through a variety of options, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans.

Each year, the College of Education and the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) develop comprehensive financial aid packages to help students achieve their goals while minimizing student educational debt. Every situation is unique, so we encourage you to seek out additional information on our website or to contact our office.

Social Justice and Equity at the UW College of Education

At the UW College of Education, we believe that every person deserves an outstanding education, and we believe in creating a responsive curriculum dedicated to continued innovation.

As the global COVID-19 pandemic began, the University of Washington College of Education began to examine the pandemic’s impact on education and learning, as well as the role education can play in shaping a society’s response to inequities and social justice. 

College of Education faculty, students, and staff began to reevaluate the inequities of these systems, further advancing the College’s mission of creating more just and equitable societies. Through this process, the College of Education was able to create not only a more equitable college, but one that is also committed to continuously transforming its curriculum and courses to reflect a changing society.

The College of Education is committed to making its own educational systems more just through continued transformation and will work to ensure you’re equipped with the tools you need to make a difference and lead change.