Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) Program Admissions Application - Cohort 8 (2027-28)

Interested in Becoming a Teacher? Join the Academy for Rising Educators!

Seattle Public Schools, in partnership with the City of Seattle, offers the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE)— a no-cost pathway to earn your teaching certification. Designed especially for aspiring educators of color, the program supports individuals at various educational stages, from high school graduates to those with college degrees.

Multiple pathways available:

• Start with a high school diploma and earn a BA teaching certificate in 4 years
• Begin with an AA degree and complete the program in 2 years
• Already have a BA? Earn certification in 1–2 years through CityU, UW, or the Seattle Teacher Residency

Why Join?

• Tuition-free teaching certification
• Personalized support throughout the program
• A strong focus on equity, anti-racism, and increasing educator diversity

Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and whole groups which may include at risk or special needs youth; prepares lesson plans.

Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials, which are suited to the well-being of the students and to the nature of the learning activities, program and/or curriculum involved; implements established program or curriculum objectives; attends in-service training and continues to improve professional growth through study and experimentation to remain current in methods and techniques for instruction.

Establishes and implements, in a positive and supportive manner, classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage students to meet standards of achievement and conduct; makes referrals for assistance where appropriate.

Confers with students, parents or guardians, and other staff, maintaining an open positive relationship as appropriate to provide guidance and evaluation, and to encourage student achievement.

Establishes classroom goals and objectives, in conformation with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations and guidelines; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians.

Collects and interprets a variety of data; provides reports for administrative purposes.

Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.

Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of: Subject areas appropriate to assignment; effective behavior management techniques; effective instructional techniques; rules and procedures for student safety.

Skill in: Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications; effective communication with parents or guardians in a diverse community; designing and implementing lesson plans for students having a wide range of achievement.

Ability to: Deal with students in a positive and confident manner; be fair and consistent when working with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population; adapt to change and remain flexible; organize activities; manage student behavior; use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; in some positions, administer first aid and CPR; establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, staff and administrators.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to remain flexible to meet students immediate needs; required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize; may experience frequent interruptions; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; in some positions the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for student safety, or to conduct or direct students; in some positions precautions may need to be taken to prevent or lessen exposure of self and/or students to various materials, fumes, equipment, cutting edges or hot surfaces; may teach in a classroom without telephone communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) program, applicants must have one full-time year of experience working directly with children and meet one of the following educational requirements:

Pathway 1 – High School Graduate or Fewer than 75 College Credits:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Fewer than 75 earned college credits.

Pathway 2 – Associate degree:

• Possession of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or equivalent.
• Eligible for transfer into a bachelor's degree program.

Pathway 3 – Bachelor’s Degree:

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Eligible for admission into an alternative route teacher certification program or teacher residency (e.g., City University of Seattle, University of Washington, or Seattle Teacher Residency).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working or volunteering with children, youth, or in educational settings.

• Strong connection to and investment in the Seattle community.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, equity, and culturally responsive education.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in teaching with Seattle Public Schools.

Regarding References: Three (3) references from your current/most recent supervisors:

• Please provide first and last name and accurate email address of your current/ most recent supervisors. SPS will then contact the reference to complete the information requested.
• If you are a current or former SPS employee one of your references must be your last or current SPS supervisor.
• It is your responsibility to notify your references to complete and return the reference information to SPS as soon as possible.
• SPS will not be able to confirm for you whether your references have been completed and received. If you have concerns about the status of your references, please contact your reference directly to confirm if they have completed and returned the information to SPS. If references are not received within 30 days, your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be processed and you will have to reapply if still interested.