What is the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE)?

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to teacher diversity. The ARE is one way we are hiring and recruiting more educators of color.

The ARE, in collaboration with the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), helps SPS high school seniors and recent graduates, current SPS staff, and community members earn their teaching certificate.

Earn your teacher certification at no tuition cost! SPS will pay all tuition costs once all eligible grants and scholarships have been applied.

The ARE Application is Available Now!

The online ARE application is open from June 20-December 15, 2023.

ARE and Class-to-Cert Pathways

Path 1: For applicants with a high school diploma and fewer than 75 credit hours.

• 4 Year Program
• Attend Seattle Central College (2 years)
• City University (2 Years)
• Graduate with BA & Teaching Certificate

Path 2: Class to Cert – For applicants with an Associate of Art (AA) Degree.

• 2 Year Program
• Attend City University
• Graduate with BA & Teaching Certificate

Path 3: Class to Cert – For Applicants with a BA/BS or above.

• 1 Year Program
• Attend City University (1 Year)
• Graduate with Teaching Certificate

Learn more on the Seattle Central College website

ARE focuses on increasing representation in classrooms

The ARE aims to recruit and retain educators of color and diverse local backgrounds. Watch the King 5 video about ARE

The ARE prepares and supports candidates that model three program goals. Candidates are:

• Rooted in our communities;
• Dedicated to long-term teaching; and
• Committed to anti-racist teaching to support students furthest away from educational justice.

Questions?

Please contact Shelly Hurley shhurley@seattleschools.org