Grow Your Career in Education — Become a Certificated Teacher at No Cost!

What is the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE)?

The Academy for Rising Educators is a career pathway program from Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). It’s designed to support aspiring educators — especially educators of color — in earning their teaching certification tuition-free.

Whether you’re a SPS high school graduate, SPS instructional assistant, or a Seattle resident, this program helps you take the next step toward becoming a licensed teacher.

The application for ARE Cohort 8 has recently come available. The application for the 2027-28 academic year is available here and open through September 25, 2026!

Our Mission: Representation & Equity in Education

The ARE is committed to increasing teacher diversity and ensuring every classroom reflects the community it serves.

We recruit and support future educators who are:

• Rooted in the Seattle community
• Dedicated to long-term careers in teaching
• Committed to anti-racist, equity-centered practices

Watch the Seattle Colleges video about ARE impact

ARE Pathways to Teaching Certification

Path 1: Starting with a High School Diploma or Fewer than 75 College Credits

Duration: 4 Years

• Attend Seattle Central College – 2 years
• Transfer to City University of Seattle – 2 years
• Graduate with a BA & Teaching Certificate

Path 2: Already Have an AA Degree

Duration: 2 Years

• Attend City University of Seattle or Seattle Central College
• Graduate with a BA & Teaching Certificate

Path 3: Already Hold a Bachelor’s Degree

Duration: 1–2 Years

• Attend City University of Seattle or the University of Washington
• Includes alternative routes programs
• Graduate with a Teaching Certificate or Master’s Degree

Questions? Let’s Connect!

Matthew Goode
ARE Program Manager
magoode@seattleschools.org