Academy for Rising Educators

What is the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE)?

Seattle Public Schools (SPSSeattle Public Schools More) 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 SPSSeattle Public Schools More high school seniors and recent graduates, current SPSSeattle Public Schools More 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.

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.

Interested in the ARE but not ready to commit yet?

Let us know by completing the form linked below and we will let you know when applications are available and when ARE events are happening.

How to Apply to ARE

1. Complete the online ARE application (available July 1-December 15)
2. Create an eCert account in OSPI
3. Be accepted into one of our partner colleges and universities
4. Submit your FAFSA

Questions?

Contact Tristan Wiley at tawiley@seattleschools.org or schedule a consultation with Tristan