“From theory to practice, residency programs increase preparation to be a certified teacher and provide authentic opportunities for candidates to reflect and grow their practice as a pre-service teacher. It made me better prepared for my first day as a teacher and allowed me to grow even more in my practice because of the ample opportunities I had to learn." 

- Highline EA member Gami Diaz

In its founding year, WEA is partnering with three school districts and local association partners to implement teacher residencies to prepare future special education teachers: Federal Way School District/Federal Way Education Association, Mukilteo School District/Mukilteo Education Association, and the Walla Walla School District/Walla Walla Valley Education Association. WEA anticipates supporting up to 20 total residents in the 2023-24 school year.  

Residents accepted into the program will attend two, 7-week institutes in Summer 2023 and Summer 2024. Two weeks at each Summer Institute will be in-person. The remaining five weeks are synchronous and asynchronous online learning. During, the 2023-24 school year, residents will teach alongside a series of mentor teachers through four clinical rounds: behavior room, resource room, intensive support and a general education inclusionary practice context. Throughout the school year, residents will engage with local in-person and online coursework and community.

Return to Teacher Residency Homepage.