Check out and check often our events calendar to see what kind of professional development courses are in the works for WEA members. Please note: Some courses overlap and are open to both certificated and classified members; some have registration fees; others are open only to members in a specific UniServ Council and/or some offer clock hours. Take a look at the various categories below and check the calendar.

Asynchronous trainings: WEA's Inclusionary Practices Project is offering free registration and clock hours for all WEA members. The online trainings are asynchronous (self-paced).

Synchronous trainings: WEA's Inclusionary Practices Project and Special Education Support Center provides free workshops, in real-time, via Zoom. Space is limited in each class to allow for small group discussions and online engagement.

Trainings specifically for our education support professionals: WEA and NEA's ESP Quality Department offer a wide variety of professional development webinars to support the growth of ESPs. NEA also is offering a series of ESP micro-credentials that do not require face-to-face interactions.

For our early career educators and student members, get a jump start on financial planning and managing student debt and more.

The state Superintendent of Public Instruction's Office, eight of the nine educational service districts and school districts also offer courses for both Washington certificated and classified staff. Visit website for offerings.

NEA Teaching Quality Distance Learning webinars: NEA Teacher Quality offers a webinar series to help educators master the ins and outs of distance learning and early childhood pedagogy. 

A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area, such as creating a safe learning environment for LGBTQ students or education policymaking. Our micro-credentials are grounded in research and best practice and designed to be:

• Personalized: You can create your own learning journey, based on your interests and career goals; gaps in your skills; and the specific needs of your students, school, and district.
• Flexible: You can study when it’s convenient for you, alone or with your peers.
• Performance-based: Unlike “sit-and-get” certifications, NEA micro-credentials are awarded based on demonstrated mastery of the subject matter, not just for showing up.

Learn more and sign up here.

WEA offers a host of cutting-edge professional development for WEA members to maintain their certification requirements. Classes and workshops are offered at discounted prices or no cost to members, valuable clock hours and credit, all over the state, and online too. 

The Professional Educator Standards Board has released new guidance for the state’s Paraeducator Certificate program, given this year's school closures. All school districts now have until the end of next school year to provide all four days of training on the Fundamental Course of Study. 

Districts that chose to offer the complete FCS training this year will be reimbursed for the additional training days at a rate of $218 per completed day of training per paraeducator.

Please note that in-person training requirements are not being waived. Seven of the 28 hours of FCS training must be conducted in person, but the deadline is not until the end of the 2020-21 school year. The remaining 21 hours of FCS training can, if the district chooses, be completed online.

College and university teacher preparation programs are being granted flexibility in regards to how students can complete their coursework and program requirements.

While candidates are required to take a basic skills assessment, they may choose to submit evidence of taking an alternative or equivalent basic skills test. Prep programs can offer a conditional acceptance to those who have not yet taken the basic skills test or full acceptance to those who have completed the requirement. Some candidates may be eligible for a one-year emergency certificate. Check the WEST assessment website for guidelines on test center closings and rescheduling procedures. There is also new guidance to support candidates for candidates and for prep programs that are being impacted by COVID-19. Find more information on dual endorsement questions/requirements and emergency certificates here. Most organizations that process fingerprints are not open. OSPI is providing guidance on how to handle during the interim. Professional Educator Advisory Board meetings are continuing online during this time.