Bilingual Teaching Fellows-Everett

The Bilingual Teaching Fellows Program (BTF), Everett, is a cohort-based teacher education program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BAE) in Multilingual Elementary Education with a Washington State Residency Certificate with dual endorsements in Elementary Education (K-8) and English Language Learners (ELL, P-12) and/or Bilingual Education (BE, P-12). 

Designed as a Residency / Alternative Route (1 & 2) program, paraeducators are supported in becoming certified teachers while working with multilingual learners. Classroom experience is used to enhance academic and professional learning and candidates are mentored by both university and school-based educators.

Washington State has set an ambitious goal of offering Dual Language Education to all students by 2040. There is a significant and growing need for educators prepared to work with students in dual language programs and with multilingual students in general education classrooms. This program is designed to prepare teachers to value and support their students to become bilingual, biliterate, and to excel academically. Multilingual education is an area of significant teacher shortage across the state and nation. This program prepares future teachers with best practices in elementary and multilingual/dual language education. 

Bilingual Teaching Fellows will work in Dual Language schools or in classrooms serving multilingual learners throughout Snohomish and Skagit Counties. Classes will be held at Everett Community College on weekday evenings, select Saturdays, and during daytime hours in summer. Classes are offered in-person at Everett Community College and complemented with online instruction.

• Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and Initial Teaching License
• Endorsements gained with the completion of this program include: 
  • Elementary Education (K-8)
  • English Language Learners (ELL) (P-12) and/or Bilingual Education (BE) (P-12)
• Small, cohort-based model
• Assets based approach building on strengths
• Focus on language, culture, and educational equity
• Collaborative, hands-on learning environment 
• 7 quarters starting in late August 2025 with graduation in June 2027 (includes one summer quarter)
• Mentorship from application to graduation
• Employment during program working as a paraeducator in a classroom setting
• A new cohort is projected to start each year

During this program, teacher candidates work as paraeducators during the school day while taking classes through Western in the evening and in summer. We partner with school districts throughout Snohomish and Skagit County to integrate professional and academic experiences to support new teacher development.