Inclusive Education Teacher Scholars

Now accepting inquiries for Summer 2024!

The WIETS 2024 program is a two-year cohort-based teacher education residency program, which results in a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with a major in Multilingual Special Education*.

Join us for an upcoming Information Session:

  • Tuesday, February 13th: 5 - 6pm
  • Wednesday, March 13th: 5 - 6pm

Follow the Zoom link to join any of the sessions.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Contact Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu for more information.

What

The Woodring Inclusive Education Teacher Scholars Program is a Route 1 Alternative Route cohort-based teacher training program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Education with a Washington State Residency Certificate with dual endorsements in Special Education (P-12) and English Language Learners (ELL) (P-12) and/or Bilingual Education (BE) (P-12).*

*Program pending Western Washington University curriculum council approval.

Who

Candidates will work as paraeducators in schools throughout Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent and Renton school districts. Available to current employees (instructional staff) and new applicants. Whether you are multilingual yourself, or an English speaker eager to work with multilingual learners, this program is for you! To be considered, candidates must meet the following:

  • A Direct Transfer Agreement Associate Degree (DTA-AA) from a Washington State community college, bachelor’s degree, or satisfaction of Western Washington University’s General University Requirements (GURs) (If you attended schools outside of the United States, an International Evaluation will be required. See link for specific requirements.)
  • A minimum 2.75 GPA (cumulative or last 45+ graded credits)
  • Meet the West-B/Basic Skills requirement
  • Meet the English composition course requirement with a minimum grade of B-
  • Meet the math prerequisite with a minimum grade of C

For more information on WWU admission requirements, contact Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu.

Where

Teacher Scholars work in schools within Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent and Renton school districts. Content is delivered through a hybrid educational model, with online and in-person instruction held at the Puget Sound ESD. Courses are offered during weekday evenings. Summer quarter schedules may vary. 

Puget Sound ESD 
800 Oakesdale Ave SW
Renton, WA 98057

When

The program is 8 quarters across two years (Summer 2024 – Spring 2026). The program is currently accepting inquiries for Summer 2024. A new cohort is projected to start each summer.

Why

Special education and multilingual education are areas of significant teacher shortage across the state and nation. This Multilingual Special Education program addresses teacher shortages and trains future teachers in best practices in both special and multilingual education. There is a significant and growing need for educators trained to work with students who are eligible for both special education and multilingual development support/services. Pursuit of a major in Multilingual Special Education can uniquely position you to respond to this need!

How

Teacher Scholars work as instructional staff (e.g., paraprofessionals) in their sponsoring district (i.e., Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, Renton). While in this job-embedded learning role, they practice teaching and develop their inclusive education skills through Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education.

Scholarships

Limited grant conditional loan scholarship seats may be available. Scholarship seats are provided by the Professional Educator Standards Board through a conditional loan scholarship totaling $16,000 per recipient. 

Additional financial aid opportunities may be available through Western Washington University. See Financial Aid Checklist for important information regarding FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). See Budgeting Guide for estimated expenses and Scholarship Resource Guide for scholarship ideas.

Endorsements Offered

Special Education (P-12) and English Language Learners (ELL) (P-12) and/or Bilingual Education (BE) (P-12).

Next Steps

Please contact us early so that we can help ensure that you are ready to start! We are happy to review your transcripts and provide guidance—community college, other colleges, international. For more information on admission requirements, contact Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu.

  • Current partners are Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent and Renton school districts. Other districts may join us.
    • If you are currently employed in one of these districts, or are interested in applying in order to participate in the program, please contact us at the email below:
    • Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu.

Faculty & Staff Contacts

Aaron Perzigian, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair; Director of WIETS and Dual Endorsement Programs

Miranda Myers Barker

Program Coordinator

(She, her, hers)

Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu

(360) 650-6292 | Working Remotely