Bilingual Teaching Fellows-Renton

Many multiracial people in a group photo.

Join us for an Information Session!

Program Currently Receiving Inquiries for Summer 2025

  • Wednesday, December 11th
  • Thursday, January 23rd
  • Wednesday, February 26th
  • Monday, March 17th

All sessions: 5:00 - 6:00pm

Join Sessions using this Zoom link!

Please feel free to reach out to schedule an individual time to learn more about the program from Christie McLean Kesler (mcleanc@wwu.edu) or Richard Dunn (dunnr4@wwu.edu).

Program Overview

The Bilingual Teaching Fellows program (BTF) is a Route 1, Community Route to Certification partnership between Western Washington University and partner districts in the state of Washington. This two-year, BA completion program, BAE, Multilingual Elementary Education (8 academic quarters) supports employed paraeducators who seek to become K-8 certified teachers (available to current employees and new applicants). 

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

Preference is given to bilingual candidates employed and referred by partner districts. Please contact Miranda.MyersBarker@wwu.edu for more information or questions regarding pre-advising.

Program Highlights

  • Initial licensure program
  • Small, cohort model
  • Collaborative, hands-on learning environment
  • 8 quarters to completion
  • Mentorship from application to graduation
  • Employment during program by working as a MLL paraeducator in a classroom setting

Why Choose BTF as Your Program?

“When I arrived here to the United States 11 years ago, without knowing English, I felt limited in many aspects and that all of my effort to become a working professional was in vain. After finishing the Bilingual Teaching Fellows program, I now know that I am the completion of this dream.

With great pride, I am able to say that WWU and Highline helped an immigrant woman from an impoverished country fulfill her dreams and goals.”

- Angela Madrid, Kindergarten teacher, White Center Heights