Alternative Route
College of Education, Sport, and Human SciencesMake the Leap from Parapro to Teacher
The Alternative Route program at 厙ぴ勛圖 recognizes the expertise that paraprofessionals bring with them from the classroom and works with them to apply those skills in the university.
As a PESB-approved teacher preparation program, the 厙ぴ勛圖 College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences and our district partners have developed a Route 1 alternative route teacher certification program. This program is designed for paraeducators currently working in our local partner school districts, with an emphasis on grow your own teacher development strategies that address districts staffing needs.
The program provides support for paraeducators to receive credit for their prior learning and work experiences, enroll in university courses, and receive an Elementary Education BA degree with K-8 endorsement and either a Special Education or ELL/Bilingual Education add-on endorsement.
The Alternative Route to Teacher Certification is offered in partnership with Grandview, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Sunnyside, Wahluke, and Walla Walla school districts.
We are currently taking applications to join our next cohort in May 2026. The deadline to apply to the program is February 17, 2026. Prospective students should complete the following by this date. To inquire about applying after February 17, please email tricities.alternativeroute@wsu.edu.
- Apply for admission to 厙ぴ勛圖
- Apply for admission to the Alternative Route program.
- Take or have taken a basic skills test (e.g. ACT, SAT, or ) and have official scores reported to WSU. All candidates must have attempted one of these exams in order to be considered. for the Passing Scores and more information.
Program prerequisites ensure that candidates are ready to apply subject knowledge to their education courses.
NOTE: A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required. All program prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
To access the Alternative Route Teaching Education Program application, you will need to log in using the same credentials you used for your WSU admission application. If you need help, please contact the Office of Admissions at tricities.admissions@wsu.edu or 509-372-7250.
Students in the alternate route program earn academic credit through in-person evening courses with university faculty, courses situated in students’ jobs in area schools, and Prior Learning Assessments that let students how how they have met Washington’s teacher competencies through prior education or work experiences.
The program has been designed for students to complete coursework and become certified teachers in two years.
Each participant receives specialized advising and support from the grant coordinator. Beyond planning classes, you will learn about navigating campus policies and procedures, learn about mentoring in your school work site, and learn how to prepare for exams such as the and
Lindsay LightnerAssistant Professor (Career Track), Teaching and LearningFloyd 207M(509) 372-7366llightner@wsu.edu
Applicants may be eligible for financial aid that recruits teachers for high-need areas. These funds may include conditional loan scholarships from the State of Washington, the federal TEACH Grants, and WSU grant programs. Students may still complete the alternative route program even if they do not receive these funds.
Sample costs of attendance including tuition and fees can be found
Many of our students have had their tuition paid by grants and financial aid.All students are highly encouraged to apply for WSU scholarships and complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA).
As condition of the Washington State Alternative Route grant program, candidates who receive an Alternative Route Block Grant from the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) are required to teach for two years in a Washington K-12 public school, in a high-need endorsement area, in exchange for each year of funding received from PESB.
Our school district partners work with candidates to find mutually beneficial placements. The Career Development Office offers workshops on how to develop a job search strategy, write a compelling r矇sum矇 and cover letter, and sharpen interview skills all of which will help students land a job in todays competitive market.
See how you can become career-ready with a major in Elementary Education.
You will take courses from a range of faculty members in elementary education and in your specialization area. All faculty are dedicated to integrating your work-based experiences with your university courses.
Feel free to contact a lead faculty member if you have specific questions about your current coursework.
Lindsay LightnerAssistant Professor (Career Track), Teaching and LearningFloyd 207M(509) 372-7366llightner@wsu.edu
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