Become a Teacher in Washington
At $45,724*, Washington was ranked 20th for average teacher salaries in 2005. Contrary to what much of the public may say, this is not a bad salary compared to living expenses in much of the state of Washington. If you happen to enjoy spending your time with your community's youth and feel the rewards of contributing to society, then this salary will appear much more acceptable. However, with this being said, the job of a teacher is becoming exceedingly important in terms of our global market. Salaries have not yet begun to reflect this, but it is only a matter of time before a Washington teacher's salary will begin to climb up along side those of engineers and computer scientists.
Future Washington Teachers:
The life of a teacher is constantly improving. For those who are ambitious and honestly wish to make a positive impact on their students, Washington is a great place to begin. Mentoring programs and incentives for new teacher retention are getting much more attention lately. Compensation for higher education and higher qualifications are on the rise as well. Gather information on certification and advanced degree programs.
Washington is an increasingly desirable place to live these days. Those starting out teaching in Washington will need to take into consideration perks of the state. What is lacking in salaries will be made up for in rising real estate costs once you have purchased your first home.
Current Washington Teachers and Administrators: If you are an experienced teacher or administrator in Washington who wishes to create mobility for your career, an ability to be the best educator you can be and also earn a more satisfying salary, consider earning your Master's degree, PhD or Administrative Credentials from an accredited university.
* NEA 2005 Stats
All Teacher Schools
Schools offering both online and campus-based education programs in Washington:
Online: (or skip down to campus-based schools)
University of Phoenix Online Campus
Programs: BA, Master's, PhD, EdD, Certification
Walden University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Certification, Bachelor's, Master's
Ashford University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Certification/Licensing, Bachelor's
Western Governors University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Preparation, Bachelor's, Master's
==> Find All Online Teacher Education Schools
Campus:
Argosy University
Locations: Seattle
Programs: Master's, EdD
University of Phoenix
Locations: Spokane
Programs: Teacher Certification, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, EdD
Steps to Become a Teacher in Washington
Washington Teaching Salaries
Washington Department of Education
Washington Teaching Jobs
Secondary Teacher Education
Early Childhood Education
Special Education
Technology Education
Administrator Education
Teacher Credentialing
Elementary Licensure
Secondary Licensure
Early Childhood Education
Leadership in Ed Administration
"I decided to go to graduate school and earn my Master of Arts in Education because I am inspired by new knowledge. I feel in order to perform my job to the best of my ability, I need to keep up with current practices and trends in the field of education."
- Sara Marvez
-- 6th grade science teacher
"Gaining my Masters degree has earned me respect from Administrators and colleagues. Also, my salary has benefitted greatly. The cost of graduate school was paid off in only a couple years."
- Thomas Bjornson
-- high school english teacher
"Postgraduate study was a personal goal of mine and completing my Masters degree has given me a great sense of personal satisfaction, it has also increased my efficiency in the classroom and my marketability in the job market."
- Janet O'Reilly
-- 8th grade social studies teacher
"I found my online courses efficient and friendly. I had a desire to go to graduate school, but I didn't want to go through the nonsense of another undergraduate degree, bumping shoulders with students a third my age who have very little understanding of real life or the benefits of real knowledge. A friend recommended online education and I haven't looked back since.
At the age of 53, I love my job more than ever. I get so much satisfaction knowing that many of my students respect me for what I do as a teacher.
I am able to face any sort of situation that arises in my classroom with complete confidence."
- Jonathan Lloyd
-- high school chemistry teacher
Average Beginning Teacher Salary:
$31,753 Average Teacher Salary: $47,602 Average Administrator Salary:
$77,740 Elementary School Principals:
$82,414 Middle School Principals:
$87,866High School Principals:
$92,965
On average, teachers with masters degrees will earn $8,000 to $10,000 more each year than those with only a bachelors degree.
Consequently, in order to attain a position as an administrator, a masters, PhD or Ed D. is required.
On average, Administrators will earn around $30,000 more each year than their hard working, teacher cohorts!
* BLS Statistics