This bill establishes new teacher residency and apprenticeship programs in Washington State, aimed at enhancing teacher preparation through hands-on experience and mentorship. It introduces a teacher residency model that requires a formal partnership between a school district or charter school and a board-approved teacher preparation program. Key requirements for the residency include at least 900 hours of preservice clinical practice, the assignment of a preservice mentor for co-teaching, and the provision of funding and stipends for residents and mentors. Additionally, public funds allocated for these programs cannot be used for campaign, advocacy, or union activities.

The bill also outlines a teacher apprenticeship model that must be approved by both the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board. This model requires 2,000 hours of mentored teaching experience, with a portion of that time potentially counting as paraeducator work. Starting September 1, 2025, entities must obtain approval from the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board before applying to operate a teacher apprenticeship model or making changes to their partnerships with schools. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured and supportive pathway for developing effective teachers in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.102.110, 28A.410.045, 28A.410.220, 28A.410.2211, 28A.410.226, 28A.410.250, 28A.410.251, 28A.410.252, 28A.410.278, 28A.410.290, 28A.660.020