Teacher Certification that Works for You
About ESD-U
About ESD-U
ESD-U is a PESB approved provider of non-traditional teacher certification and professional development in southwest Washington and beyond. This residency-based teaching certification program supports a “grow your own” partnership with local districts and offers Route 2, 3, and 4, as well as a “retooling” route for currently certified teachers seeking to add an endorsement.
ESD-U is a hybrid program, with all courses held virtually with real-time instruction plus opportunities for in-person participation in select sessions. The program is intended to be completed within 1 year (July to June) with courses occurring in the summer, on Saturdays, and occasionally Wednesday evenings. Candidates will finish in early or late June, depending on endorsement area.
Your path to becoming a teacher starts here
Click to learn more about each program:
Who to Contact
Who to Contact
General Questions
Email: esd-u@esd112.org
Phone: 360-952-3454
Website: esd-u.esd112.org
Sign up for an informational session
Learn more about ESD-U at an Informational Session where we walk prospective candidates through the application process and requirements. Sign up today >
Field Supervisor Interest Form
If you are interested in becoming an ESD-U field supervisor and providing support for pre-service teachers, please fill out the Field Supervisor Interest Form.
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Professional Development News
Hockinson graduate leads the way in lifesaving training
ESD 112 employees recently engaged in CPR training led by Evan Taylor, a recent graduate of Hockinson High School. Taylor, who graduated in June, owns Taylored Instruction, a business that offers a variety of training [...]
ESD-U Cohort celebrates milestones at in-person event
Candidates enrolled in ESD-U's Special Education, Elementary Education, and English Language Learner cohorts gathered at ESD 112's Conference Center for a professional conference-style event on Saturday, June 1. This event, one of only two in-person [...]
ESD 112 offers pathways to working in a classroom and beyond
ESD 112’s mission has always been to equalize educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs. It’s in these partnerships and programs that we help districts “grow their own” teachers [...]
Educational Service Districts join forces to bolster software support for school districts
Three Educational Service Districts (ESDs) have united to enhance their software support capabilities. Last fall, ESD 105, ESD 112, and ESD 171 jointly announced plans to establish the Greater Columbia River Information Service Center (GCRISC) [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.