Applications for the 2025-2026 ESD-U cohort are now open. This one-year, residency-based, flexible teacher certification program offers alternative routes to teacher certification for individuals with bachelor’s degrees. Compared to traditional certification routes, it costs just $9,500, compared to the average of $28,550 at a college or university.

“ESD-U is both time and cost effective,” said Alissa Jolly, ESD-U Program Specialist. “Because we are a one-year program and our coursework and field experience requirements can be aligned with work being done through school or district positions, ESD-U can save you time as well as money.”

Learn More at an Upcoming Information Session

Curious about the program? ESD-U will be hosting free virtual information sessions on Zoom over the next four months. Attendees will learn about the application process, program structure, and funding opportunities for qualified candidates.

Those interested can register online for one of the following sessions:

  • Wednesday, January 15 @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday, January 27 @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday, February 10 @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 26 @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 12 @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday, March 24 @ 4:00 p.m.

Apply Online

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open and due by April 6, 2025. Candidates can pursue single or dual endorsements in:

  • Elementary Education (Single Endorsement)
  • Special Education (Single Endorsement)
  • Special Education & Elementary Education (Dual Endorsement)
  • English Language Learners & Elementary Education (Dual Endorsement)

Existing certified teachers can add one of the following endorsement areas:

  • Reading
  • English Language Learners (ELL)
  • Elementary Education (ELEM)
  • Special Education (SPED)

Learn more about retooling endorsements >

Affordable & Flexible

Payment Plans Available

Tuition for next year’s cohort vary depending on endorsement:

  • $9,500 for Initial Teacher Certification with a stand-alone endorsement
  • $12,500 for Initial Teacher Certification with dual endorsements
  • $5,500 for teachers who are already certified and seeking to add an endorsement

Candidates may choose from three payment plan options:

  • One lump sum payment at the beginning of the program.
  • Two installments, one at the beginning of the year and one at the midpoint.
  • Monthly installments over the length of the enrollment period, with an additional $250 administrative fee.

Learn more about tuition and payment policy >

Scholarships & Grants

Funding opportunities may be available for qualified candidates through the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

  • Teachers who qualify as retooling candidates can apply for the Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship, a competitive retooling scholarship of up to $3,000, awarded directly through WSAC. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • The Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship and Student Teaching Grant are need-based, and not all applicants will receive an award. These two award programs are offered twice a year. Additional details about these funding opportunities can be found on the WSAC website.

Financial Aid

Because ESD-U is an alternative route certification program and not part of a college or university, no institutional code is used by FAFSA or WAFSA. However, applicants can still qualify for state financial aid!

Don’t let cost be a barrier – find out more by attending an information session or contacting esd-u@esd112.org to discuss your options.

“We make every effort to keep costs low and affordable for ESD-U participants,” Alissa stated. “Throughout the application process, we share information about scholarships, financial aid, and other resources.”

ESD-U is operated by ESD 112, an approved PESB (Professional Educator Standards Board) provider. For more information on programs available through ESD-U, visit the ESD-U website or email esd-u@esd112.org.