Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) Program Admissions Application - Cohort 8 (2027-28)

About the role

The Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) is a tuition-free pathway to earning a teaching certification in Seattle Public Schools. It is tailored for aspiring educators of color and supports individuals at various educational stages.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students.
• Plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and whole groups which may include at-risk or special needs youth.
• Prepares lesson plans.
• Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the well-being of the students and the nature of the learning activities, program, and/or curriculum involved.
• Implements established program or curriculum objectives.
• Attends in-service training and continues to improve professional growth through study and experimentation to remain current in methods and techniques for instruction.
• Establishes and implements, in a positive and supportive manner, classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct.
• Provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage students to meet standards of achievement and conduct.
• Makes referrals for assistance where appropriate.
• Confers with students, parents or guardians, and other staff, maintaining an open positive relationship as appropriate to provide guidance and evaluation, and to encourage student achievement.
• Establishes classroom goals and objectives, in conformity with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations, and guidelines.
• Evaluates and records student progress.
• Prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• Collections and interprets a variety of data; provides reports for administrative purposes.
• Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
• Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement.
• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position.

Requirements

• One full-time year of experience working directly with children.
• Pathway 1: Possession of a high school diploma or GED, fewer than 75 earned college credits.
• Pathway 2: Possession of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or equivalent, eligible for transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
• Pathway 3: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any field, eligible for admission into an alternative route teacher certification program or teacher residency (e.g., City University of Seattle, University of Washington, or Seattle Teacher Residency).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working or volunteering with children, youth, or in educational settings.
• Strong connection to and investment in the Seattle community.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, equity, and culturally responsive education.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in teaching with Seattle Public Schools.

Supplemental Information

• Three (3) references from your current/most recent supervisors: Please provide first and last name and accurate email address of your current/ most recent supervisors.
• If you are a current or former SPS employee, one of your references must be your last or current SPS supervisor.
• It is your responsibility to notify your references to complete and return the reference information to SPS as soon as possible.
• SPS will not be able to confirm for you whether your references have been completed and received.
• If references are not received within 30 days, your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be processed.
• You will have to reapply if still interested.

Seattle Public Schools benefits

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Salary Schedule

Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.

Application Instructions

Have you earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

References

Please provide first and last name and accurate email address of your current/ most recent supervisors.