STR Application Requirements

All applications for the STR program are submitted through the University of Washington Graduate School online application system. After logging into your account, select the Graduate program: Education – Seattle (MIT – Teacher Education – Elementary Seattle Teacher Residency). For Special Education Pathway applicants, indicate this option under "Area of Interest" in the online application.

We are now looking for candidates for Cohort 12 for the 2024-2025 school year!

Application CycleDeadlineInterview Day*Final Decision Notification Date
Final Application Dates Subject to ChangeDecember 15, 2023February 15, 2024Mid-March 2024 TBD

*Interview Day is a full day consisting of interviews and performance tasks and is a requirement for admission into STR. For Cohort 12, all interviews and activities will be done in-person at UW or John Stanford Center.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@seattleteacherresidency.org

Bachelor's Degree
Your Bachelor’s degree must be completed before starting the STR program in late June. There is no specific major/coursework requirement for the program.
Resume
Your resume should detail relevant work and volunteer experience especially any experience with youth, K-5 setting or service with students. Although not all of our candidates have experience working with students, your resume should highlight your commitment to service, leadership skills and your best attributes. This is an opportunity to shine!
Statements of Purpose (3 Essays)
The Statements of Purpose has 3 sections with separate prompts and maximum word counts. It is recommended that you save them as 3 separate files and submit in PDF format before uploading to the online UW Grad school application. See Statements of Purpose in Application Document.
Three Reference Forms
Each reference should complete a STR reference survey. Editable Word versions are available in links in Application Timeline and Checklist below. You do not need your recommender to write a traditional letter of recommendation; instead, they will complete this reference form and send to Crystal Visperas at crystal@alliance4ed.org. See Three Reference Forms in Application Document.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded in the online application. Official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into the program. Note that if you are a University of Washington graduate, it is not necessary to send official transcripts. All other applicants must submit an official transcript directly from your institution to the Graduate School.
Basic Skills Test (WEST-B or Equivalent) Before Application Deadline
The State of Washington requires all teacher certification candidates take an approved assessment of Basic Skills in writing, reading and mathematics.

Applicants can upload their score report in the online application. If the report is not available to upload, applicants must then send official scores to UW from the testing agency. ACT, SAT, PRAXIS I, and some other tests may also serve as a substitute for the WEST-B exam. You may ask your previous college, high school or College Board/ACT to retrieve your scores. SAT/ACT scores prior to 2005 do not have a writing test that meets the basic skills requirement; if you have older scores, these can be used for reading and/or math. You’ll still need to take the WEST-B writing subtest in order to complete the basic skills assessment. WEST-B Test vouchers are available by emailing crystal@alliance4ed.org
Completed STR and University of Washington Graduate School Application and Application Fee
All candidates and applicants must apply to STR through the UW Grad School portal. Navigate to https://grad.uw.edu/admissions/apply-now/ Select Graduate → Education - Seattle (MIT - Teacher Education - Elementary Seattle Teacher Residency) The complete STR application will be uploaded online. The Grad School non-refundable application fee is $85. The last step before you complete your application is to either pay the $85 application fee or ask for a waiver. If you plan to request an application waiver, please do so at least 7 days before the application deadline as it takes a few days for the waiver to be finalized. See https://grad.uw.edu/admission/application-fee-waivers/ for more details.

We will be looking for candidates for Cohort 12! We are excited for you to apply!

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Seattle Teacher Residency program, you must: hold a 4-year Bachelor’s degree by the time the program starts, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, take the WEST-B test or submit equivalent test scores before the program start deadline, and be legally authorized to work in the United States. For international students, you should have your work authorization complete before applying to the STR program as Seattle Public Schools does not sponsor work visas. If you have questions about this, please email Mike Simmons mlsimmons@seattleschools.org Director of Talent Management of Seattle Public Schools.

What makes an excellent candidate for Seattle Teacher Residency?

Commitment to Social Justice and Racial Equity
Our strongest applicants have a deep belief that all students can learn and a sense of responsibility for student learning. They are open and willing to engage around issues of power, privilege, equity, race, gender, systemic racism, white supremacy and socioeconomic background.
Passion for Service in Seattle Public Schools and Title I Context
STR applicants make a minimum 5-year commitment (post-residency year) to teaching in Seattle Public Schools in schools serving historically marginalized student populations.
Leadership Abilities
Applicants are committed to ongoing learning, collaboration, and communication. They demonstrate resilience, perseverance and ask for support, especially when faced with challenges.
Prior Experience with Youth
Volunteer or professional work experience with K-5 youth is strongly encouraged but not required. In particular, successful and sustained engagement with youth of color is highly valued in the admissions process.
Academic Preparation and Content Knowledge
Applicants should show evidence of being prepared to engage K-5 students in content across subject areas in elementary schools, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. You do not have to be an expert in these subjects, but a willingness to grow and learn in these subjects areas is important.

Past Residents include…

  • Recent college graduates
  • School paraprofessionals and instructional assistants
  • Career changers
  • Master’s degree holders and PhD candidates
  • Parents
  • Out-of-staters
  • AmeriCorps/Peace Corps alumni
  • Ages from 22-60
  • People of all backgrounds and diverse identity markers!

We are excited for you to apply to Cohort 12!