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.
As of January 20, 2023, our Cohort 11 application cycle is closed! Congrats to all selected and those who have applied. We will be looking for candidates for Cohort 12 starting in March 2023. Stay tuned!
| Application Cycle | Deadline | Selection Day* | Final Decision Notification Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Application Dates Subject to Change | October 21, 2022 | December 8, 2022 | Mid-End of January 2023 TBD |
| Final Application Dates Subject to Change | January 20, 2023 | March 9, 2023 | End of March 2023 TBD |
*Selection Day is a full day consisting of interviews and performance tasks and is a requirement for admission into STR. All interviews and activities will be done through Zoom.
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!
Statements of Purpose (3 Small 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)
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. You may also submit your ACT/SAT scores as a replacement for the Basic Skills (WEST-B) test. There is no threshold score you need to meet; however, you must submit ACT/SAT scores or submit scores for WEST-B.
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. You may also submit your ACT/SAT scores as a replacement for the Basic Skills (WEST-B) test. There is no threshold score you need to meet; however, you must submit ACT/SAT scores or submit scores for WEST-B.
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. There is a non-refundable $85 UW Grad School application fee due when you are ready to submit your application. Fee waivers can be requested on the final screen before submission and take several business days to process. If needed, you may apply for a financial need fee waiver https://grad.uw.edu/admission/application-fee-waivers/
NES Elementary Education Content Knowledge Test
If accepted into the STR program, all enrolled new Cohort members must take the The NES Elementary Education Subtests I and II (tests 102/103) before the program start date by the end of June 2023 (for Cohort 11). The passing score for NES Subtests I and II are 220. Passage of these subtests are a requirement for teacher certification. The STR Recruiter will hold Study Groups after admissions to help prepare candidates for the exam.
As of January 20, 2023, our Cohort 11 application cycle is closed! We will be looking for candidates for Cohort 12 starting in March 2023. Stay tuned!
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 program.
What are we looking for?
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 Urban Communities
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 from urban settings 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 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!
