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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.