Education

Education Sector Leader
Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP)

Sector Leader Contacts:

• Saara Kamal, Program Manager and Facilitator, Saara@cstp-wa.org 

Employer-Identified priority occupations for Career Connected Learning:

• Special Education endorsed teachers
• Bilingual/Multilingual Learner endorsed educators
• Thriving BIPOC educators
• Certificated paraeducators
• Certificated substitute teachers

Career Connected Learning programs needed to address those workforce priorities:

• Stronger induction and mentorship support: The sector needs sustained, high-quality induction programs for student teachers—especially BIPOC educators—that include mentorship, professional development, and guidance throughout the early years of teaching.
• Improved systems collaboration: There is a need for more coordinated structures and shared protocols among institutions and agencies that govern educator preparation, to ensure seamless and supportive pathways for future teachers.
• Residency-based pathways with living wages: Expanding residency-based teacher preparation models that allow candidates to earn a living wage, gain in-classroom experience, and complete both a BA and teaching credential is essential. These comprehensive programs address one of the most significant barriers to entering the profession.

High-impact sector programs supported by CCW and the Sector Leader:

• WSU Teaching Bridge program: A partnership between WSU Tri-Cities, ESD 123, local school districts, and community organizations, the Teaching Bridge program offers cooperative paid internships for students in their first two years at WSU. Participants work as part-time substitute paraeducators, gaining classroom experience, developing professional skills, and strengthening their preparation for a teaching career.
• ElevatEd paraeducator-to-teacher certification pathways: Committed to empowering BIPOC educators through pathways, partnerships, and support that help them thrive as education leaders. The goal is to ensure educators bring their unique strengths into schools—fostering communities that are not only racially just but also deeply humanizing, where all learners can flourish. “CCW and PSESD are providing phenomenal support in the building of the educator pathway.” – Tanya Powers, Highline College
• WEA Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching (WEA-ART): The nation’s first union-led teacher preparation program, WEA-ART is an 18-month apprenticeship that combines rigorous, inclusive, and joyful instruction with practical experience. Apprentices earn a full teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement and are supported to remain in the communities where they train. “The WEA teacher preparation program has impacted my life by introducing me to great mentors who have helped and guided me on my new journey, taught me a lot about teaching and supported me in my assignments.” – Alisia, WEA Apprentice
• Teachers for the People: This CCW-funded initiative supports Indigenous and Native American high school students on their path to becoming educators. Lessons are grounded in Tribal Ways of Being and aim to foster inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms. “It is important to have good teachers because you are giving [students] a room where they feel safe and can be themselves… that is going to lead to amazing learning.” – Senior, Northwest Career & Technical Academy