Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is planning to award a sole source contract valued at approximately $3.25 million to the Washington Education Association (WEA) to support the implementation of an Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching. This program is designed to provide a pathway for individuals holding a bachelor's degree who wish to obtain a special education endorsement, thereby addressing critical staffing needs in the education sector. The contract is scheduled to commence in October 2025 and extend through June 2026, with the primary goal of establishing a Teacher Residency Program that facilitates certification through a structured apprenticeship model. The procurement process emphasizes WEA's unique qualifications, including approval from the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), a proven residency model, and extensive statewide reach, which justify the sole source approach. The contract aims to enhance teacher preparation and certification pathways, particularly in special education, by leveraging WEA’s expertise and existing infrastructure. Interested parties were invited to submit capability statements by October 21, 2025, to demonstrate their ability to meet the program’s specific requirements. The initiative aligns with Washington State policies and aims to strengthen the state's educational workforce through innovative residency and apprenticeship strategies.