How to Become a High School Science Teacher in Washington State

Applicants to a state-approved teacher-prep program in Washington state must first pass the WEST-B basic skills test or an approved equivalent. The WEST-B test is scored on a scale between 100 and 300. There are three parts, or sub-tests, to the WEST-B test: math, writing, and reading. A score of at least 240 must be achieved in all three sub-tests.

The price to take the WEST-B is $177 for a single session that covers all three tests. Taking each test separately is also an option, albeit a pricier one, with the fee to take each test in a separate session costing $75 apiece.

The more nationally known SAT/ACT tests are among those approved to be used in place of the WEST-B.

There are a number of approved teacher-prep programs in the state of Washington. Admission to one of these programs will require a passing score of the WEST-B test or an approved equivalent. Additionally, many colleges and universities will have their own guidelines regarding admission. The Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) website maintains an up-to-date list of approved courses in the state. These programs will develop students into capable teachers through the ''traditional route to teaching'' path that includes certification and student teaching. In addition to the general education courses offered by these programs, a specialization or ''endorsement'' is required to be certified to specifically teach science to high school students. The specializations recognized by the state of Washington for science fields are biology, chemistry, physics, and science.

Following completion of an accredited program, additional testing in the specific subject an educator will teach in is also required. In science, those tests are the National Evaluation Series tests administered by Pearson. The subject tests in science are the NES Biology, NES Chemistry, NES Physics, or NES General Science tests. Each test has a fee of $95 and must have a score of 220 to be considered passed.

Applicants who completed their teacher-prep program outside the state of Washington can apply to have up to a year to complete the testing required by the state. Additionally, there are many tests that can be supplied in lieu of the WEST-B and NES tests. The website of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website. A passing score is still required on all equivalent tests.

New teachers require two forms of certification in Washington in order to begin teaching. First, the Pre-Residency Certificate is required in order to complete an approved accredited program. This certificate is usually included as part of the final curriculum in an in-state Washington program. Applicants must submit their fingerprints to OSPI to be certified.

Second, the Teacher College Recommendation Certificate is required to actually begin teaching in a Washington public classroom. This requires successfully completing a teacher-prep program, meeting requirements for a pre-residency or residency certificate, and passing all WEST-B and NES testing.

The Residency Teacher Certificate takes the place of the Pre-Residency Certificate for out-of-state applicants. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, background check, copies of transcripts, and passing scores on all required testing (or equivalents) are all required to be submitted to OSPI for consideration of the Residency Certificate.

All educators in the state of Washington must have submitted their fingerprints to the OSPI and agree to a background test. They must also be of good moral character and adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct published by OSPI.

Provided below are additional test prep resources to make the transition to teaching high school science in Washington state:

• WEST-B Reading, Writing, Mathematics Practice and Study Guide
• NES Physics (308) Practice and Study Guide
• NES Chemistry (306) Practice and Study Guide
• NES Biology (305) Practice and Study Guide
• NES General Science (311) Practice and Study Guide