Renton School District teams with Seattle University to create Teacher Endorsement Academies

Statewide and U.S. need for highly-qualified teachers drives district to create own university-level endorsement program

June 25, 2008—School districts across Washington state and the U.S. are in dire need of highly qualified mathematics, reading and Special Education teachers. Most districts struggle each year to hire enough of these teachers to cover classroom needs as demands increase and as graduates of mathematics programs take higher-paying jobs in other industries.

The supply of teachers in these high-needs areas grows exponentially each year. In 2007 districts across the state reported more than 550 vacancies for mathematics teachers, second only to Special Education teachers.

To attract and maintain teachers in these high-needs areas, the Renton School District has teamed with Seattle University (SU) to establish Teacher Endorsement Academies to endorse teachers in the areas of mathematics, reading and Special Education. The program is unique to Renton and required a close working relationship between Renton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel and Seattle University Dean of Education Sue Schmitt.

Classes are taught at various locations throughout the district by SU math professors, along with qualified district administrators and teachers.

Cost for the credit hour courses is offered to Renton teachers by SU for a low $100, a fraction of the normal $580 fee. Sponsorship of a teacher through a complete endorsement program is only $2,200.

To help teachers pay for the courses, the district is pursuing funding from local businesses and citizens to either dramatically reduced or fully cover the cost. The Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce is working to help sponsor the program through a “Sponsor a Teacher” fund where Chamber members and organizations would donate $2,000 to pay the tuition, books and fees for a teacher.

For more information, and to sponsor a teacher, contact Jane Goetz, Director, Curriculum & Instruction, 425.204.2403. Click here for an informational brochure.