Woodring Inclusive education Teaching scholars

What

The Woodring Inclusive Education Teaching Scholars (WIETS) program is a partnership between Highline Public Schools and Western Washington University (WWU). The program supports Highline paraprofessionals to become dually certificated teachers with special education and elementary education endorsements.

Who

The program is available to current Highline employees who hold a minimum of:

• deep understanding of Highline's Special Education programs
• a transferable Associate of Arts (AA) degree or higher
• WEST-B scores

Where

WIETS are placed in schools throughout Highline Public Schools.

When

The second cohort of teaching scholars began in Summer of 2022. Woodring Inclusive Education Teaching Scholars will work and study over two years, and graduate with a teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree. We will begin recruiting for the next cohort starting in winter 2024.

Why

WIETS is a part of a region-wide Grow-Your-Own initiative to diversify the workforce and provide alternative routes to teaching for our current district employees.

The program is designed to support our staff in delivering Our Promise: EVERY STUDENT in Highline Public Schools is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose. 

How

WIETS work full time in paraprofessional roles, maintaining regular salary and benefits. There may be instances where candidates may need to take unpaid leave during their internship quarter. However, the district will work to limit this as much as possible. The program is designed so that candidates' work as paraprofessionals deepen their study with WWU’s Woodring College of Education. Courses are held locally and online.

Cost

An $8,000/year conditional scholarship covers most of the tuition, leaving participants to pay remaining tuition and other fees. Students may be offered admission with or without a conditional loan scholarship. Additional financial aid opportunities may be available to students through WWU.