About the Center

At the Center, we pride ourselves on being Washington State’s best resource for careers in education. The Center of Excellence for Careers in Education is a statewide resource, designed to respond to the workforce training needs and related interests of educational institutions in Washington State. Established in 2005, and located at Green River College in Auburn, WA, the Center receives funding from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Through innovation and collaboration with other organizations and professionals, we strive to do the following:

● Support the preparation and development of future educators.

● Highlight and share best practices around the education system.

● Develop professional development and training opportunities for current education professionals.

What We Do

The Center partners with organizations in the state’s education system to support workforce education and provide a robust pipeline of community representative future educators.

“Creating equitable opportunities for current and future educators across our state—regardless of their background—is not only what’s best for Washingtonians, it’s an economic imperative.”
— Jamie Wells, Director, Careers in Education Center of Excellence

Support Future Native Teachers

For example, we partner with the Washington Education Association (WEA), and Washington’s native tribes, to support the Future Native Teachers Initiative: a teacher training camp for Washington’s native American students that aims to increase the number of native students in the teaching profession.

Strive for Equity

The Teaching Equity Network is another source of pride for the Center. Created by a cohort of diverse educators, and supported by a consortium of state organizations—including OSPI, PESB, and WEA—the Teaching Equity Network shares best practices and administers grants that allow local institutions to promote equity in the education system.

Support for the Workforce

In support of workforce education, we assembled an advisory board for the Workforce Deans Academy at the Center. Now, there is a modernized curriculum for workforce professionals who have a clear commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Connecting and Developing Washington’s Education System

For the purpose of gathering continual input, we maintain an active advisory board that meets on a quarterly basis. The board members play a critical role in identifying industry priorities and connecting the Center to new partnerships and collaborations. Comprised of educators and industry leaders, the board helps identify and shape Center related initiatives and activities. Often, they will share industry-related needs, job skill gaps, emerging trends, and new technologies.

The Center’s Role in Economic Growth

Centers are flagship institutions that build and sustain Washington's competitive advantage through statewide leadership. Each Center focuses on a targeted industry that drives the state’s economy. In addition, each Center is built upon a reputation for fast, flexible, and quality education and training programs.

Learn more about the Centers of Excellence

For additional information on the 11 centers in Washington State visit: