Career Pathway Overview

Discover Career Pathways in Education

In Washington’s education system, there are many different grade levels, ages, and subjects to explore. While this may seem overwhelming, there are just three main career pathways in education. To simplify your process, we’ve pulled together resources and information about each pathway, so you can explore the career choices that most interest you. 

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators work with young children and their families from birth through third grade, in a variety of settings including child care centers, school-based programs, at-home settings, or other educational settings.

Learn more about this pathway.

Education Paraprofessionals

Paraeducators are school employees who work alongside, and/or under the direction of, a licensed or certificated educator. Their main role is to support and assist in providing both instructional and non-instructional services to children, youth, and their families. 

Learn about the paraeducator pathway.

Certificated Teacher

When most people think of “teachers” in the traditional sense, the certificated teacher is the career they are imagining. Teacher certification, also called teacher licensure, is the credential that allows educators to instruct students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Learn about the many options to become a certificated teacher.