WA SB5693

Establishes formal teacher residency programs requiring a full year of collaborative hands-on classroom teaching with an experienced mentor, at least 900 hours of preservice clinical practice, and concurrent academic coursework through partnerships between school districts and board-approved teacher preparation programs.

Creates a new teacher apprenticeship program approved by both the Washington Apprenticeship and Training Council and the Professional Educator Standards Board, requiring 2,000 hours of on-the-job mentored teaching experience for individuals with bachelor's degrees seeking initial certification without a graduate degree.

Renames educator certificates to reduce confusion: "residency certificate" becomes "initial certificate" and "professional certificate" becomes "continuing certificate," effective July 1, 2026.

Expands the alternative route and teacher residency conditional scholarship program to include teacher residency program participants, providing financial assistance for up to two academic years to encourage individuals to become teachers in shortage areas.

Amends multiple sections of RCW to update terminology throughout educator certification statutes, including requirements for basic skills assessments, subject endorsements, and certification renewal processes.