About the Seattle Teacher Residency
The Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) is a program that trains future educators to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse communities and supports them in securing teaching positions in SPS Title I schools. STR participants earn a Master in Teaching (MIT) degree from the University of Washington College of Education, and upon graduation, commit to teaching in a Seattle elementary or special education setting. Residency graduates reflect the rich diversity of the SPS students they teach, serving at 87% of the district’s Title I schools.
STR Mission & Vision
Our Mission at the Seattle Teacher Residency is to advance racial equity and educational justice by preparing, supporting, and retaining teachers who reflect the diversity of Seattle Public Schools’ students.
Our Vision at the the Seattle Teacher Residency is a future where, through deep partnership and sustained commitment…
- Every student in Seattle Public Schools thrives in a school community led by well-prepared, supported, and empowered educators
- Every educator reflects their community, champions racial equity, and fosters inclusive, just, and joyful learning environments. (rigorous learning environment for kids as well, love of learning)
- Every school community intentionally invests in the futures of students, educators, and families.
Our STR Partners

The Alliance for Education is an independent, local education fund that works in partnership with Seattle Public Schools since 1995 to address big challenges facing Seattle students and schools. The Alliance develops, invests, and partners in programs that advance educational justice and increase racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. The Seattle Teacher Residency is a program of the Alliance, alongside other work designed to challenge systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.
![]()
The University of Washington College of Education strives to transform inequitable systems of education to create just, sustainable and culturally-thriving democracies by engaging in dynamic, collaborative partnerships, practices and research.

Seattle Public Schools, the largest K-12 school system in Washington state, has a deep commitment to every student’s journey. SPS believes it is essential to place the interests of students above all others in every decision made. The core work of Seattle Public Schools is supporting student learning. We believe it is our responsibility to do whatever it takes to ensure that every child, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language proficiency, learning style or disability, achieves to their highest level.
![]()
The Seattle Education Association represents the nearly 5,000 educators who work in Seattle Public Schools. Comprised of both certificated and classified employees, it is the largest local within the Washington Education Association family. The Seattle Education Association is the voice of Seattle’s public school educators, uniting members as powerful activists for professionalism, equity and integrity in public education.