When Hilda Lail moved from Mexico City to Washington in 1999, she was a trained journalist who planned to stay just long enough to learn English. Twenty-five years later, she's the Bilingual Family Engagement and Partnership Coordinator for Vancouver Public Schools—and she's become the lifeline she wishes she'd had.

In this powerful conversation, Hilda shares what it's really like to navigate American schools as an immigrant parent, and how that experience transformed into a career helping thousands of families find their way.

What happens when an art school graduate realizes her true calling is in special education? Makena Gadient's journey from Cornish College of the Arts to becoming a high school special education teacher is anything but typical—and that's exactly what makes it so valuable.

After graduating in 2016, Makena became a paraeducator in Seattle Public Schools, drawing on years of experience supporting her younger sister who has cerebral palsy. Then the pandemic hit, her art opportunities disappeared, and she started asking: "Is it time?"

When Ferosa Bano migrated from Fiji to the United States in 1999, she brought with her more than just dreams of a new life. She carried the values of her homeland, a deep passion for children, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Today, as a paraeducator in Federal Way Public Schools, Ferosa's story is a testament to perseverance, cultural adaptation, and the profound impact one dedicated educator can have on countless young lives.

If you're in high school or the parent of someone who is, and you're hearing terms like Running Start, CTE Dual Credit, College in the High School, or AP classes -- it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here, we break it all down in plain talk so you can figure out which path might work best for you or your student.

Choosing the right teaching endorsement can feel overwhelming, but it's one of the most important decisions you'll make in your education career. Think of your endorsement as your teaching specialty – it defines what subjects and grade levels you're certified to teach in Washington State.

Ready to become a teacher but feeling overwhelmed by testing requirements? You're not alone! Let's break down exactly what you need to know about Washington State's teacher certification tests – and turn that anxiety into confidence.

Think you missed your chance to become a teacher? Let's shatter that myth right now! Career changers bring incredible value to Washington's classrooms, and there are multiple pathways designed specifically for your success.

Think you know the reality of teaching careers? Let's bust some major myths that might be keeping you from pursuing your education dreams in Washington State!

Driven by a mission to address the Washington state teacher shortage, Carla serves as the Teacher-Coordinator for a multi-district teacher academy, representing Hazen, Lindbergh, and Renton schools. Carla plays a number of vital roles within the teaching community. She is responsible for student, mentor, and stakeholder recruiting, as well as providing continued documentation for grant application, evaluation, data collection, and reporting.

Today, Alex Castro-Wilson is a 26-year-old, 5th grade teacher at Benson Hill Elementary. He began his career in 2012 as a paraeducator in the Learning Assist Program (LAP), at Bryn Mawr Elementary in the Renton School District.

Meet Teresa Garcia, former lead teacher, and present-day director of The College for Kids Bilingual Daycare—an Early Childhood Center in the Federal Way School District. At the Center, Teresa is responsible for keeping the environment safe and the daily operations running smoothly.

David Hurt, a 41-year-old paraeducator in the Renton School District, plays an essential role in the classroom. When a teacher hands out an assignment, David is the one responsible for helping the students complete it. He takes care of details that keep students safe and teachers supported.

With the help of experts on the topic and samples from various colleges, the Construction Center of Excellence and the Center of Excellence for Careers in Education have developed a toolkit that includes documents that we hope will assist you in the development and maintenance of an Advisory Board that will meet your program's needs.