WashingtonSB 62782025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning the ongoing review of approved teacher and principal preparation programs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New placement plans for student teachers

Beginning January 1, 2027, approved teacher preparation programs, including alternative routes, must make student-teacher placement plans with willing nearby districts. Plans must consider high-need subjects, including special education and English language learning, and high-need areas, including Title I and rural schools. Plans must consider mentors rated at least level 3 on both evaluation criteria 3 and 6. These cover meeting individual students’ learning needs and using student data to improve teaching, based on the latest comprehensive evaluation. Mentors must have completed or be receiving mentoring training. Plans may use unspent state or federal funds for residencies and mentoring for students likely to keep teaching in partner districts. The law adds no separate funding appropriation. Programs must submit and update plans on the board’s schedule, at least every three years, replacing the even-numbered-year deadline. The board must post plans and updates online.

Public reviews for teacher and principal programs

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington’s Professional Educator Standards Board must periodically review fully approved teacher and principal preparation programs. Reviews must cover program standards, educator role standards, program evidence, and input from community members and school partners. Partners include preschool–12th grade classroom educators and district administrators with direct experience. The board must regularly update reviews for classroom needs and changes in state and federal requirements. It must post results online in a format that helps people compare programs. When programs fall short, the board must notify them of its response and require them to identify corrective steps.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lisa Wellman
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 132 • No: 10

House vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 86 • No: 7 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

Effective date 6/11/2026*.
3/14/2026Senate
Chapter 49, 2026 Laws.
3/14/2026Senate
Governor signed.
3/14/2026legislature
Delivered to Governor.
3/10/2026legislature
Speaker signed.
3/5/2026legislature
President signed.
3/4/2026legislature
Third reading, passed; yeas, 86; nays, 7; absent, 0; excused, 5.
3/3/2026Senate
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/3/2026Senate
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/27/2026Senate
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/25/2026Senate
ED - Majority; do pass.
2/23/2026Senate
ED - Executive action taken by committee.
2/23/2026Senate
First reading, referred to Education.
2/14/2026Senate
Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 0.
2/12/2026Senate
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/12/2026Senate
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
2/10/2026Senate
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
2/4/2026Senate
Minority; without recommendation.
2/4/2026Senate
EDU - Majority; do pass.
2/4/2026Senate
First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
1/22/2026Senate
Introduced
1/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

Session Law
3/17/2026
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/12/2026
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/23/2026
HTML PDF

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