Seattle Colleges | Seattle Central College, WA
The Academy for Rising Educators (ARE)
The Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) was established by Seattle Central College (SCC), in collaboration with regional school districts to increase the number of teachers of color, improve student outcomes, and meet local talent needs. When Seattle Central College launched ARE they confronted a stark reality: Black teachers represent just 1% of all teachers in Washington state. Research from Johns Hopkins University shows this matters profoundly—Black students who have even one Black teacher by third grade are 13% more likely to enroll in college, and those who’ve had two are 32% more likely. Through tuition-free, debt-free assistance supported by local government, ARE creates a low-barrier pathway to teaching to ensure area teachers reflect the region’s vibrant communities of color and immigrants.
The program’s innovative approach combines SCC’s Healing Framework—which honors students’ experiences, collective and individual trauma, and most importantly their unique strengths–with community building and multiple entry points and pathways for youth, adults, and current paraeducators to enter into the teaching profession. Students earn a dual degree (AA/DTA and AAS-T) that opens doors to bachelor’s programs at SCC, North Seattle College, or City University. They can also pursue tuition-free master’s degrees at the University of Washington. Throughout their studies, students work as paid instructional assistants or paraeducators with partner districts, gaining hands-on experience while participating in interdisciplinary coursework. After graduation, they’re guaranteed employment as elementary educators at their partner district.
The results speak volumes: over 100 ARE participants now serve as teachers of record, 40 are pursuing master’s degrees, two are in doctoral programs, and the program maintains an impressive 81% retention rate across six cohorts. By rooting teachers in their communities, supporting long-term teaching commitments, and emphasizing anti-racist pedagogy to reach students furthest from educational justice, ARE is transforming both the teaching profession, the lives of future generations, and boosting their local economies.
Upcoming & recent events
The 2025 NCWE Annual Conference was a huge success! Leaders in workforce education shared insights, built connections, and explored innovative ideas.
Want to be part of 2026? Connect with us about sponsoring, speaking, or exhibiting.
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