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Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Homeschool in Washington?
The short answer: No. Washington does not require a teaching degree or teaching certification to homeschool.
The longer answer: You must meet ONE of four qualification pathways, but none of them require traditional teacher certification. Here’s what you actually need to know.
Key Takeaways
- No teaching degree required to homeschool in Washington
- No teaching certificate or credential required
- You must meet ONE of four qualification options
- Most families use the “45 college credits” pathway (quickest, most accessible)
- Certificated teacher supervision is the second most popular option
- You can learn alongside your child—subject mastery grows as you teach
The Four Qualification Pathways
Washington law allows you to qualify in four different ways. You choose which works best for your situation.
Pathway 1: 45+ College Credits (Most Popular)
Have completed 45 or more college-level quarter credits (or equivalent semester hours) at any accredited institution.
What counts:
– Bachelor’s degree (exceeds the requirement)
– Associate degree
– Completed courses from community college, university, or online university
– Any subject area: education, nursing, business, music, engineering, etc.
– Mix of subjects (20 credits in English + 25 credits in science = 45 total)
What doesn’t count:
– High school diploma or GED
– Trade certificates or vocational training
– Life experience or professional expertise (no matter how extensive)
Reality: Most college-educated parents already exceed this threshold. If you completed even part of a bachelor’s degree, you likely qualify.
Advantage: One-time qualification. No ongoing supervision needed. Most portable if you move states.
Pathway 2: Certificated Teacher Supervision
Have a certificated teacher supervise your instruction.
Requirements:
– Teacher must hold valid teaching certification in any subject area
– Must meet with you for an average of one hour per week
– Meetings can be in-person or virtual
– Teacher reviews curriculum and student progress
– Teacher signs off that student is making “reasonable educational progress”
What this means:
– You do the teaching; the teacher provides guidance and accountability
– Teacher doesn’t need to teach every subject—just supervise
– Very flexible arrangement (phone calls, emails, occasional meetings all count)
How to find a supervisor:
– Other teachers in your community (willing to supplement their income)
– Co-op instructors
– Private tutors with teaching credentials
– Online supervisory programs specifically for homeschoolers
– WHO (Washington Homeschool Organization) directory
Cost: Teachers typically charge $50–$150/hour. One hour per week = $4,000–$12,000/year, though some negotiate lower rates.
Advantage: Built-in accountability, professional guidance, and support from a trained educator.
Pathway 3: Postsecondary Home-Based Instruction Course
Complete a course in home-based instruction at an accredited postsecondary institution or vocational-technical school.
What qualifies:
– Online course specifically about homeschooling or home-based instruction
– Community college course on curriculum development or homeschool methods
– University extension course on teaching methods for independent study
– Private organization’s course (if the organization is accredited)
Examples:
– “Introduction to Homeschooling” (online university course)
– “Curriculum Development for Home Schools” (community college)
– “Home-Based Education Methods” (private accredited program)
Cost: Typically $300–$1,500 per course (one-time cost)
Time: 1–6 months depending on the course
Advantage: Specialized training directly relevant to your situation. Good option if you want education-specific preparation.
Pathway 4: Superintendent Approval (Least Certain)
Be deemed sufficiently qualified by your local superintendent.
How it works:
– You request approval from your superintendent
– Superintendent reviews your educational background and qualifications
– Superintendent decides whether you’re adequately qualified
– Superintendent either approves or denies
What superintendents typically consider:
– Educational background (college degree, some college, etc.)
– Professional experience
– Subject expertise in areas you’ll teach
– Demonstrated ability to teach (references, prior teaching experience, etc.)
– Communication and planning skills
Reality: This is discretionary. Your superintendent might approve you with a high school diploma + professional experience in a relevant field, or might require 30 college credits. It’s unpredictable.
Advantage: Most flexible if you have unconventional qualifications (life experience, professional expertise, etc.).
Disadvantage: Not guaranteed. No objective criteria. You’re dependent on your superintendent’s judgment.
Which Pathway Should You Choose?
If you have a college degree or significant college coursework:
Use Pathway 1 (45 credits). You almost certainly qualify. Fill out your Declaration of Intent and you’re done. No ongoing appointments, supervision, or costs.
If you have less than 45 college credits but want professional support:
Use Pathway 2 (teacher supervision). Hire a certificated teacher to supervise for an hour per week. You get guidance, accountability, and professional expertise without the cost of co-op programs.
If you want specialized homeschool training:
Use Pathway 3 (postsecondary course). Take a course, complete it, and qualify. Good option if you want to learn homeschool-specific methods before beginning.
If you have unconventional qualifications:
Use Pathway 4 (superintendent approval). Request approval based on your professional background, experience, or life expertise. Be prepared to make the case clearly.
Can You Teach Subjects You Don’t Know?
Yes. Washington does not require subject-matter expertise. Learning alongside your child is a legitimate educational approach.
Practical strategies:
- Use curriculum with teacher guides — Guides explain concepts clearly
- Online courses — Khan Academy, Outschool, Time4Learning teach subjects to both parent and child
- Video lessons — High-quality educational videos (Apologia, Crash Course, etc.) do the teaching
- Hire a tutor or co-op teacher — For subjects you want professional help on
- Library resources — Often rich enough to learn from together
- Local experts — Musicians for music, scientists for labs, artists for art
The goal is not that you already know everything—it’s that you provide structured instruction using quality materials. Learning happens for you and your child simultaneously.
Do Military Spouses Need Special Qualification?
No. The four pathways apply to all parents equally. If you’re a military spouse moving to Washington:
- If you have 45 college credits: File your Declaration and start (simplest option)
- If you want teacher supervision: Find a supervisor in your new location
- If you need superintendent approval: Contact the local superintendent in your new duty station
Interstate moves are straightforward because Washington’s qualification system is portable.
What About Subject Certification?
You do NOT need to be certified in the subjects you teach. For example:
- You don’t need a math teaching certificate to teach math
- You don’t need a science teaching credential to teach science
- You don’t need any subject credential
This is fundamentally different from public school teachers, who need subject certification. Homeschool parents do not.
What If You Don’t Meet Any Pathway?
If you have less than 45 college credits and don’t want teacher supervision:
- Take some college classes. Community college courses are affordable. 45 quarter credits = roughly 30 semester credits = often 2–4 courses.
- Request superintendent approval. Explain your background and commitment to education.
- Hire a supervisor. Invest in a teacher supervisor for structure and guidance.
- Take a homeschool course. Complete a postsecondary home-based instruction course.
You’re not locked out. Options exist to meet the requirement.
Bottom Line
No teaching degree required. You qualify through one of four straightforward pathways. Most families use the college credits option (many already have them). You can absolutely teach subjects you’re learning alongside your child. Washington’s system trusts parents to do this work effectively.
For complete details on all Washington requirements, see Washington homeschool laws complete guide.
Summary
Washington homeschool law removes the barrier of teacher certification. You don’t need a degree or credential to teach your child. You do need to meet one of four qualification pathways, but all four are accessible to average parents. Choose the pathway that fits your situation, and you’re legally authorized to homeschool in Washington.