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Kennewick School District approved as WEA apprenticeship residency partner; board praises Amazing Shake and student outcomes
Summary
Board announced district selection as a WEA apprenticeship residency partner for cohort 4, described next steps for recruitment and noted community programs such as the Amazing Shake and TriTech impact on students.
The Kennewick School District announced it has been approved as a partner site for the WEA apprenticeship residency program for the 2026–27 cohort, a district official told the board.
Superintendent Dr. Pierce said the district worked with the Kennewick Education Association and submitted a joint application; the Washington Education Association (WEA) will include the district in cohort 4. The program hires paraeducators into an 18‑month apprenticeship/residency while they complete coursework for a teaching certificate and endorsement in special education. After completing the residency and certification, participants commit to teaching with the district for at least three years. Dr. Pierce said the district expects statewide recruiting assistance from the WEA team and hopes to enroll “at least a couple of candidates” for the next cohort.
Rob Woodford, president of the Kennewick Education Association, was identified in meeting remarks as present; board members thanked the association for partnering on the application.
Board members also praised the Amazing Shake, a district program that helps students practice soft skills such as introductions, handshakes and professional conversations. Several board members said the program builds social-emotional learning and life skills; one board member described how TriTech transformed a student’s postsecondary plans and said the district should consider expanding the Amazing Shake.
Board members reported local outreach activities, school visits and participation in community events. One director said he is exploring formation of a Kennewick School Foundation — an independent nonprofit to raise funds for programs not covered in the district budget — and asked community members to contact him if interested.
The superintendent said the district will continue pursuing recruiting strategies to address special education staffing needs and that information sessions and recruitment for the apprenticeship residency are next steps.
