Alternative route programs under this chapter shall operate one to four specific route programs. Successful completion of an alternative route program shall meet the program completion requirements for residency teacher certification. The mentor of the teacher candidate at the school and the supervisor of the teacher candidate from the teacher preparation program provider must both agree that the teacher candidate has successfully completed the program.

(1) Route 1: Providers approved to offer route one programs shall enroll currently employed district staff members seeking residency teacher certification. Candidates enrolled in route one programs may complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less. Program providers and partners shall uphold entry requirements for route one candidates that include:

(a) A transferable associate degree, or associate degree, or associate of applied science, or ninety quarter credits or the equivalent in semester credits from an accredited institution of higher education;

(b) District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of student interaction and leadership.

(2) Route 2: Providers approved to offer route two programs shall enroll currently employed district staff members with baccalaureate degrees seeking residency teacher certification. Candidates enrolled in this route must complete a preresidency intensive academy. Program providers and partners shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

(a) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education;

(b) District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of student interaction and leadership.

(3) Route 3: Providers approved to offer route three programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees who are not employed in the district at the time of application. Candidates enrolled in this route must complete a preresidency intensive academy. Program providers and partners shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

(a) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and

(b) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers.

(4) Route 4: Providers approved to offer route four programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are employed in the district at the time of application, or who hold limited certificates as described in WAC 181-79A-231, or hold initial, continuing, or limited career technical education certificates as described in chapter 181-77 WAC. Candidates enrolled in this route must complete a preresidency intensive academy. The candidate will be delegated primary responsibility for planning, conducting, and evaluating instructional activities in a designated classroom. Program providers and partners shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

(a) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; and

(b) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers.

(5) Applicants for alternative route programs who are eligible veterans or National Guard members and who meet the entry requirements for the alternative route program for which application is made shall be given preference in admission.