Professional Educator Standards Board

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About the Professional Educator Standards Board

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) consists of twelve members appointed by the Governor, most of whom are practicing educators. PESB is responsible for policy and oversight of Washington’s educator preparation, certification, assignment, and development (RCW). PESB works to strengthen the state’s educator workforce through initiatives that address educator shortage, reduce barriers into the profession, and increase workforce diversity.

Purpose and role

The PESB board establishes policies and requirements for the preparation and certification of Washington’s educators, ensuring that they:

  • Are competent in the professional knowledge and practice for which they are certified.
  • Have a foundation of skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to help students with diverse needs, abilities, cultural experiences, and learning styles to meet or exceed the state learning goals.
  • Are committed to research-based practices and career-long professional development.

PESB also serves as an advisory body to the Superintendent of Public Instruction on issues related to educator recruitment, hiring, mentoring and support, professional growth, retention, evaluation, and revocation and suspension of licensure.

PESB fulfills several roles in Washington’s educational system:

  • Policymaker for educator preparation, certification, continuing education, and assignment
  • Program implementer of legislatively-mandated programs
  • Advocate for mission-related policy, programs, and resources for students and educators
  • Advisor to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction on issues affecting certified educators

Learn more

PESB members

The Professional Educator Standards Board is comprised of members who are currently employed educators from P-12 and educator preparation programs. Board member appointments are made through the Governor’s office. A member will continue to serve on the Board, regardless of term expiration, until the Governor appoints a new member, or the member’s term is renewed.

Member Title and term information
A photo of Adam Aguilera smiling.

Adam Aguilera (Chair)

(Executive committee member)
  • National Board Certified, Evergreen Public Schools, WEA
  • Term two: January 6, 2022 – September 30, 2025

Amy Campbell

(Executive committee member)
  • Special Education Teacher, Helen Baller Elementary School, Camas School District
  • Term one: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2026

Alejandro Castro-Wilson

(Executive committee member)
  • 5th Grade Teacher at Benson Hill Elementary, Renton School District
  • Term one: May 23, 2022 – September 30, 2025

A photo of Dr. Tenesha Fremstad with a smileDr. Tenesha Fremstad
  • Principal, Tukwila School District
  • Term one: July 16, 2019 – June 30, 2022

Michaela Jackson
  •  Director of BAS Programs, Lower Columbia College
  • Term one: December 19, 2023 – June 30, 2027

Juan Mata
  • School Counselor, Morris Schott STEAM Elementary, Wahluke School District
  • Term one: April 27, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Photo of Michaela smiling.Dr. Michaela Miller
  • Deputy Superintendent, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Term: Ex-officio

Denise Renteria
  • Early Learning Program Coordinator, Puget Sound ESD
  • Term one: December 21, 2023 – June 30, 2027

Dr. Kevin Roxas
  • Dean, Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University
  • Term one: December 19, 2023 – June 30, 2026

    Dr. Nicole Talbert

(Executive committee member)
  • CTE Teacher, East Valley High School, East Valley School District
  • Term one: April 27, 2023 – June 30, 2026

Become a PESB member

  • Want more information? If you’d like information on serving as a member of the Professional Educator Standards Board us at (360) 725-6275.
  • Ready to apply? If you are ready to apply to serve on the PESB, please complete the application found on the Governor’s Boards and Commissions website.

Board member resources