The Washington State Archives, Digital Archives is pleased to share a new collection, ESD 105, Kittitas County Schools, Teachers Certificates. This collection consists of a register of teachers' certificates issued by Educational Service District 105 in Kittitas County from the 1890s to 1955. Information includes type of certificate, date registered, teacher's name, post office address, date certificate issued, expiration date, institution certificate received from, and renewals and remarks.

This register is a rich source of social history. The early years show a teaching profession that is largely female and highly educated. Doric Ball of Cle Elum, for example, held degrees in Chemistry and Botany from Washington State College (later WSU), along with a minor in Physics. The training institutions listed most often in the early years are the Washington State “Normal” Schools in Cheney, Ellensburg, and Bellingham. Other teachers came from far and wide, having attended the University of Chicago, Mankato State University, and the University of South Carolina. After the Second World War an increasing number of men enter the profession, according to the register.

Over 2,700 teachers are included in collection, making this a great collection for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in the history of education.