Elementary Education

Welcome, students and visitors!

 

• Download the Elementary Education application.
• Attend the next “Tips” session for applying to the program for Winter 2014 in September 2013 (Date/time TBA)

Elementary Education Department

Miller Hall 300 (see floor plan)
Phone: (360) 650-3336
Fax: (360) 650-7997

Welcome to the Elementary Education Department! Whether you are a current student in our program or just inquiring, we encourage you to review the information on our website. Earning a teaching certificate can be a complex process at times and it is to your advantage to familiarize yourself with the various forms, deadlines, requirements and materials to make your time in our program successful.

Department Chair Dr. Joanne Carney MH 301E	360-650-2163	joanne.carney@wwu.edu
Program Manager Ellen Kreider MH 301D	360-650-7948	ellen.kreider@wwu.edu
Program Coordinator Nina Buma MH 301A	360-650-3336	nina.buma@wwu.edu

Look at the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), to find answers to common questions asked by those seeking pre-application information or for those who have been admitted to the program and are wondering about what comes next. Newly admitted students need to look at the New Students page as well.

The Department of Elementary Education offers professional education programs that lead to recommendation to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for residency certification in the state of Washington.  The department offers courses and certification sequences on the Western campus and at off-campus sites in Everett, Seattle and Kitsap County.  Students interested in getting their certification at these locations are encouraged to visit the Teacher Education Outreach Programs webpage for further information.

The programs in elementary education are designed to prepare thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators for a diverse society.  Consistent with national and state standards for what teachers should know and be able to do, the elementary education curriculum is a carefully sequenced professional program that is firmly backed by current research on effective teaching and learning. We encourage our students to solve problems, make good decisions, and show respect.
 

Degrees, Certificates and Endorsements in Elementary Education

• Elementary Education Undergraduate/Post-Bacclaureate Certification Program
  

  Classroom teachers with an elementary education endorsement may be assigned to teach any subject in grades K-8. Although teachers who graduate from the ELED program are authorized by the state to teach K-8, they must also meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) requirements if they wish to teach core academic subjects at the middle level. Applicable Federal HQT definition requires either 45 credits in the academic subject area or a passing WEST-E test score in the subject area.  One option for ELED students wishing to teach in middle school is to prepare for the WEST-E test applicable to their area of interest. Please go to the HQT webpage (link below) which provides contextual information and updates. Also, from there, you may access a guide for how you can meet both State and Federal HQT requirements. Dana Edward, WCE’s Director of Certification and Accreditation, will provide individual advising to anyone who needs assistance in assessing their options. Contact Ms. Edward if your question is not addressed on the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) webpage.

• Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Program
  This program includes an academic major of Early Childhood Education and a sequence of professional certification courses that lead to teacher licensure PreK-3rd grade or a dual endorsement in elementary education and P-3.  A non-certification is also available.  Upon completion of the program, candidates can work in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and, if they receive the P-3 teacher endorsement, in the primary grades in public schools. A student completing the dual endorsement option may teach in any of the elementary grades.
• Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies Major -- This departmental major is one of the many approved academic majors that students may choose from to accompany the professional preparation program in Elementary Education.  See the Frequently Asked Questions regarding this major. Click for Reading Endorsement Competencies.
• Reading Endorsement
  The Reading Endorsement is offered for students who wish to have the opportunity to further their knowledge and skills for literacy instruction.  Students will deepen their knowledge of language and literacy learning, while building their capacity to help all children achieve as readers and writers. click for Reading Endorsement Competencies.
• ELL Endorsement
  This program meets Washington state requirements for a supporting endorsement in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
• M.Ed - Literacy
  This updated master's degree is designed for educators who want to deepen their knowledge and practice in literacy instruction.  Graduates will leave with a strong understanding of the research and theory behind the development and effective teaching of language, reading, and writing.

 

Preparing Thoughtful, Knowledgeable, and Effective Educators
for a Diverse Society