1.    What classes should I take during my first couple years to prepare for applying for admission into the K-8 Teacher Certification Program (Elementary) or if I'm at a community college and plan on transferring?     

Click on the left column “Admission Forms & Information,”  then click on #2  to see the revised list of "Recommended General University Requirements for Elementary Students."  Transfer students see "Community College Students--Elementary Education/Academic Majors".

2.    When can I apply to the Elementary program (Woodring College of Education)?

All undergraduate and post baccalaureate students must apply and be accepted by both WWU and the Woodring College of Education (WCE).  Western undergraduate students apply to Woodring for admission once they have completed at least 45 credits.  Transfer students may apply to WWU and WCE at the same time (highly recommended) or soon after transferring if they have met all of the admission requirements to WCE Teacher Education.  Applications are accepted for fall, winter, and spring quarters. 

3.    Isn’t Elementary Education a major and and how long will it take to complete the program?

Elementary Education is not a major in itself.  You will need to choose an approved academic major (see list on the Elementary Education Program sheet) and the Elementary Education  certificate will entitle you to teach grades K-8.  If you are completing certification as part of your undergraduate degree, you should be able to finish in seven or eight quarters depending on the size of your academic major.  The majority of the program is a regular on-campus, daytime program.  Post baccalaureate students can expect to take about 6 quarters depending on if additional coursework is needed to meet department or state endorsement requirements. 

4.     Do I need to talk to an elementary education advisor before applying?

No, but you are encouraged to attend one of the quarterly meetings that will give you tips on applying to Elementary Education.  Typically, these occur Monday before or during Finals Week, late in the afternoon.  Look for the most up-to-date schedule announcement on the Admission website or contact Elementary Education at 360-650-3336 or Teacher Admissions at 360-650-3378.

5.     Do I need to submit official transcripts to Woodring when I apply if I already submitted them to Western? 

Yes you do, but we can work with unofficial transcripts if that's all you have.

6.     How many people generally apply each quarter and how many are accepted?

Each quarter and year are different, so it is impossible to predict.  We are now accepting about 100 students per year, with the quarterly numbers varying slightly.

7.     What about the test the state is requiring for admission to all teacher education programs?

Students applying to teacher education programs in the State of Washington will need to take the WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic).  By Washington State law, you must pass the WEST-B for entrance to a Washington State teacher education program.  It is very important that you take the WEST-B several months prior to the time you expect to apply to Elementary Education.  Please visit the WEST-B website for more information at http://www.west.nesinc.com

         8.     What if my WEST-B scores come back one day (or one week) after the application is due?

If you know that you are taking the WEST-B when the results will arrive past the  application date, you should get in touch with our Teacher Admissions Office in Miller Hall 206 at 360-650-3378.

         9.     I took the WEST-B a couple years ago.  Do I need to take it again?

No.  Your score remains valid.

         10.     I heard that the WEST-B passing score is changing to a higher cut-off.  Is that true and what does that mean for me?

The state has decided not to raise the score.  It remains at 240 for each sub-test.

         11.     How is the grade point average (GPA) calculated for admission?

Currently, the average for applicants is about 3.2 and for admitted students it is about 3.46.  Remember, this is an average score, and many students are admitted who have earned less than that.  Our application form contains opportunities for you to share other strengths you have as well.  Once admitted to the Elementary Education program, you must maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher every quarter thereafter; including the quarter you were admitted.

         12.    Is the GPA minimum flexible if I can explain why I have a GPA lower than 2.75?

No, it is not flexible.

         13.    I know the application essay is now completed differently but I live three hours from Bellingham.  How can I write the essay section for the admission process?

You should see your community college advisor or visit the testing center to complete the essay at your location.  This person needs to contact Gretchen Anderson in our Teacher Admissions office at (360) 650-3378 or have the test instructions sent just before you take the test at that site.  If, for some reason, this option is not available to you and you are unable to come to campus for the essay, you should contact the Teacher Admissions office.

         14.    Can I write the essay a quarter before I apply?

No.  You should take the essay test on one of the dates provided near the application due date.  These dates are posted in the Teacher Admissions office (Miller Hall 206) and on-line on the Elementary Education admission page.

         15.     How long does the essay test take?

It is designed to take about 45 minutes.  You are permitted to stay for one hour.

         16.    How do I submit my Teacher Academy portfolio?

Bring it to the Teacher Admissions office in Miller Hall 206 with your application and pick it up at this office once you are informed of your admission status.

17.    Once I’m admitted to Woodring, what else do I need to do besides take classes?

You will need to complete the requirements listed in your letter of admission.  They are also listed at http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss/NewAdmit.shtml

The fingerprinting will need to be done before you can register for any class that takes place in the public schools.  Once cleared, the fingerprinting will be valid for two years but often you will need to renew it in order to be in compliance for your student internship.  The Sexual Harassment Workshop and Blood Borne Pathogens Training are always offered at the beginning of each quarter.  You will need to attend them immediately upon being admitted to the program.  Just prior to your student teaching, you will be required to take the second Sexual Harassment Prevention II Training.  Check with the Office of Field Experiences (MH 206) for dates and times.

18.     What is the WEST-E (Praxis) test and will I have to take it too?

Effective September 2005, students seeking teacher certification must pass the knowledge assessment for each subject in which they are seeking an endorsement prior to their full time student teacher quarter.  Visit the following website for full information on this test: http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Resources/Endorsements/WEST-EPraxis.shtml

19.     Can I get my residency teacher’s certificate and master’s degree at the same time?

No, at this time we do not offer such a program.  Our master’s program is set up specifically for those who have their teacher’s certificate and can be currently teaching while taking our program.  See our Graduate Program page for further information.