Elementary Education
Welcome, students and visitors!
Elementary Education Department
Miller Hall 262
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. Chris Ohana MH 262A |
360-650-6533 | chris.ohana@wwu.edu |
| Program Manager Ellen Kreider MH 260A |
360-650-7948 | ellen.kreider@wwu.edu |
| Program Coordinator Nina Buma MH 262 |
360-650-3336 | nina.buma@wwu.edu |
Click on 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
This program leads to a recommendation to the State of Washington for a teaching certificate with a K-8 Elementary Education Endorsement. The program requires completion of an approved academic major and a year-long internship along with the coursework in the professional sequence. -
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. Upon completion of the program, candidates can work in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and primary grades in public schools. -
Major
in
Elementary
Education
Studies
This department major is one of nineteen approved academic majors that students may choose from to accompany the professional preparation program in Elementary Education. - 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.
-
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. -
TESOL
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.
We regret that the location of the Elementary Education Department is currently not wheelchair accessible. To request disability accommodation, please contact our main department number (360) 650-3336.
