Introduction
Dr. Francisco Rios, Dean
Mission and Vision Statement of the College
Mission: The Woodring College of Education mission statement provides context and purpose for our actions.
Woodring College of Education facilitates life-long learning through exemplary teaching to prepare education, health, and human services professionals for democratic citizenship and meaningful careers. As a College that serves the state, nation, and the world, we:
- Construct, transform, and convey knowledge by integrating research, theory and practice;
- Cultivate student growth through extensive community and school engagement in collaboration with exemplary practicing professionals;
- Act with respect for individual differences including taking a strengths-based view;
- Develop collaborative partnerships that promote the learning and well-being of individuals, families, and the community; and,
- Evaluate processes and outcomes to ensure continual program improvements
Vision: The vision of Woodring College of Education frames our future.
Woodring College of Education fosters community relationships and a culture of learning that advance knowledge, honor diversities, and promote social justice.
Accreditation and Program Approval
Professional educator preparation programs in the Woodring College of Education are accredited by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education, and approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board. The Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation in Education. The RN-to-BSN program is approved by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in 2014. All Woodring programs are designed to prepare graduates to be thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators or professionals for a diverse society.
Academic Programs Leading to Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
Elementary Education |
BAE, MEd |
Secondary Education
(For information regarding academic majors and endorsements for elementary and secondary education, see departmental listings) |
MIT |
Special Education |
BAE, MEd |
Education Administration
(Principal and Superintendent administrator certificate programs offered) |
MEd |
Human Services |
BA |
Nursing |
BSN |
Rehabilitation Counseling |
MA |
Adult and Higher Education |
MEd |
Overview: Departments and Programs
Department of Elementary Education
Dr. David Carroll, Chair
Programs Offered
- Elementary Education/Certification
- Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies Major
- Early Childhood Education/Non-Certification Option
- Early Childhood Education (P-3)/Certification
- Early Childhood Education (P-3) and Elementary Education/Certification Option
- Bilingual Education Endorsement
- Bilingual Education Minor
- English Language Learner Endorsement
- Reading (P-12) Endorsement
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Minor
- Literacy - Master’s
Department of Health and Community Studies
Dr. Elizabeth Boland, Chair
Programs Offered
- Adult and Higher Education
- Human Services
- Nursing: RN-to-BSN
- Rehabilitation Counseling
Department of Secondary Education
Dr. Bruce Larson, Chair
Programs Offered
- Secondary Education/Certification — Undergraduate/Post-baccalaureate
- Secondary Education/Certification — Master’s
- Middle Level — Humanities Endorsement
- Education and Social Justice Minor
Department of Special Education & Education Leadership
Dr. Gail Coulter, Chair
Programs Offered
- Early Childhood Special Education (P-3) and Early Childhood Education (P-3) (Dual Endorsement)/Certification
- Exceptionality and Disability
- Special Education (P-12) and Elementary Education (Dual Endorsement)/ Certification
- Special Education (P-12) with Secondary Education/ Certification
- Special Education (P-12) plus Content Endorsement/Certification
- Special Education - Master’s (in moratorium)
- Educational Administration
- Master’s
- Residency Principal Certification
- Professional Administrator Certification (in moratorium)
- Initial Superintendent Certification
Teacher Education Outreach Programs
Dr. Laurence Antil, Assistant Dean for Outreach Programs
Programs Offered
- Elementary Education/Certification with Special Education (P-12) Major
- Elementary Education/Certification - Post-baccalaureate
- Special Education (P-12) Endorsement for Teachers
- Elementary Education Endorsement for Teachers
Other College Information
Educator Certification Requirements
Teacher certification requirements are outlined in the Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education and Teacher Education Outreach Programs sections of this catalog. Administrator certification requirements are outlined in the Graduate School section of this catalog. See the Certification & Accreditation Office for details: wce.wwu.edu/cert/certification-accreditation.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
It is the policy of Western Washington University to provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals except where such accommodation would impose undue hardship on the institution. Students with documented disabilities who are enrolled at the University and seek reasonable accommodation should contact Disability Resources for Students for assistance and advice. Students with disabilities who are covered under this policy include those who, with or without auxiliary aids or removal of barriers, can meet the essential eligibility requirements of the program.
Administrative Services
- Dr. Karen McLean Dade, Associate Dean
- Dr. Laurence Antil, Assistant Dean, Outreach Programs
- Dana Edward, Director, Certification and Accreditation
- Dr. Jennifer McCleery, Director, Teacher Education Admissions and Field Experience
- Debbie Corsino, Specialist, Diversity Recruitment and Retention
- Lisa Moulds, Specialist, Learning in Communities and Schools (LinCs)
Resource Centers
- Center for Education, Equity, and Diversity
- Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center
- Educational Institute for Democratic Renewal
- Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education
- Pacific Northwest Children’s Literature Clearinghouse
- Technology Education Center
Graduate Programs in Education
The Woodring College of Education offers various master’s degrees. For a complete description of these programs, see the Graduate School section of this catalog.
EDUC Courses
Education (EDUC) courses are offered through the Woodring College of Education as classes for the preparation of teachers, and for the advanced professional development of educators as continuing education or as requirements for the MEd degree. Go to information on EDUC courses.