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 learning that prepares and advances quality educators and human services professionals throughout their careers. As academic leaders, educators, mentors, and scholars, we seek to:
- Model best practices in teaching and learning which, in turn, lead graduates to use best practices in their professions
- Cultivate student competence through extensive field experiences with exemplary practicing professionals
- Construct, transform, and convey knowledge by integrating research, theory, and practice
- Act with respect for individual differences
- Develop collaborative partnerships that promote the learning and well-being of individuals, families and the community
- Evaluate processes and outcomes to assure 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 advances knowledge, embraces diversity and promotes social justice.
Teacher and School Administrator Programs
Professional preparation programs in the Woodring College of Education are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board. Consistent with the professional education unit’s conceptual framework, these programs are designed to prepare graduates to be thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators for a diverse society.
Function and Organization of the College
The Woodring College of Education is responsible for developing and implementing those professional education programs which lead to teacher certification, credentialing of school administrators, and professional training of leaders in human services and various areas of educational leadership. It serves as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and as a coordinating agency for programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Woodring College of Education is responsible for coordinating programs which involve a wide variety of departments throughout the University that support the preparation of educators.
The Departments of Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and Teacher Education Outreach Programs offer teacher education programs which lead to Washington state teaching certificates in P-12 education. An undergraduate certificate program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with the option for a certificate in Bilingual Education is also available.
The Department of Educational Leadership offers programs leading to certification for school administrators and graduate programs in educational administration, continuing and college education, and student affairs administration. The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation offers programs for the preparation of human services professional and rehabilitation counselors.
Professional education programs are developed and reviewed with the assistance of professional education advisory boards with representatives from cooperating school districts and professional associations.
The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation offers programs for the preparation of human services professionals and rehabilitation counselors.
Details about all of the Woodring College of Education programs may be found in the departmental and program area sections. Students should consult with an advisor in the appropriate area of the Woodring College of Education for more information regarding curricula, admission requirements, and other important factors. Current program office materials will be final in these matters.
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 Adminstration
(Principal and Superintendent administrator certificate programs offered) |
MEd |
| Human Services |
BA |
| Nursing |
BSN |
| Rehabilitation Counseling |
MA |
| Continuing and College Education |
MEd |
Overview: Departments and Programs
Division of Teacher Education
Department of Elementary Education
Dr. Joanna Carney, Chair
Programs Offered
- Elementary Education/Certification
- Early Childhood Education (P-3)/Certification
- Reading (P-12) Endorsement
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Literacy - Master’s
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
Department of Special Education
Dr. M. Chuck Lambert, Chair
Programs Offered
- Early Childhood Special Education (P-3)/Certification
- Special Education (P-12) with Elementary Education/ Certification
- Special Education (P-12) with Secondary Education/ Certification
- Special Education (P-12)/Certification
- Special Education - Master’s (not accepting applications at this time)
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
- National Board Certification Support Program
Division of Educational and Community Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership
Programs Offered
- Continuing and College Education
- Educational Administration
- Student Affairs Administration (not accepting applications at this time)
Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation
Dr. Elizabeth Boland, Chair
Programs Offered
- Human Services
- Rehabilitation Counseling
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.
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 for Outreach Programs
- Dana Edward, Director, Certification and Accreditation
- Dr. Jennifer McCleery, Director, Teacher Education Admissions and Field Experiences
- Center for Education, Equity, and Diversity
- Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center
- Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education
- Pacific Northwest Children’s Literature Clearinghouse
- Service Learning Programs
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.
