May 22, 2025  
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog

Elementary Education Professional Program

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


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Introduction

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Why Consider an Elementary Education Professional Program?

Elementary teachers have a unique opportunity to have influence in the lives of their students, families and communities by laying the foundation for future academic learning and future participation in democratic society. The Elementary Education major was designed to foster the dispositions, knowledge, and skills needed to recognize and build on the assets that linguistically and culturally diverse students bring to schools.

Student Resources

Department Website: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education

Contact information:

  • Program Manager: Miller Hall 301D, 360-650-2396

Department advising: See the Elementary Education webpage for more information.

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Elementary school teacher, middle school teacher with additional endorsements.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

See the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Requirements (105 credits)


Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)


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