May 24, 2025  
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog

Reading — P-12 Additional Endorsement

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Introduction

NOTE: The Reading endorsement program is only for those who are already P-12 teachers.

This program, combined with a performance-based assessment of competencies, leads to an additional endorsement in Reading.

Why Consider a P-12 Additional Endorsement in Reading?

The competencies that lead to a reading endorsement on your certificate provide you with the opportunity to further your knowledge and skills for literacy instruction. You will deepen your knowledge of language and literacy learning, while building your capacity for helping all children achieve as readers, writers, and language users. Some teachers with Reading endorsements go on to become school Reading Specialists. Reading Specialists are usually experienced teachers who have successfully taught in mainstream classrooms for several years and have previously earned the Reading endorsement. Many earn a master’s degree or National Board certification in Reading prior to becoming a school or district Reading Specialist.

The Reading endorsement program prepares you to:

  • Obtain the WA state endorsement for Reading.
  • Develop and work with P-12 students and their families.
  • Serve as a resource for other teachers.

Student Resources

Department Website: Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education

Contact information: Steph Strachan, 360-650-3980, strachs@wwu.edu

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: Reading teacher, Literacy coach, Title I reading, Support teacher

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Application and information on the application process for the P-12 Reading Endorsement is available in MH 300. More information on the program and application requirements is available at the Reading Endorsement webpage.

Grade Requirements

All coursework and demonstration of state-required competencies must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better and within a five-year span, based on the application date for the reading endorsement.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study