Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education
99 credits
Introduction/What is the Study of Elementary Education?
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in an approved academic major and are seeking teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education through Teacher Education Outreach Programs should complete the Elementary Education Professional Program - Outreach Program requirements. Program coursework listed below includes some special education content and is delivered through a cohort-based integrated model designed specifically for outreach program sites.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Before students may begin taking courses in education, they must be admitted to both Western Washington University and Teacher Education Outreach Programs. Admission to our programs occurs once a year in the fall. Program admission requirements include:
- Bachelor of Arts or Science in an approved academic major (see below)
- Minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall or for the most recent 45 quarter credit hours
- State minimum scores on the Washington Educator Skills Test Basic (WEST-B). This test is offered 6 times a year at various sites in the state. Visit the WEST-B website at http://www.west.nesinc.com for more information.
- English composition course, completed with a B- or better
- Three letters of recommendation
- Reflective essay
For more details about program admission, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page at http://www.wce.wwu.edu/depts/teop.
Enrollment restrictions apply in all teacher education programs. Meeting the above criteria makes the applicant eligible for admission, but does not guarantee admission. Students who meet all criteria are further evaluated by the department to determine the most qualified applicants. Retention in the program requires continuous demonstration of competence in standard oral and written English in all coursework. Retention also requires maintenance of a 2.75 quarterly GPA for each quarter after admission. The State of Washington requires students to earn a “C” or better in all major endorsement and most education courses.
Advisement
Prospective elementary education students are invited to meet with an advisor for more information about the program (see above for site contacts). At all TEOP sites, the student advisor is the Academic Program Director. Students will be assisted and monitored by their advisors and their program coordinator on a regular basis throughout their program.
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.
