Elementary Education Major Program 

The Elementary Education major, offered by the Department of Education, Development, Teaching and Learning (EDTL), prepares teacher candidates to be outstanding K-8 educational leaders and facilitators of learning.
 

Program Highlights

• Eligiblity for a Washington State teaching certificate/initial endorsement in Elementary Education.
• Major specializes in kindergarten to grade 8 education 
• Seven (7) quarters including student teaching (80 course credits/16 credits student teaching) 
• Elementary school field experiences every quarter
• Thematic quarters to fully explore concepts and deepen learning
• Knowledgeable and experienced faculty who focus on teaching in elementary grades
• Practical classroom management, instructional and assessment needed by beginning educators.
• Focus on diverse learners and whole child development and learning.
• High standards are set and manifest in observable ways, such as:
  • The integration of authentic materials and technology
  • Best practices in pedagogy and assessment
  • The blending of standards-based instruction and creative expression
  • The accentuation of a positive classroom environment through classroom management techniques that empower students to be intrinsically motivated to learn
     

Do I need a minor or dual endorsement?
 

The EDTL Department has structured the Elementary Education major so that you may graduate as quickly as possible. This requires students to have all of their General Education Requirements and prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program.
 

Admissions Phase 1: Elementary Education Program Prerequisites

• Visit with a pre-program advisor in the School of Education, Black Hall 204-30, or at your Center location.

Admissions Phase 2: Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

See requirements for Teacher Certification Program

• Obtain proof you have purchased a minimum of $1 million liability insurance. Insurance can be purchased through CWU for $7.12 by completing the Professional Liability Insurance Enrollment form.
   
• Obtain valid WSPI/FBI fingerprint clearance and maintain it throughout the program.  Fingerprints are valid for 2 years only.
  • You may obtain WSPI/FBI fingerprints at the CWU School of Education (SOE) Office, located at Black Hall 127, or from your local Educational Service District (ESD).
     
  • Contact one of the following offices to schedule an appointment:
    • CWU School of Education  (509) 963-2661
    • Your local Educational Service District (ESD)
       
• Declare a major. Discuss minor and/or second major options with your advisor.
   
• Complete MATH 164—Foundations of Arithmetic (5) and MATH 226—Mathematics for Teachers: Geometry & Measurement (4) with a “C” or higher.