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. 
• 7 quarters including student teaching (80 course credits/ 16 credits student teaching) 
• Elementary school field experiences in 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, and
  • the accentuation of a positive classroom environment through classroom management techniques that empower students to be intrinsically motivated to learn.

The EDTL Department has structured the Elementary Education major, so that you may graduate as quickly as possible. This requires students have all of their General Education 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 127, or at your Center location.

• 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 (valid for only 2 years).
  • You may obtain WSPI/FBI fingerprints at the CWU School of Education (SOE) office, Black Hall 127, or your local Educational Service District (ESD).
  • To schedule an appointment at either:
    • CWU School of Education office call 509-963-2661
    • Your local ESD, contact information for an ESD closest to you
• 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.

Admissions Phase 2: Admission to the Teacher Certification Program. See requirements for Teacher Certification Program.

Elementary Education Four-Year Plan