Education (EDTL)

Elementary Education Major Program

Become a Future K-8 Educational Leader with the Elementary Education Major!

Are you passionate about helping children develop their skills and reach their potential? Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners? The Elementary Education major offered by the Department of Education, Development, Teaching & Learning (EDTL) at Central Washington University can help you achieve your goals.

Our program is designed to prepare teacher candidates like you to become outstanding K-8 educational leaders and facilitators of learning. As an Elementary Education major, you'll specialize in kindergarten to grade 8 education and receive hands-on field experience in elementary schools every quarter. Our knowledgeable and experienced faculty will focus on teaching in elementary grades and provide you with the practical classroom management, instructional, and assessment skills needed to succeed as a beginning educator.

Program Highlights

• Eligibility 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.
• Focus on diverse learners and whole child development and learning.
• High standards that are set and manifest in observable ways, such as the integration of authentic materials and technology, best practices in pedagogy and assessment, and the accentuation of a positive classroom environment through classroom management techniques that empower students to be intrinsically motivated to learn.

You can also add a second endorsement to your teaching certificate by completing any of our available endorsements. An endorsement is a Washington state teaching certificate area, and any education major may add a second endorsement.

To apply for our program, you'll need to complete our two-phase admissions process. Phase 1 involves completing all of your General Education Requirements and prerequisites prior to beginning the program, and Phase 2 involves submitting your Teacher Certification Program Application and completing other requirements such as obtaining valid WSPI/FBI fingerprint clearance and purchasing liability insurance.

Our program is offered at five locations, making it accessible for students in various parts of the state. Visit with a pre-program CEPS (College of Education and Professional Studies) advisor to learn more and discuss your options.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young learners. Apply to be an Elementary Education major at Central Washington University today!

View the Elementary Education Major courses in the CWU catalog.

Available endorsements

CWU Department of Education, Development, Teaching and Learning Locations

Ellensburg
400 E. University Way
Black Hall, Room 204-7
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509-963-1464

Des Moines
2400 S. 240th St. Rm 265
Des Moines, WA 98198
509-963-3840

Pierce
401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
253-964-6636

Wenatchee
Higher Education Center
1300 Fifth Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-665-2600
509-963-3950

Yakima
1000 S. 12th Ave.
Deccio Higher Education Center, Rm 107
Yakima, WA 98902
509-574-6894, then press 0
509-963-3700
 

Program Admission Details

Admissions Phase 1: Elementary Education Program Prerequisites

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.

• Visit with a pre-program CEPS advisor (listed below) located in Black Hall, or at your Center location.

Pre-Program Advisors by Location

Ellensburg

Camille Bello
(509) 963-2083
Black Hall 204-26

Tatiana Fox
(509) 963-2082
Black Hall 204-30

Des Moines

Douglas Jensen
(509) 963-3812

Pierce

Ms. Amy Meyers
(509) 963-3840

Wenatchee

Ms. Monica Medrano
(509) 963-3958

Yakima

Ms. Melanie Palm 
(509) 963-3710

Admissions Phase 2: Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

1. Review Requirements for Teacher Certification Program
2. Submit your Teacher Certification Program Application

Additional Requirements for completing Elementary Education Major

• Declare a major. Discuss minor and/or second major options with your CEPS advisor. Once you are Fully Admitted to Teacher Certification and have declared a major, you will be assigned an EDTL Faculty Advisor who can also help you through this step.
• Complete MATH 164—Foundations of Arithmetic (5) and MATH 226—Mathematics for Teachers: Geometry & Measurement (4) with a “C” or higher.
• Obtain proof you have purchased a minimum of $1 million liability insurance. Insurance can be purchased through CWU 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 Teacher Certification Office, located in Black Hall 228, or from your local Educational Service District (ESD).