School of Education

About the Elementary Education Program

Your journey into education is more than choosing a career. This program focuses on developing outstanding K-8 educators who are passionate about helping children succeed. Every lecture you attend and practicum you participate in prepares you with skills in classroom management, instruction, and assessment. As you take classes in child development, curriculum design, and inclusive education, you're preparing to shape the generations to come—we know you will do something great, and we are here to support your future.

Why Study Elementary Education at CWU?

Upon completion, you'll be eligible for a Washington State teaching certificate/initial endorsement in Elementary Education.

The School of Education at CWU has a rich history of producing educators who consistently demonstrate academic excellence and innovative teaching practices. Graduates from the School of Education make a significant impact in Washington state and continue to be a driving force in the future of education.

“The Central program allowed me to develop a broad range of different skills because it was so diverse.” Camille Jones, receiving the 2017 Washington State Teacher of the Year Award, graduated from CWU with a BA in Elementary Education in 2010.

Where is this program offered?

• Ellensburg
• CWU Des Moines
• CWU Moses Lake
• CWU Pierce County
• CWU Wenatchee
• CWU Yakima

How much does this program cost?  

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU. 

How do I get started?

Whether you’ve always wanted to be a teacher or recently discovered your interest in education, our programs are designed to foster your growth and establish a solid professional foundation.

Find your Pathway to becoming a teacher.

Careers and Opportunities

Become the next K-8 Educator and take the opportunity to positively shape young minds and inspire a lifelong love for learning.

The employment of elementary school teachers in the state is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by population increases and the need for qualified educators. Washington State is ranked third as a top-paying state for elementary educators, where they make an average annual salary of $85,580.

About 120,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year over the next decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer or retire.

Highlights

A Rich History of Developing Teachers

CWU’s School of Education is one of the oldest in the state of Washington, having been founded in 1891. Offering teacher education programs at Central’s Ellensburg, Yakima, Wenatchee, Pierce, and Des Moines campuses, CWU prepares teachers in more than thirty content areas, from preschool to high school.