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.

Do I need a Dual or Second Endorsement?  What is an endorsement?

An endorsement is a Washington state teaching certificate area.  Any education major may add a second endorsement.

Available endorsements

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.

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).