Elementary Education Professional Program

Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Elementary teachers have a unique opportunity to make a difference in their communities by laying the foundation for both future academic learning and for future participation in democratic society. By helping students learn how to learn, develop problem-solving capacities, cultivate stamina, and learn the value of practice, they set the stage for successful life-long learning. By introducing students to key understandings and inquiry processes of subject matter disciplines, they set the stage for deeper learning through subsequent schooling. By helping students learn to appreciate each other, value their differences, and collaborate successfully, they help build healthy, sustainable, globally interconnected communities for tomorrow. By doing all of these things, they help address existing inequities and promote the well-being of our society.