WSU Vancouver
Master of Teaching with Elementary Certification
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About the Major
The Master in Teaching with Elementary Certification program offers a rigorous pathway to the teaching profession. Students complete certification courses, including a year-long field experience, for a minimum total of 52 semester hours of certification coursework.
Learning Objectives
- Develop foundational knowledge in classroom management and elementary education instructional design.
- Analyze the practical realities of elementary school classrooms to build inclusive learning environments.
- Master reading and writing instruction strategies tailored for students in grades four through eight.
- Implement culturally responsive communication methods to support diverse student populations.
- Formulate and present an original final master’s project demonstrating comprehensive educational research and application.
Core Skills Acquired
- Instructional Leadership: Designing and delivering effective lesson plans across multiple elementary subject areas.
- Classroom Management: Establishing positive, structured learning environments that promote engagement.
- Literacy Instruction: Deploying targeted reading and writing development techniques for upper elementary grade levels.
- Collaborative Networking: Partnering with professional colleagues and school staff to refine teaching practices.
- Diverse Communication: Navigating and facilitating meaningful communication within diverse classroom spaces.
Career Fields
- Elementary School Teacher (Kindergarten through Grade 8)
- Reading or Literacy Specialist
- Curriculum Specialist or Instructional Coordinator
- Corporate Educator or Youth Program Director
- Educational Consultant or Policy Advocate
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any content area from an accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Testing Requirements: Applicants must take all sections of a basic skills test (ACT, SAT, or WEST-B) and submit scores to WSU Pullman. Additionally, applicants must pass subtests one and two of the National Evaluation Series elementary education test by the application deadline.
- Experience: Documented, supervised experience with kindergarten through eighth-grade children is required. Public school classroom experience is preferred.
Schedule and Field Experience
- Initial Session: Classes meet across the term, with most options scheduled twice per week during the day or late afternoon.
- Subsequent Session: Academic courses meet during late afternoons and evenings. Candidates spend two full school days each week at a placement school for pre-internship training.
- Final Session: Candidates complete a five-day weekly student teaching internship at their placement school. Students follow the spring break schedule of their local public school district rather than the university break. The final degree requirements conclude with a master’s project and an in-person presentation.