Education
Plan Your Education Degree
Connect with an academic advisor to discuss major requirements, choose your subdiscipline electives, explore field school opportunities at Fort Vancouver, and map out your path toward graduation.
About the Major
Rooted in social justice, this elementary education major emphasizes equitable teaching practices for all children. The curriculum focuses on essential content methods, student assessment techniques, and classroom management strategies that ensure equal access to academic success. Alongside rigorous university coursework, students build practical classroom teaching skills through multiple supervised practicum experiences and a comprehensive period of student teaching under the guidance of experienced educators.
Learning Objectives
Master core content methods and instructional strategies across elementary and middle school subjects.
Implement evidence-based classroom management techniques that ensure equal access and success for all children.
Design and execute effective student learning assessments to measure and support academic growth.
Apply culturally responsive teaching practices rooted in social justice and educational equity.
Core Skills Acquired
- High-quality proficiency in lesson and unit planning for elementary and middle school classrooms.
- Expertise in identifying and responding to individual student needs to improve achievement and well-being.
- Advanced capability to integrate educational technology and school resources effectively.
- Skill in applying research-based instructional strategies to create engaging student learning experiences.
Career Fields
Graduates are prepared for certified teaching positions in grades K-8, which includes an English language learner endorsement. Students can also pursue optional endorsements in special education or middle level mathematics. Additional career paths include:
- Experiential educator at museums, zoos, or parks
- Tutoring or testing center coordinator and director
- Curriculum developer or instructional coordinator
- Recreation supervisor or camp director
- Professional development educator
- Teacher or director at an early childhood education center or preschool
Admission Requirements
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Coursework Requirements
- Completion of the WSU University Common Core (UCORE) curriculum or an approved AA-DTA degree from an accredited community college.
- Completion of all specified prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall, as determined by the Admissions Office.
- Contact the Academic Coordinator via email at van.education@wsu.edu to request an official transcript evaluation.
Testing Requirements
Applicants must complete a basic skills test (ACT, SAT, or WEST-B) covering all sections in mathematics, reading, and writing to satisfy Washington state teacher certification requirements. There is no preference for a specific test and no minimum required score. Official scores must be on file at the time of application.
- SAT Scores: Order from the College Board website using school code 4705.
- ACT Scores: Order from the ACT website using school code 4482.
- WEST-B Registration: Register through the WEST-B Testing Website and select the State of Washington and WSU Pullman to receive official test scores.
Experience With Children
A minimum of 80 hours of supervised experience with K-8 children is required. Public school classroom experience is preferred. Babysitting and nannying do not qualify. Documented experiences must be completed by the application deadline and must have occurred within three years of the program start date. Contact the Academic Coordinator to verify your hours.
Application Details
Admission requires a complete transcript evaluation and an application to the College of Education.
- Application Link: Contact Academic Coordinator Jordan Jackson via email at jordan.e.jackson@wsu.edu to receive the official application link. Please use Application Request in the subject line.
- Timeline: Admission notifications are delivered between late April and mid-May. Classes begin during the second six-week summer session.
Undergraduate Program Courses (with ELL endorsement)
Summer Semester I (second six-week session)
| Course # | Course Title (Learning about Populations) | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH_LRN 301 | Learning and Development | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 385 | Teaching Elementary Social Studies | 3 |
| SPEC_ED 420 | Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms | 2 |
| Total | 8 |
Fall Semester I
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH_LRN 305 | Fundamentals of Instruction | 2 |
| TCH_LRN 307 | Children’s Literature | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 330 | Diversity in Education | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 333 | Intro to English as a Second Language | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 402 | Instructional Practicum & Seminar (Middle Level) I | 1 |
| TCH_LRN 445 | Educational Technology | 2 |
| Total | 14 |
Spring Semester I*
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH_LRN 321 | Early Literacy | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 352 | Teaching Elementary Mathematics | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 371 | Teaching Elementary Science | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 401 | Practicum in Bilingual/ESL Ed. & Seminar (Elementary Level) II | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 414 | Methods and Materials for Bilingual/ESL | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Summer Semester II (first six-week session)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH_LRN 390 | Integrating Fine Arts into K-8 Curriculum | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 409 | Fundamentals of Curriculum and Assessment for Bilingual/ESL Ed | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 483 | Integrating Health and Fitness | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Fall Semester II
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED_PSYCH 401 | Classroom Assessment, Elementary | 2 |
| TCH_LRN 310 | Classroom Management | 2 |
| TCH_LRN 322 | Reading & Writing in Grades 4-8 | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 339 | Communicating in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| TCH_LRN 490 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
Spring Semester II *
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH_LRN 415 | Student Teaching | 16 |
| Total Program Credits | 75 |
*Students take Spring Break with the local public schools (instead of the WSU Break).