Department of Teaching and Learning

Courses of study (availability differs across campuses) are offered for elementary school teaching (Bachelor of Arts in Education, Master in Teaching) and secondary school teaching (degree from major plus certification, Master in Teaching). Additional endorsements are offered in Special Education, English Language Learners, Bilingual Education, Middle Level Math, and Middle Level Science. Graduate programs include Master of Arts, and Master of Education in the following specializations: Curriculum and Instruction; Language, Literacy, and Technology; and Special Education; Master in Teaching in Elementary or Secondary Education, and Doctor of Philosophy. Doctoral specializations are available in these areas: Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education (Ph.D.); Language, Literacy, and Technology (Ph.D.); Mathematics and Science Education (Ph.D.); and Special Education (Ph.D.).

Department of Teaching and Learning faculty contribute to the theory and practice of the broad field of education, and dedicate themselves to understanding and respecting learners in diverse cultural contexts. They facilitate engaged learning and ethical leadership in schools and clinical settings. They seek collaboration with diverse constituencies, recognizing their local and global responsibilities to communities, environments, and future generations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Faculty seek the following learning outcomes for students in teacher education: graduates will (1) use content and pedagogical knowledge to inform their teaching, (2) develop relevant, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate curricula, (3) modify curriculum and instruction based on the individual needs of their students, (4) use assessment of their students’ learning and their own teaching to inform future planning and teaching, (5) attend to the social and civic development of their students, and (6) work respectfully and collaboratively with colleagues to ensure quality instructional programs and stewardship of public schools. At the master’s level, graduates will (1) locate, analyze, and synthesize research literature, and apply that synthesis to problems of practice, (2) effectively communicate scholarly work through written, oral, and/or alternate formats, (3) skillfully inquire into areas of program-related interest, (4) develop scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision making, and (5) demonstrate professional habits of respect, accept and use feedback, and consider others' ideas and perspectives.  Doctoral students will achieve master’s level outcomes and also will: (1) conduct and disseminate original scholarship that demonstrates acquisition and application of new knowledge and theory, (2) become emerging experts in their area of study. Visit our website at https://education.wsu.edu/graduate

The Washington State University annual report on teacher education, required under Title II, Section 207(f)(2) of the Higher Education Act, is available upon request. Visit our web site at https://education.wsu.edu/titleii/

TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The Department of Teaching and Learning prepares individuals to teach elementary education, and various single subjects at the secondary education level. The teaching certificate, awarded by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction upon recommendation by Washington State University, designates the subject area in which the certificate holder is qualified to teach.  Admission to the teacher education programs at all campuses is selective. Teacher education is offered at the Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses, although not all programs are available at each site. 

The teaching certificate will be awarded if the following provisions are met:

1. The candidate provides evidence of good character and personal fitness to teach. Fingerprinting is required. A background investigation is conducted by the Washington State Patrol, the FBI, and Office of Professional Practices.
2. The degree is awarded and the professional education program is satisfactorily completed following these guidelines:
   • All course work is taken for a letter grade where offered. Pass, Fail grading is not accepted except for field experience courses.
   • The candidate has earned no grade lower than C (2.0) for professional course work, and course work in the endorsements. The C minimum grade also applies to general education, math, science, and social studies requirements in the elementary program.
   • The cumulative WSU GPA and the GPA computed separately for professional course work and each endorsement is not less than 2.5.
   • The student has completed all work within five years of admission to teacher education. Those not finishing within this time limit will be subject to all new program requirements.
3. The candidate has achieved a passing score or demonstrated basic skills on the statewide examinations in basic skills (WEST-B, SAT, or ACT), content (WEST-E or NES).
4. The candidate has met the Professional Dispositions Assessment standards.

Transfer students entering an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate certificate program must complete at least fifty percent of the professional education core, and, if preparing to teach at the elementary level, fifty percent of the elementary endorsement course work, plus student teaching at WSU. Transfer students and post-baccalaureate applicants should consult with an advisor regarding equivalency and transferability of course work.

Opportunities are provided for teacher certificate candidates to gain meaningful experiences by working directly with and observing children in school settings. It is WSU's intent to place only those individuals in K-12 classrooms that are able to demonstrate a positive impact on student learning, and to ensure that they possess those characteristics desirable for working with children and young people. The College of Education therefore reserves the right to refuse placement of any student in a field experience, or to terminate an individual's placement if in the professional judgment of the faculty, the hosting school, or coordinating field personnel there is cause for concern about the fitness of that individual to work with children in a classroom setting. The student teaching field placement is arranged by the faculty with school districts contracted to provide experiences for WSU students. Students do not make their own student teaching placements. Student teaching must be completed at an approved WSU site in the state of Washington or internationally with supervision by an approved WSU provider.

Certificate Renewal, Continuing Certificate, Add-On Endorsements

https://education.wsu.edu/certification/

Information is available upon request from the Certification Coordinator,  College of Education, PO Box 642114, Pullman, WA 99164-2114 (509) 335-8146 or  sbickel@wsu.edu.

WSU PULLMAN/SPOKANE TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Inquiries and requests for program information should be addressed to Office of Undergraduate Student Services, College of Education, PO Box 642152, Pullman WA 99164-2152 (509) 335-4855 or beateacher@wsu.edu or visit our website at https://education.wsu.edu/teachered/.

WSU Pullman seeks to prepare the best possible teachers and therefore seeks highly qualified individuals. Admission to, or continued enrollment in, the teacher education program may be denied a candidate on the basis of review by the faculty. To prepare in elementary education the candidate shall satisfy degree requirements of the Department of Teaching and Learning. To prepare in a single subject, the candidate shall complete the baccalaureate degree/teaching option offered through the subject matter department. Single-subject endorsement preparation is available in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, English Language Arts, World Languages (French and Spanish), History, Family and Consumer Sciences, Mathematics, Music, Physics, and Social Studies. Add-on endorsements for pre-service teachers are offered in English Language Learners, Bilingual Education, Middle Level Math, Middle Level Science, and Special Education. Candidates holding single-subject endorsements typically will be assigned to teach in grades 5-12 except those endorsed in ELL, World Languages, Music, or Special Education who are authorized to teach P-12. Specific course requirements for endorsements are listed in the subject matter of the catalog. Endorsement requirements are subject to change by the Professional Educator Standards Board. 

Admission to Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are eligible for consideration, but not assured admission. Enrollment is limited and admission competitive. Admission deadlines are September 30 and February 28 or 29 with admission effective the following term. Candidates must complete formal admission procedures and be admitted to teacher education prior to taking any professional education course work beyond TCH LRN 301 or 317. The following minimum criteria must be met for consideration for admission:

Minimum Criteria

Contact Office of Undergraduate Student Services at 509-335-4855 or beateacher@wsu.edu for up-to-date information.

1. Completion, within the last three years, of 80 hours of supervised work with children 4 years of age or older in a supervised setting.  Twenty of these hours must be with students from diverse populations or attending cultural events.
2. Basic skills proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.  Students may use SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores to demonstrate proficiency or request alternative means to meet the basic skills requirement. For information go to: https://education.wsu.edu/basicskillstesting.
3. Completion of at least 45 semester hours of post-secondary course work.
4. Minimum WSU cumulative GPA of 2.50 for elementary and secondary applicants (transfer student GPA is based on WSU course work).
5. TCH LRN 301, ENGLISH 101, and ENGLISH 201 graded C or better.
6. Elementary Majors:  H D 101, MATH 251, and three of the four required UCORE science courses, all graded C or better.
7. Secondary Majors: Nine hours of course work in the endorsement area. Admitted to major department. Contact major department for additional requirements.
8. Personal goal statement.
9. Interview.

Field Experiences and Student Teaching

Washington State University requires background clearance for all students admitted into the undergraduate teacher education, Master in Teaching (MIT), and selected add-on endorsement programs. Secondary single subject majors must make application for student teaching one full academic year prior to the actual student teaching semester. Elementary majors make application for advanced practicum placement one year prior to the pre-internship semester. Fingerprint and background clearance is required for enrollment in all practicum courses with the exception of TCH LRN 317. Application forms are distributed at an orientation held each semester. An interview is required to begin student teaching. The following courses are required field experiences:

Elementary majors enroll in TCH LRN 402, Instructional Practicum I (1 credit); TCH LRN 405, Instructional Practicum II (1 credit); TCH LRN 490, Pre-Internship for Elementary Teachers (3 credits). Elementary majors enroll concurrently in the required practicum for the appropriate block. TCH LRN 402 and 405 involve participation in a school setting to apply concepts learned in blocked courses. Practicum placement and activities are arranged by the course instructors and the Field Experience Office. TCH LRN 490 is an extended 5-week, full-time practicum in a school setting one semester prior to student teaching. Placement is arranged by the Department of Teaching and Learning. Secondary majors enroll in TCH LRN 317, Initial Practicum Experience (2 credits) and TCH LRN 469, Pre-Internship for Secondary Teachers (2-3 credits). TCH LRN 317 is a three-week, full-time experience completed in May at the end of the sophomore year or prior to enrollment in Block I classes, in a public or private school in the student's home community. TCH LRN 469 is an extended 5-week, full-time practicum in a school setting one semester prior to student teaching internship. Placement is arranged by the Department of Teaching and Learning. All practica involve observation, reflection, and practice in classrooms.

TCH LRN 415, Student Teaching Internship (16 credits), is a semester of full-time teaching in a public school, arranged by university personnel. Agricultural Education, Family Consumer Sciences and Music majors enroll concurrently in TCH LRN 415 and the appropriate student teaching course in the major. Prior to student teaching the certificate candidate will: interview; satisfactorily complete all course work for the degree and teacher certificate; obtain a passing score on the content exam (NES, WEST-E, and/or ACTFL); receive fingerprinting clearance from the Washington State Patrol, the FBI, and the Office of Professional Practices. Student teaching must be completed at an approved WSU site in the state of Washington or internationally with supervision by university personnel.

MIT 571 Pre-Internship (2 credits) requires successful completion of  MIT summer courses, enrollment in concurrent fall coursework and finger printing clearance from the Washington State Patrol, the FBI, and the Office of Professional Practices.

MIT 575 Internship (10 credits) requires successful completion of MIT 571 and concurrent coursework, and a passing score on the NES, WEST-E, and/or ACTFL content examination.

The Pre-Internship and Internship are arranged by university personnel and must be completed at an approved WSU site in the state of Washington with supervision by university personnel.

Master in Teaching (MIT)

The Master in Teaching degree program is a full-time, field-based program leading to elementary or secondary teacher certification and a master's degree. Students in this program will complete certification courses during the first 13 months of the program. With successful completion of these requirements, students may opt to complete additional research requirements for a master's degree. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applications for Elementary Education and Secondary Education must be submitted by November 15 for programs beginning the following summer. All applicants must attempt an approved basic skills exam in reading, writing, and math to be considered for admission. Students may use SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores to meet the basic skills requirement. Information about minimum admission requirements may be obtained from the College of Education Office of Graduate Studies 509-335-9195 or gradstudies@wsu.edu or https://education.wsu.edu/graduate. For additional information about certification issues contact the Certification Coordinator at sbickel@wsu.edu or visit them online at https://education.wsu.edu/undergradprograms/teachered/certification/.

Course of Study for Elementary Education: KINES 536, MIT 501, 502, 505, 507, 508, 511, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 571, 575, SPEC ED 520.

Course of Study for Secondary Education: MIT 501, 502, 505, 506, 507, 508, 511, 550, 551, 552, 571, 575, SPEC ED 520, and an additional 9 credits of graded course work.

WSU PULLMAN/SPOKANE MASTERS’ DEGREES (non-certification)

Master of Arts 

WSU Pullman offers Master of Arts degrees (M.A.) in the following areas: Curriculum and Instruction; Language, Literacy, and Technology Education; and/or Special Education. Students planning to add an endorsement to a Washington teacher certificate must apply to WSU’s add-on endorsement program. This thesis degree focuses on developing research and inquiry skills and other professional knowledge and skills in education and leadership and may include a concentration of coursework outside the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Master of Education Degree (Ed.M.)

WSU Pullman/Spokane also offers a Master of Education degree (Ed.M.) program specialization and/or endorsements in Curriculum and Instruction, Language, Literacy, and Technology Education, and/or Special Education. Students planning to add an endorsement to a Washington teacher certificate must apply to WSU’s add-on endorsement program. This non-thesis degree focuses on developing K-12 teachers’ or other professionals’ knowledge and skills in education and leadership and may include a concentration of coursework outside the Department of Teaching and Learning.

WSU PULLMAN DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

Specializations include Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education, Language, Literacy and Technology, Mathematics and Science Education, and Special Education (see https://education.wsu.edu/graduate/ for program descriptions and application procedures).

WSU TRI-CITIES TEACHER CERTIFICATION

https://education.wsu.edu/certification/

http://tricities.wsu.edu/education

Inquiries and requests for application materials should be addressed to WSU Tri-Cities, Department of Teaching and Learning, 2710 University Drive, Richland WA 99354-1671, (509) 372-7394.

WSU Tri-Cities seeks to prepare the best possible teachers and therefore seeks highly qualified individuals. Admission to, or continued enrollment in, the teacher education program may be denied on the basis of review by the faculty.

Bachelor of Arts

Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts program with elementary certification at the Tri-Cities campus who meet the minimum requirements are eligible for consideration, but not assured admission. Enrollment is limited and admission is competitive. The admission deadline is March 1 with admission effective for Fall semester. Candidates must complete formal admission procedures and be admitted to teacher education prior to taking any professional education coursework beyond TCH LRN 301. Applicants must meet the admission criteria listed for WSU Pullman. TCH LRN 301 may not be required for program admission by transfer students who are admitted to the program before they begin taking classes at WSU. TCH LRN 301 must be taken in the first semester of the program by these students in order to remain eligible for the major.

Master in Teaching (MIT)

The Master in Teaching is a full-time, field-based program leading to elementary or secondary certification and a master's degree. Students in this program will complete certification courses during the first 15 months of the program. With successful completion of these requirements, students may opt to complete additional research requirements for a master's degree. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of graded course work, and submit the MIT application portfolio which is available from the WSU Tri-Cities Education Department. All applicants must attempt an approved basic skills exam in reading, writing and mathematics. Passing SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores may be used to meet basic skills. If passing scores are not achieved, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution will fulfill the basic skills requirement. Content proficiency (NES or WEST-E) is also required to be considered for admission. Applications for Elementary Education and Secondary Education must be submitted by November 15 for programs beginning the following summer.

Course of Study for Elementary Education: KINES 536, MIT 501, 502, 505, 507, 508, 511, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 571, or TCH LRN 490, MIT 575 or TCH LRN 415, SPEC ED 520.

Course of Study for Secondary Education: MIT 501, 502, 505, 506, 507, 508, 511, 550, 551, 552, 571 or TCH LRN 490, MIT 575 or TCH LRN 415, SPEC ED 520, and an additional 9 credits of graded course work.

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

Washington State University Tri-Cities offers the Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree with specializations in Curriculum and Instruction; and Language, Literacy, and Technology. The Ed.M. is a non-thesis degree designed for educators wishing to extend their professional knowledge and enhance their competence as practitioners. Course credit also may be used to meet continued certification requirements or lead to a Special Education, Bilingual Education, and/or English Language Learner endorsement.  Students planning to add an endorsement to a Washington teacher certificate must apply to WSU’s add-on endorsement program. For additional information about certification issues please contact the Department of Teaching and Learning, WSU Tri-Cities.

WSU VANCOUVER TEACHER CERTIFICATION

http://education.vancouver.wsu.edu/teacher-certification-programs

Inquiries and requests for application materials for teacher certification programs should be addressed to WSU Vancouver, Education Department, 14024 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver WA 98686, (360) 546-9673, or by email at admissions@vancouver.wsu.edu.

WSU Vancouver seeks to prepare the best possible teachers and therefore seeks highly qualified individuals for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Education and the Master in Teaching programs. Admission to, or continued enrollment in, a teacher education program may be denied a candidate on the basis of review by the faculty. Field experiences with accompanying seminars allow the intern-cooperating partners to engage in ongoing dialogue with university field personnel throughout the year and are coordinated with academic work.

Bachelor of Arts in Education

This Teacher Education Program culminates in a bachelor's degree with elementary certification. The program is designed for students who have a direct transfer Associate of Arts degree or who have completed 60 semester hours of study and who have also completed the required program prerequisites. Students can obtain a list of the prerequisites by contacting the Education Department at (360) 546-9673. All applicants must attempt an approved basic skills exam in reading, writing, and math to be considered for admission. Passing WEST-B, SAT or ACT scores may be used to meet basic skills. If passing scores are not achieved, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution will fulfill the basic skills requirement. Students must be admitted to both WSU and the Teacher Education Program before beginning education classes. Students are admitted and begin classes only during the summer session.

Master in Teaching (MIT)

The Master in Teaching is a full-time, 15-18 month field-based program leading to elementary or secondary certification and a master's degree. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of graded course work, and submit the MIT application portfolio which is available from the WSU Vancouver Education Department. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency or request alternative means to meet basic skills requirements in reading, writing and mathematics (SAT, ACT, or WEST-B) and content proficiency (NES, WEST-E, and/or ACTFL) to be considered for admission. Applications are available in the summer and must be submitted by October 1 for secondary certification in order to be considered for the program beginning in January; December 1 is the deadline for application for elementary certification in order to be considered for the program beginning the following May.

Course of Study for Elementary Education: KINES 536, MIT 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 509, 512, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 537, 571, 575, 702, SPEC ED 520. 

Course of Study for Secondary Education:  MIT 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 510, 513, 551, 552, 571, 575, 702, SPEC ED 520.

WSU VANCOUVER IN SERVICE AND MASTERS’ DEGREE PROGRAMS (NON-CERTIFICATION)

Inquiries and requests for application materials should be addressed to WSU Vancouver, Education Department, 14024 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, (360) 546-9075, or by email at admissions@vancouver.wsu.edu.

Endorsement Program

WSU Vancouver is proud to offer a number of endorsements for certified teachers to add to their credential. Use these endorsements to open new doors of opportunity for you within your school district or to help you gain employment for the first time.  Some of our endorsements may be obtained in conjunction with a master's degree.  Others are strictly "non-degree" endorsements. Endorsements offered as either non-degree or with a Master of Education (Ed.M.): English Language Learners, Middle Level Mathematics, and Special Education. Endorsements offered only as non-degree: Biology, English/Language Arts, History, Mathematics, and Social Studies.