A candidate majoring in elementary education must satisfactorily complete the general studies program, baccalaureate degree requirements as listed in this bulletin, and the Teacher Certification Program (TCP): Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. No grade lower than a C applies in any major, minor, or endorsement class.
Because of the unique nature of the certification requirements for the elementary education degree, Biology, Health, History, Math, Physical Education, and Physics courses taken to meet any requirements for the BS Elementary Education degree are considered cognates and therefore can be simultaneously counted toward major or minor requirements in other areas.
Phase 1: TCP Pre-Candidacy, Provisional Admittance Status
Pre-Candidacy Requirements (Washington State Teacher Certification):
All teacher candidates must demonstrate proficiency in basic skills—math, reading, and writing—by fulfilling the following requirements:
1. Reading & Writing Requirement:
o Candidates must earn a grade of C or better in both ENGL 121 and ENGL 122 prior to applying for admission to the Teacher Certification Program.
2. Mathematics Requirement:
o Option A: Provide documentation of a passing score on the Math section of the ACT, SAT, or WEST-B exam.
o Option B: Earn a grade of C or better in a college-level math course (MATH 105 or higher).
o Option C: If no college-level math course has been taken, the candidate may qualify if they have a high school math GPA of 3.0 or greater and have successfully completed both Algebra 2 and Geometry or equivalent.
o Option D: If neither Option A, B, or C is met, the candidate must complete and pass MATH 095 Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better before being considered for acceptance into the Teacher Certification Program.
Pre-Candidacy Courses:
| EDUC 211 | Introduction to and Foundations of Education | 4 |
| PSYC 217 | Psychology of Learning and Development | 4 |
| SPED 210 | Introduction to Special Education and Inclusive Classrooms | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Pre-Candidacy Cognates:
| ENGL 121 | Introduction to Analytical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 122 | Introduction to Research Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Phase 2: TCP Core Certification Courses
Formal (full) acceptance into the Teacher Certification Program Phase 2 is required before registering for the courses listed below.
Teacher Certification Courses:
| EDUC 273 | Teaching and Learning: STEM I | 4 |
| EDUC 283 | Teaching and Learning: STEM II | 4 |
| EDUC 360 | Teaching and Learning: Inclusive Literacy I | 4 |
| EDUC 361 | Teaching and Learning: Inclusive Literacy II | 4 |
| EDUC 382 | Methods of Teaching K-12 Social Studies and History | 4 |
| EDUC 405 | Elementary Classroom Organization and Management | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Elementary Education Endorsement Requirements:
| EDUC 223/PSYC 223 | Research and Writing in Education and Psychology (WD) | 3 |
| EDUC 250 | Introduction to Teaching Practices and Technology | 2 |
| EDUC 290 | Measurement and Evaluation in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 350 | Language Development in Young Children | 3 |
| EDUC 386 | Seminar in Washington State Social Sciences Resources | 1 |
| EDUC 392 | Methods of Teaching K-12 Art | 3 |
| EDUC 410 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 425 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Education | 2 |
| EDUC 444 | Cultural Diversity in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 495 | Colloquium: Child Abuse | 0 |
| EDUC 497 | Multigrade and Rural Education | 2 |
| MUED 394 | Music in the Elementary School | 3 |
| PETH 396 | Methods of Teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
Teacher Certification Cognates
| BIOL 105 | Contemporary Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 105L | Contemporary Biology Laboratory | 0 |
| BIOL 106 | Contemporary Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 106L | Contemporary Biology Laboratory | 0 |
| ENGL 374 | Literature for Children and Young Adults | 4 |
| GEOG 252 | World Geography | 4 |
| HIST 221 | History of the United States | 4 |
| | or | |
| HIST 222 | History of the United States | 4 |
| HIST 386 | Cultures of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| HLTH 110 | Wellness for Living | 3 |
| MATH 214 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Conceptual Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 204 | Conceptual Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| SPCH 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 4 |
| SPED 222 | Methods of Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 47 |
Note: Phase 1 Pre-candidacy courses, cognates, and Teacher Certification Program Phase 2 courses also partially fulfill the endorsement requirements.
Phase 3: TCP Student Teaching Clinical Practice
Taking both sections of the National Evaluation Series (NES) in Elementary Education is a prerequisite for Phase 3.
| EDUC 450 | Introduction to Student Teaching: Clinical Practice | 1 |
| EDUC 451 | Program Assessment Part 1 | 1 |
| EDUC 452 | Program Assessment Part 2 | 1 |
| EDUC 453 | Program Assessment Part 3 | 1 |
| EDUC 460 | Elementary Student Teaching Part I | 2 |
| EDUC 470 | Elementary Student Teaching Part II | 2 |
| EDUC 480 | Elementary Student Teaching Part III | 2-12; 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
Minor in an Approved Content Area (State and/or Denominational):
Elementary education majors must complete a minor or approved non-minor content area with a minimum of 27 credits. Alternatively, students may work with their advisor and the certification officer to develop an individualized plan to meet professional goals, including meeting the requirements of a second endorsement. Requirements for the completion of additional endorsements frequently exceed 27 credits. See the certification officer in the School of Education and Psychology for a current endorsement check sheet.
Humanities
Science
Social Studies
Students selecting an approved non-minor content area should consult with the certification officer to review the available course options.
Additional Requirements for Adventist Education Certification
| EDUC 381 | Methods of Teaching K-12 Religion | 3 |
18 Religion credits are required for certification and must include:
RELB
| (Selected from courses with RELB prefix) | 8 |
| RELH 457 | History of Adventism | 3 |
| RELT 202 | Christian Beliefs | 4 |
| RELT 417 | Prophetic Inspiration | 3 |
Eighteen Religion credits are required for Junior Academy Religion Endorsement.
Religious studies (Bible) is not an approved Washington state endorsement. However, a religion major or minor, plus a methods course in religion, remains essential for those desiring an Adventist Education endorsement in Bible.