WCE SPED/Elementary
Undergraduate/Post Baccalaureate
Teacher Education Admissions
TeacherEd.Admissions@wwu.edu 		#New Form
Overview
 
For safety reasons particular courses in this program have received authorization to require that all students registered in the identified courses must be vaccinated for COVID-19. Unvaccinated students may need to arrange accommodations.
 
Hello, we are thrilled you decided to apply to the Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching. We offer majors that will help you make real difference in the lives of students and their families. We want you to know that we read all applications and our decision process is multifaceted. Feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding the application.
 
Please note that previous academic difficulty DOES NOT preclude you from acceptance in our Department and becoming an effective teacher.
 
The Woodring College vision charges faculty and staff with fostering community relationships and a culture of learning that advance knowledge, honor diversities and promote social justice.
 
In the Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching we believe:
  • All people can live, learn, play and work together in inclusive communities,
  • All persons have inherent value and make valuable contributions,
  • In multiple forms of diversity and ways of expression that include but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, abilities, sexual orientation, language, religion/non-religion, culture or country of origin.
 
If you are interested in a professional program focused upon effective teaching intervention and collaboration that will prepare you to work with children, families and other professionals, then we invite you to apply to our program.
 
Western Washington University (WWU), in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.
 
Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Equal Opportunity Office, Western Washington University, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360- 650-3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu.
 
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact disAbility Resources for Students, Old Main 120, 360- 650-3083 (voice) or 360-650-7175 (VP), drs@wwu.edu. A one-week advance notice is appreciated.
 
To request this document in an alternate format, please contact Woodring Admissions, 360-650-3310, TeacherEd.Admission@wwu.edu.
 
Western Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Institution
 
For program questions contact:
Inclusive Teaching, Miller Hall 200, 360-650-3330
sped@wwu.edu | wce.wwu.edu/sped
 
For application requirements contact:
Teacher Education Admissions, Miller Hall 150, 360-650-4887
TeacherEd.Admissions@wwu.edu | wce.wwu.edu/admissions
Application Directions
Use these checklists to assure submission of a complete application.
ALL ATTACHMENTS MUST BE IN PDF FORMAT.
 
Applications must include:
 
 
 
 
 
Note: If you wish to add any additional information that you think would give us a clearer picture of your application, please add a separate document to your application materials.
 
Program Requirements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Application Deadlines:
 
Quarter of Admission Application Due Date Application Review Decision Notification
Fall March 1 Beginning to late March Late March- April
Winter September 15 Late September to Early October Mid October
Spring January 15 Mid January to late February Late February
 
All applicants will be notified of admission decisions via email only.
Application Information
 
 
 
*If not currently a WWU student, you must apply directly to the university; a separate application.
 
 
College Information
List all colleges and submit UNOFFICIAL transcripts for all college credit received.
Current WWU students: Include a Transfer Equivalency Report for all transfer credits (including AP & IB).
Attach PDF transcripts at the end of this application.
 
# College Dates Attended Degree Earned Date Completed
1
2
3
4
Basic Skills Assessment
Indicate below which basic skills assessment you have completed for each subject area. Scores must be sent to WWU from the testing company to be considered official. We do not accept paper score reports for any exam. For more information visit: wce.wwu.edu/admissions/basic-skills-requirement
Please use an "X" to indicate the test you have completed for each area, Reading,
Math and Writing.
 
 
Program Recommendations
Indicate if you have completed of met the following recommended courses. Completing these recommended courses prior to applying will expedite the time to program completion.
 
MATH 112 / MATH 111
 
SCED 201
 
*Community College equivalents to SCED 201: Everett: NAT S 107; Skagit: PHYS 111; Whatcom: PHYSC 104; Lower Columbia: PHSC 109
 
EXCE 101
 
 
Writing Prompt
Please respond to the following prompt. Your response should be 500 - 1000 words in length. Please word process and use size 12 font and Times New Roman typeface.
Attach PDF writing prompt at the end of this application.
 
Prompt 1
Effective educators acquire and apply a diverse set of skills in a variety of complex classroom situations. Drawing from your own experiences and disposition toward learning, describe three qualities of an effective educator and three characteristics of effective teaching.
Student Conduct Agreement and Requirement
Students accepted into teacher certification programs at Western Washington University will have opportunities to work in public or private schools with students, teachers, administrators and parents. Our students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in all interactions with all individuals. As a means of emphasizing the importance of appropriate behavior, the following policies apply to all Woodring College Special Education students.
 
Applicants and admitted students may be denied admission, withdrawn from a course or practicum/field experience, the student teaching internship, or the certification program for any of the following reasons:
  1. a guilty plea or conviction of any felony crime involving the physical neglect of or physical injury to a child;
  2. the commission of a crime against the laws of the State of Washington;
  3. exhibiting unprofessional or unethical conduct or behavior;
  4. failure to maintain a 2.75 quarterly GPA
Program Completion
To qualify for program completion and recommendation for state of Washington Residency certification, students must complete the following requirements and assessments:
  • A baccalaureate or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Successful completion (grade of C or better) of all Woodring coursework and trainings, including preparation in an endorsable subject area and teaching methodologies.
  • A state-approved, performance-based teacher preparation program that includes preparation in an endorsable subject area, teaching methodologies, and an internship.
  • Evidence of good moral character and personal fitness.
  • Passing scores as set by the State of Washington on the content knowledge test(s) for each endorsement.
  • Successful completion of the student teaching internship as shown by performance on the InTASC Student Teaching Observation Tool.
I understand that information concerning admitted students may be shared with school district personnel to
determine if a field placement may and should be made, or if a placement should continue; and, that the Woodring College of Education cannot override the decision of school district personnel. Practicum and Internship placements are dependent on school district approval.
 
I understand that final admission will be based on Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint and Pre-Residency Character and Fitness Questionnaire clearance, and completion of required Woodring Teacher Education New Student Orientation.
 
I also understand that acceptance into the program and completion of the program does not guarantee the granting of a Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate.
 
Application Review and Decision
The following is information that may help you with the application process.  We look forward to reviewing your application. All application will be reviewed.
 
Reviewers will consider the following information in their acceptance or denial decision:
  • Previous academic performance, as indicated by GPA and courses taken
  • Previous experience working with students (including volunteer experience)
  • Disposition and enthusiasm toward teaching, as indicated by essay response
  • Perspective toward diversity and inclusion, as indicated by essay response
  • Content of the essay response
  • Organization of the essay response
All applications will be reviewed by department faculty after the due date.
 
Applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of faculty evaluation and review in conjunction with the scores on the following elements:
  • College Credits (see table)
  • GPA (see table)
  • GUR completion (see table)
  • 25-point total for essay response, as outlined below:
    • 5 Maximum points for description of experiences and disposition in essay
    • 5 Maximum points for description of three qualities of an effective educator and three characteristics of effective teaching in essay
    • 5 Maximum points for aligning your emerging skills with the described qualities and characteristics in essay
    • 5 Maximum points for perspective toward diversity and inclusion in essay
    • 5 Maximum points for organization and clarity in essay submission
GPA Application Points College Credit Application Points GUR completion

3.80+ = 15 points
3.70 = 13.5 points
3.60 = 12 points
3.50 = 10.5 points
3.40 = 9 points
3.30 = 7.5 points
3.20 = 6.0 points
3.10 = 4.5 points
3.00 = 3.0 points
2.75 = 2.0 points
<2.5 = 1.0 point

91+ credits = 5 points
71-90 = 4 points
51-70 = 3 points
30-50 = 2 points

All GURs (0 remain) = 6 points
Majority GURs (1-2 remain) = 5 points
Many GURs (3-4 remain) = 4 points
Some GURs (5-6 remain) = 3 points
Few GURs (7+ remain) = 2 points

 
Thank you, and we are again thrilled to see you here.
Application Attachments
Please attach the following in PDF format:
  • All UNOFFICIAL transcripts including WWU Academic History from Web4U (if applicable)
  • Transfer Equivalency Report from Web4U (if applicable)
  • Writing Prompts
DO NOT COMPLETE - Woodring Teacher Education Admission Personnel Only
 
Signatures and Attachments
The submitter may optionally enter their email address below. Press SUBMIT to send it.