The Elementary Education program provides high quality, NCATE accredited programs that prepares students to teach grades K-6. You will spend a lot of time in classrooms observing, trying out lesson plans and eventually student teaching in a classroom with a supportive mentor, so that you graduate – boots on – and ready to go.
The concurrent major Elementary and Special Education program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to teach grades K-6 and special education K-12. The program exposes you to evidence-based teaching methods and classroom practices, as well as positive behavioral supports needed to best meet the needs of all students. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of legal requirements under special education law, and best practices in providing services to students with disabilities.
Inspire the next generation by sharing your passion for science, literature, language, mathematics, history, or agriculture with junior high or high school students. You will complete approximately 60 credit hours of coursework in the subject that you have chosen to teach from the UW College of Arts and Sciences or from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, while developing expertise in your field. In return you will receive a content-specific degree in secondary education, as well as a concurrent major in your teaching content area.
*Music and Art Education programs are administered by the College of Arts and Science and Physical Education is housed in the College of Health Sciences.
The UW College of Education offers three certification/endorsement programs in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.
Early Childhood Birth-Five Endorsement
An initial certification program for those majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences/Child Development or other related fields. Graduates of this program are prepared to teach infants, toddlers and preschoolers in early childhood care of education settings. Learn more about this program here.
Early Childhood Birth-Eight Endorsement
This endorsement program is available to undergraduate students enrolled in the Elementary Education program or post-graduate students with a BA in Elementary Education who have completed required courses, student teaching in primary grade (K-3) and an internship/apprenticeship in birth to five setting. Learn more about the requirements here.
Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
A post-graduate initial certification/endorsement program that prepares students to work with children with special needs in Developmental Preschool Centers and other early childhood B-5 settings. Learn more here.
Classroom Experience
You will start working in public school classrooms by your sophomore year — at the latest — acquiring experience with rural and urban schools.
Student Teaching
Student teaching placements are set early, so you spend plenty of practicum hours in your school setting
before collaboratively teaching with a supportive mentor. There are also options to
take your student teaching abroad.
Lab School
UW has a K-8 public school right on campus. This learner-centered environment provides you with your own learning laboratory
for practicum experiences and student teaching.
Scholarships
Every year the College of Education provides students with about $300,000 in scholarships.
Make sure you fill out your FASFA and visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
High-Tech Teaching
We offer you the chance to test-drive your teaching — and get feedback — through our special virtual reality system, Mursion®.