Frequently Asked Questions (By Program)

Applications are due on March 1, for Fall Admission . The program only admits once per year. All applicants are interviewed as part of the application process, and decisions are communicated via email approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. For more information, please visit the Early Childhood Education's admissions page.

We offer two program options depending on your career goals. 

Students interested in working in early childhood education settings (e .g. Head Start, after-school programs, childcare, etc.), who do not intend to become certificated teachers in the public school system, may consider our Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) in Early Childhood Education (Non-Certification). Students who wish to specialize in working with young children and their families in a variety of settings, may consider our Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) in Early Childhood Education with Certification in ECE P-3. Upon successful completion of the certification program, students are eligible for WA teacher certification with an endorsement to teach preschool through 3rd grade.

Students can expect to be full-time throughout the program with quarters averaging 16 credits. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) in Early Childhood Education (Non-Certification) can expect to complete the program in 2 years (6 quarters). Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) in Early Childhood Education with Certification in ECE P-3 can expect to finish in 2.5 years {8 quarters). Courses in the program are only offered once per year, which means that students must take the required sequence to stay on track. We offer modified plans of study for students who wish to take less credits per quarter and extend their time to degree. 

In order to complete the program on schedule, we strongly recommend that students complete their General University Requirements (GURs) prior to program admission. Students should plan to complete MATH 111/112, or equivalent, and SCED 201, or equivalent, prior to program admission 

Students are admitted once per year for fall quarter and are placed in a cohort with other early childhood education students. It is a small program with no more than 25 students in a cohort, which provides an opportunity to get to know your peers and faculty members. Many graduates of the program maintain these relationships well beyond graduation. Because we have embedded practica within coursework, you will begin working with children immediately. Students are offered the opportunity to work with children of different ages in community settings and with families from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Students visit several early childhood settings that offer different types of approaches to teaching and learning. Often students are introduced to opportunities beyond the university coursework for professional development alongside faculty or mentor teachers.

Our early childhood education faculty are always available to advise and have professional expertise in inquiry-based learning and working with children of various ages from diverse families and communities. Our faculty are passionate about mentoring early childhood education teachers and have been inspired by the study of the Reggio Emilia approach which influences their work with students and teachers.

Yes! Once you are admitted to the program, there are several scholarships available through Woodring College of Education's Scholarship page.

Additionally, the Financial Aid Office has many scholarship opportunities for students. 

We hold our students to the highest of professional standards, which align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) code of ethics for professionalism. Entering into our program means you are entering into a professional career program and that you are preparing and practicing the skills, dispositions and knowledge that are required as an early childhood educator. We promote the practices that support students to examine their understanding of the relationship between learning and teaching and the meaning of a reflective practitioner. You should carefully weigh your decision before applying to the program understanding that you are required to take courses as a full -time student and that you are often taking practicum in settings off campus. Family and work schedules must be coordinated carefully because of the time commitment to your studies. 

We are more than happy to review your previous college transcripts for coursework that may be equivalent to program required courses. We will likely grant credit if you have taken a course equivalent to the following: Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Family and Community Relationships and/or Child Abuse and Neglect.

The Early Childhood Education {ECE) Program focuses on the physical, social and emotional growth of young children from prenatal development through age eight. 

All programs vary in length. Each student will have a unique plan of study due to their personal circumstances, including number of transfer courses completed, major/minor/program choice and program level. 

Undergraduate (UG), Post-Baccalaureate (PB)

Early Childhood Education (UG and PB)

• Bellingham: 8 quarters
  • Non-Certification program: 6 quarters
• Bremerton: 8 quarters

We seek students who are committed to working with young children and their families and who want to specialize in early childhood education. Only students who demonstrate their desire to develop their knowledge, skills and dispositions working alongside children and families are accepted. 

As a cohort group, you will take program courses alongside other students in the ECE program. Think of a cohort as a "learning community." This type of learning environment fosters the development of professional relationships between students and faculty, creates a shared earning experience among students, and fosters collaboration. The early childhood faculty believes that the cohort model supports creativity, leadership and encourages individual growth in the context of the group.

All programs vary in length. Each student will have a unique plan of study due to their personal circumstances, including number of transfer courses completed, major/minor/program choice and program level. 

Undergraduate (UG), Post-Baccalaureate (PB)

Elementary Education

• Bellingham UG: 7-10 quarters dependent on major
• Bellingham PB: 7 quarters
• Everett/Bremerton, Education for Inclusive Teacher Residency Program Elementary & Special Education: 7 quarters

No, currently there is not an accelerated BS/MS Elementary Education program at WWU. Students often refer to these also as 4+1 programs.

ELED 305 has an intensive focused on classroom management skills. While it is not in the context of a classroom, it provides a helpful foundation for classroom management that can be built upon in subsequent field experiences courses and student teaching internship.

Yes, Elementary Education majors go study abroad, but they are not completing major required courses and transferring them back to WWU. 
 

WA state transfer students can consult the WWU Admissions Transfer Equivalency Guide website to check for course equivalency to WWU classes listed below. To learn more information about WWU GURs please visit the Registrar’s Office website.  

Note: course designations can change at any time. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the class they are taking meets General University Requirements (GURs). Recommended GURs for Elementary Education.

Though we recommend you take all five classes sequentially, you can take MLE443 and MLE444 in the same quarter (concurrently). This 10-credit combination is a heavy load, so we recommend that if you find you need to do this you try to pair it with lighter coursework.

Three of the MLE courses include experiences working with Multilingual Learners in K-12 settings. Because MLE courses all meet in afternoons and evenings, all of these experiences will happen outside our scheduled class time. We will work with each of you individually to determine your daytime availability and create a weekly schedule that matches up.

MLE442

• Service Learning - 10 hours (on average, 1-1.5 hours/week)

MLE443

• Practicum - 30 hours (on average, 3-4 hours/week)

MLE445

• Practicum - 30 hours (on average, 3-4 hours/week)

Take the appropriate WEST-E test

• The state of Washington requires teacher candidates to attempt a qualifying endorsement test prior to starting full-time student teaching. Neither the Bilingual nor ELL endorsements are qualifying endorsements! Both are considered add-on endorsements, so you do not need to take them prior to starting your internship. On the contrary, we highly recommend you wait until after taking the entire MLE course sequence before taking the test.
• After you take the final course MLE445, you will take one of the following tests:
  • Bilingual endorsement: WEST-E Bilingual Education 050
  • ELL endorsement: WEST-E English Language Learners 051
  • Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis
• You do not need to take or pass the WEST-E in order to pass any of the MLE courses or to graduate. The test is solely connected to WA State requirements for your Bilingual or ELL endorsement.
• Sometimes individuals choose to wait until after graduation to take the test. This is okay, but does have one possible impact you should be aware of. By waiting until after graduation to take the WEST-E, you might need to pay an extra fee (~$50) to Woodring’s certification office. Here’s why: let's say upon graduation you want to apply for your K-8 Elementary teaching license right away - if you haven't taken the WEST-E for ELL then you won't be able to apply for the ELL endorsement at the same time. You can absolutely do it at a later date, you'll just need to pay Woodring's Certification Office again that second time for them to process the ELL endorsement. Summary: Apply for your K-8 license and ELL endorsement at the same time, one fee. Apply for each one separately, two fees.

Take the ACTFL Speaking and Writing tests (Bilingual Education endorsement only)

• Individuals getting the Bilingual Education endorsement must show their proficiency in a language other than English. To do this, you will take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). 

While the endorsement is a subject, and the grade level you can teach that is listed on your teaching certificate, a Minor is a set of courses designed to give you insight into a particular academic field. It’s a secondary specialization that’s less than a major, but is more than having taken 0-1 introductory courses.

Majors are listed on diplomas. Minors are not. However, your official transcript will show both.

Similarities

The English Language Learner (ELL) and Bilingual Education Endorsement are similar in the following ways: 1) they are both a K-12 endorsement, meaning someone who holds the endorsement can teach at any level and 2) they both require the same set of Western courses, MLE 441-445. Each MLE class is 5 credits. To gain the endorsement, you must take all 25 credits.

Differences

When deciding which endorsement you want to hold, the primary thing we recommend students consider is thinking about what type of future classroom/school you want to teach in. Additionally, you can test into both endorsements and receive both. Getting the BE endorsement requires additional language proficiency testing through ACTFL. 

• You are a strong speaker and writer in a language used in dual language schools in WA state (or other places if you might want to move)
• Shows you have training to work in dual-language schools, and can teach on the “target language” side
• Not yet required in WA state, but may be in the future. Dual language is the preferred model in WA State, and the State Superintendent has made it a goal to have all students have access to Dual Language by 2040.

• Bilingual teachers are paid more in many districts (sometimes the endorsement is needed, sometimes not)

  Bilingual Endorsement Language Requirement

• Because someone with a bilingual endorsement will be teaching content in a language other than English, it is important they have strong proficiency in that language.
• To receive the Bilingual Endorsement, you’ll need to achieve an Advanced Mid rating in Speaking and Writing on the ACTFL.
• These are not tests about the language (you won’t be asked to identify parts of speech, for example). Instead, they are tests of your ability to use language.
• Before you take the tests, you can self-assess where you’re at. Click on the “Speaking” and “Writing” buttons to view descriptions of the levels and samples.
• Spanish
  • Links to other languages forthcoming

• Training so that you can be a strong teacher for the multilingual students in your class! Concrete principles and strategies so you can accommodate and modify curriculum in linguistically and culturally relevant ways.
• Matter of equity!
• Employability:
  • Yes, it also helps with employability
  • In WA State, if any portion of your salary is paid through TBIP funding, you must have your ELL endorsement.
• We encourage getting classroom experience after graduating but if you are interested in becoming an MLL specialist, this is the required endorsement. 

Preschool to Grade 3  

• Early Childhood Program, which endorses to teach P-3
• Special Education Early Childhood Program, which endorses to teach
  • Special Education P-3
  • Early Education P-3 (two endorsements)

Elementary School  

• Early Childhood Program, which endorses to teach P-3
• Elementary Education Program, which endorses to teach K-8
• Special Education & Elementary, which endorses to teach Elementary K-8
• and Special Education P-12

Middle School  

Elementary Education Program which endorses teaching K-8, with an optional endorsement for middle school (sych as English, Math, Science).

Students interested in Early Childhood or Elementary Education should plan to apply for the major in your 2nd or 3rd year of college.

Yes! WWU’s Woodring College of Education offers some programs at locations outside of Bellingham. These include:

Bremerton

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education Endorsement Program for Certified Teachers

Everett

• Bilingual Teaching Fellows
• Elementary Education Endorsement Program for Certified Teachers
• Multilingual Education

Renton

• Bilingual Teaching Fellows
• English Language Learner & Bilingual Education Endorsement Program
• Multilingual Education 

All programs vary in length. It's important to meet with an advisor and create a plan of study EARLY to ensure you are meeting requirements.  

• Elementary Education can take 2-2.5 years to complete
• Early Childhood Education can take  

The WEST-B is a basic skills test like the SAT and ACT. All students entering a teacher preparation program will need to complete a basic skills test in the area of Reading, Writing and Math. Woodring accepts SAT and ACT scores for this requirement. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT or are missing a score from one of the three areas, we suggest you take the WEST-B. Students can apply for a test voucher by completing a test voucher form.

Yes! Teachers and teacher candidates can add-on additional endorsements. Some endorsements must be added on through additional coursework and state testing. Other endorsements can only be added on through state tests.

The Career Center hosts job fairs specifically for education students.  They can also help with resume and cover letter preparation.

1. Schedule a Meeting with the Pre-Admissions Advisor. 
   Planning ahead can save time and money. The pre-admissions advisor will work with you to identify the programs and majors that align with your career goals, and can advise you around endorsement requirements, the application process, and connecting you with department faculty.  
2. The Basic Skills Requirement is used as one of the multiple measures that gauge a candidate's basic skills upon entry. It is required by law for all teacher certification programs in Washington State. 

To gain a Teaching Certificate all teacher candidates must complete a teacher preparation program. Woodring offers programs for Elementary, Secondary and Special Education areas.

Yes! Teachers and teacher candidates can add-on additional endorsements. Some endorsements must be added on through additional coursework and state testing. Other endorsements can only be added on through state tests.

Washington State test-in endorsements
Endorsements offered through Woodring

A Teaching Certificate is the primary document that indicates you are qualified to teach, obtained after completing a teacher preparation program and meeting state requirements. It is the "license" to teach, allowing you to enter the profession and is issued by the state or relevant educational authority. 

Endorsements are added to a teaching certificate and indicate the specific subject areas and grade levels a teacher is qualified to teach. For example, an endorsement might specify "Elementary Education," or "Special Education,". 
Endorsements can be obtained through additional coursework, exams, or experience in a specific area. Some, but not all states require a certificate to be issued with at least one endorsement. Endorsements can also be used to qualify for specific teaching positions. Learn more about the Endorsements Woodring offers.

Yes! Washington State Certificated teachers can transfer their certificate to most other states. Each state has different requirements, so look at the state you are interested in and what they have for ‘Out of State Applicants'.  There may be paperwork that needs to be signed to prove internship or teacher preparation requirements were completed at Woodring College of Education. If so, email the Certification Office to get this arranged.

Sign up for the Compass 2 Campus Program

See all the Teaching Endorsements at Woodring.

Email the Certification Office if you are a former Woodring student and have questions about renewing a current teaching certificate.

Discover Woodring Scholarships.

To apply for scholarships, please visit the Scholarship Center Portal. Please be sure to allow plenty of time to complete the application; the more complete, the better your chances of being awarded. The deadline for submission is expected to be May 2, 2025.