Elementary Education Admissions

Program Acceptance Data

* ≥44 transfer credits

Steps for Applying 

Step 1: Before applying, review the Elementary Education Application Checklist to ensure you meet the eligibility and two prerequisite course requirements. 

Step 2: If you are not a current WWU student, you must also apply to WWU. This is a separate application.

Step 3: Prepare your application materials using the information below. 

Step 4: Submit Your Application Here

Application Materials 

• Unofficial transcripts for all college credits received (Include WWU and all other institution college credit).
  • Current WWU students: Include a Transfer Equivalency Report (TER) for all transfer credits (including AP & IB)
• 1-page description of experiences working with children and/or youth
  • Applicants are asked to provide information that highlights their experiences with children and/or youth. This does not need to be formal work experience or experience in a school. Relevant experiences to list might include working with family members, through neighborhood or community organizations, or sports/recreation.
    • Include a list of your experiences, including your responsibilities
    • Tell us how these experiences will impact what you bring to the classroom.
    • Please upload this information as a single page .doc, .docx, or .pdf . (Example)
• Responses to application questions

Application Questions

We invite you to share with us important aspects about yourself and the commitments you will bring to teaching. This is not an academic essay; we encourage you to be personal, genuine, and candid in your responses. You may submit your responses in either in written or audio format.

1. Please describe one or more of your life experiences (within or outside of a school context) that have been significant in helping you understand issues of equity, diversity and social justice.
2. From those life experiences, identify specific lessons that you have learned about what it would mean for you to be a teacher committed to equity, diversity and social justice.
3. What additional experiences, qualifications or other information relevant to your potential as a teacher do you wish the Admissions Committee to consider? 

Please note that the use of generative AI is prohibited at Western except where faculty have specifically authorized its use. Applicants are prohibited from using generative AI to complete the application to the Elementary Certification Program. For more information, visit USES OF AI at WWU 

For written responses

• Submission should be single-spaced using 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial with 1” page margins
• Include the questions and/or number your responses in a single document of no more than 4 pages
• Responses must be submitted as .doc, .docx, or .pdf.

For audio responses

• Response should be audio only (no video). Do not add music to the recording.
• Responses should be submitted as .mp3, .m4a, .mp4, or .wav.
• Clearly indicate which question you are answering in the recording (e.g., Question 1, 2, 3)
• Total time of recording should not exceed 4 minutes 

Note all applications must be submitted digitally, please do not mail in your application.