Elementary Education Application Checklist

Eligibility Checklist

• I am a WWU student or WWU applicant.
• I have completed (or are in-progress of completing) a minimum of 75 graded college-level credits by the application due date, or anticipate completing a DTA-AA degree by admissions quarter start date. AP and IB credits can count towards the 75 required credits. For a list of acceptable tests and scores, see Western's Transfer Credit Policies. (AP and IB credits can count).
• I meet the Basic Skills Requirement (I have submitted official SAT or ACT or WEST-B scores to WWU Admissions).
• I meet the English composition course requirement with a minimum grade of B- (ENG 101, COMM 101, JOUR 106, or AP English Lit or Lang score of 4, IB English core of 4).
• I meet the minimum 2.75 GPA cumulative or for the last 45+ graded credits (Does not include: S/U graded credits or a repeated course. Does include failing grades. GPA is calculated using the WWU grade point system).
• I have completed (or are in-progress of completing) the following program prerequisites:
  • MATH 111 or MATH 112 (minimum grade of C), or ALEKS Math Placement Assessment with a minimum score of 45, or an approved intermediate college-level algebra course with a minimum grade of C (e.g. MATH 99 at Whatcom Community College of Skagit Valley College) Note: Math courses more than five years old will not be accepted
  • SCED 201, SCED 202, SCED 203, or SCED 204 (with a minimum grade of C), or an approved community college equivalent (e.g. WCC - PHYSC 104, GEOL 104, or BIOL 104; SVC - PHYS 111, or EASC 111, or BIOL 111; EvCC - NAT S 107, GEOL 107, or BIOL 107; NWIC - BIOL 111, GEO 111 or PHYS 111)
• NOTE: Upon request, we will evaluate GPA prior to applying to the program if you need help checking if you meet this requirement. Email unofficial transcripts to TeacherEd.Admission@wwu.edu.

Note: If my GPA does not currently meet the minimum expectation for extenuating reasons, I may include an explanation as to why this is the case for review.

Additional Notes

Students are encouraged to complete as many GURs as possible prior to beginning the Elementary Professional Program coursework. The following GURs will be met as part of the program:

• QSR (MATH 381 & MATH 382)
• BCGM (ELED 310) 

Application Materials to Prepare and Submit

• Unofficial transcripts for all college credits received. Current WWU students:
  Include a Transfer Equivalency Report for all transfer credits (including AP & IB)
• 1-page description of experiences working with children and youth
• 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.

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

You may submit your responses in either in written or audio format.

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

Experience Working with 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)