Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching
Contact Us
Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching
Miller Hall 200
Phone: 360.650.4481
E-mail: elit@wwu.edu
Welcome!
We believe that all people can live, learn, play, and work together in inclusive communities.
The Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching Department offers exemplary faculty, small class sizes, and extensive field experiences. Candidates complete their programs of study as thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective professionals.
Message from the Chair
Hello and welcome to the Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching. Teacher and Principal education have a storied history at Western Washington University. Training educators was the initial charge of our university in 1893. Today, we continue to produce high quality educators and school leaders, many of whom are widely sought after by numerous school districts across the Northwest.
Are you interested in teaching students with and without disabilities? Are you curious about education policy? Are you seeking a leadership credential so that you can share your talents as a principal or superintendent? We offer multiple programs to assist in your pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Master of Education, or Doctor of Education degree.
The faculty and staff in the Department take great pride in providing quality programs and personalized advising to candidates interested in human-focused and rewarding education careers. Please take some time to explore our website, where you’ll find detailed information regarding our degree programs, majors, faculty research, and requirements for program applications.
Our faculty and staff are welcoming of all identities, please reach out!
Looking forward,
Aaron Perzigian, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Alternative Routes to Teaching Certificates
Multilingual Special Education Scholars
This is a Route 1 Alternative teacher training program designed for South Seattle School District employees, available to current employees and new applicants. Program results in Multilingual Special Education BAE, Special Education (P-12) and Multilingual Education (P-12; ELL/Bilingual) Washington State Teaching Certificates.
Learn more about Multilingual Special Education
Special Education Endorsement Program for Certified Teachers
This program is designed for teachers who hold a valid Washington State teaching certificate and wish to obtain an additional endorsement in Special Education (P-12).
Education Leadership
Education Leadership Programs are designed to prepare effective principals, superintendents, and P-12 district-level leaders for a diverse society.
Several program options are available:
- Master of Education (MEd) in Education Leadership
- Master of Education (MEd) in Education Leadership with Residency Principal Certification
- Residency Administrator (Principal) Certification
- Superintendent Certification
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Leadership
Learn More about Education Leadership
Apply to Education Leadership
Disability and Advocacy
The Disability and Advocacy major is designed for students who are interested in working with individuals (e.g. children, youth and adults) with disabilities outside of traditional school settings, such as in local disability advocacy and human service contexts. Students have the ability to explore this pathway through either a major (BAE) or a minor.
Learn More about Disability and Advocacy
Apply to the Disability and Advocacy Major
Teacher Certification Programs
Depending on the grade level(s) you may want to teach, there are a variety of program options available to students leading to a teaching certificate.
Inclusive Education (Dual Endorsement Elementary & Special Education), BAE
This program leads to qualification for two Washington State Teacher Certificates, one in Special Education (P-12) and the other in Elementary Education (K-8). These endorsements prepare you to be both a general education teacher with the skills to meet the needs of all your students, as well as a special education teacher.
Learn More about Inclusive Education
Apply to Inclusive Education, BAE
Special Education, BAE
This program leads to qualification for one Washington State Teacher Certificate in Special Education (P-12). This endorsement program prepares you to be a special education teacher.
Learn more about Special Education
Apply to Special Education, BAE
Special Education (P-12) Plus Content Endorsement (Dual Endorsement), BAE
This program leads to qualification for two Washington State Teacher Certificates, one in Special Education (P-12) and the other in a secondary (6-12) level content area of your choice. These endorsements prepare you to be a secondary education content teacher, as well as a special education teacher.
Early Childhood (P-3) Special Education (Dual Endorsement), BAE
This program leads to qualification for two Washington State Teacher Certificates, one in Early Childhood Special Education (P-3) and the other in Early Childhood Education (P-3). These endorsements prepare you to be an early childhood education teacher with expertise in early childhood special education.
Learn more about Early Childhood Education
Apply to Early Childhood Education
Education for Inclusive Environments Teacher Residency
This program leads to qualification for two* Washington State Teacher Certificates, one in Special Education (P-12) and the other in Elementary Education (K-8). Located outside of the Bellingham area in Everett and Bremerton, this unique program with a year-long teaching residency provides you with the background and experiences to be an instrument of change in your chosen teaching path.
*Candidates may pursue a single teacher certificate in Special Education (P-12).
Learn More about Teacher Residency program
Apply for Teacher Residency
General Advising
Woodring Advisor - Contact Jacob Brown at wce.advising@wwu.edu or schedule a meeting for questions on preparing to apply to Teacher Education Programs
Education Leadership Advisor - Contact Carola McGowan at mcgowac@wwu.edu for questions on preparing to apply to Education Leadership Programs