Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching
Contact Us
Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching
Miller Hall 200
Phone: 360.650.3330
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
Inclusive Education Teaching Scholars
This is an Route 1 Alternative Route teacher training program designed for Kent School District and Highline Public Schools employees. Available to current employees and new applicants.
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 Educational Administration
- Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration with Residency Principal Certification
- Residency Administrator (Principal) Certification
- Superintendent Certification
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership
Disability and Advocacy
The Disability and Advocacy major is designed for motivated and self-driven students who are interested in working with individuals (e.g. children, youth and adults) with disabilities outside of traditional school settings. We support local organizations, and community settings by having our students experience working with individuals in diverse settings. Students have the ability to explore this pathway through either a major (BAE) or a minor.
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 endorsements, one in special education P-12 and the other in elementary education K-8. These endorsements prepare you to be a general education teacher with the skills to meet the needs of all your students, as well prepared to be a special education teacher.
Special Education, BAE
This program leads to one qualifying endorsement in special education P-12. This endorsement program prepares you to be a special education teacher with expert knowledge of the general classroom operations and responsibilities.
Special Education P-12 Plus Content Endorsement (Dual Endorsement), BAE
This program leads to qualification for two endorsements, one in special education P-12 and the other in your secondary level content area. These endorsements prepare you to be a regular secondary education teacher, as well prepared to be a special education teacher.
Special Education Early Childhood P-3 Early Childhood Education P-3 (Dual Endorsement), BAE
This program leads to qualification for two endorsements, 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 general education teacher, as well as prepared to be an early childhood special education teacher.
Teacher Education Outreach Programs
This program leads to qualification for two endorsements, one in special education P-12 and the other in elementary education K-8. These programs are located outside of the Bellingham area in Everett and Bremerton.