Special Education Endorsement Program for Certified Teachers

Program Information

This approximately 41 to 50+ credit Western Washington University program leads to an endorsement in Special Education (P-12) based on Washington State Special Education P-12 Endorsement Competencies. It is open to teachers who hold a valid and endorsable Washington State teacher's certificate, and is offered in Bellingham, Bremerton and Everett (on a space available basis). The program provides coherent preparation in all areas of the Special Education curriculum, and may include an optional internship experience. Successful completion of the entire program and a passing score on the WEST-E in Special Education result in Western’s recommendation for the P-12 Special Education Endorsement.

Admission & Retention

Admission to the Woodring College of Education Special Education Endorsement Program is required before a student may begin taking courses in this program, unless prior arrangements have been made. Requirements include:

  • Washington State Teaching Certificate
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 quarter credits or 30 semester credits.

Retention in the program requires continuous demonstration of competence in standard oral and written English in all course work. Retention also requires the maintenance of a 2.75 quarterly GPA for each quarter. The State of Washington requires students to earn a "C" or better in all endorsement courses and WWU extends this requirement to all professional education courses.

Application Process

It is recommended to contact the Program Advisor to learn more about the program and how it might work for you prior to submitting application materials. To apply, please complete the SPED Endorsement Application and Student Conduct Agreement, and email along with college transcripts, copy of teaching certificate, and detailed description of experiences or resume to the Program Advisor.

Contact Information

Program Advisor: Miranda Myers Barker

Western Washington University, Miller Hall 203C

Phone: 360-650-6292

Email: Miranda Myers Barker