Special Education Endorsement Program

Program Information

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Special Education Endorsement Program for Certified Teachers

Program Information

This approximately 42 to 60 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. 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 results 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

Complete the SPED Endorsement Application and Student Conduct Agreement, and mail along with college transcripts, copy of teaching certificate, and detailed description of experiences or resume to:

Western Washington University
Teacher Education Outreach Programs
Woodring College of Education
516 High Street, MS 9051
Bellingham, WA 98225-9051

You may also email application materials to the Program Advisor.

Contact Information

Program Advisor: Miranda Myers Barker

For certified teachers intending to add the Special Education endorsement.