About the Program
SPU has a long-held reputation as one of the premier teacher preparation programs in the state and region. The School of Education offers a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with kindergarten through 8th grade certification. With this degree you will be prepared to be a highly effective teacher in elementary and middle school classrooms.
You will be required to complete SPU’s General Education requirements, the elementary education major requirements, and additional certification requirements. The elementary education major offers several distinctives that set it apart from other programs.
Distinctives
Program Framework: Residency Teacher Certification Program
The program's framework is thoughtfully designed to guide students through a seamless progression across four distinct stages, culminating in a well-prepared education and future career. From foundational knowledge acquisition to hands-on application, each stage equips students with the requisite skills and expertise, fostering their growth and readiness to be a successful educator. This structured approach not only imparts a strong theoretical foundation but also provides the real-world exposure and confidence necessary to excel in the classroom.
The professional program leading to a Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate at Seattle Pacific consists of stages:
Major Courses and Degree Requirements
There are two components to the Elementary Education major: the education foundations and core courses, and the Residency Teacher Certification requirements, which includes the professional year of the program.
Component I: Education Foundations and Core Courses
Students take a total of 86 credits in the education foundations and core courses. These courses, rooted in educational foundations, enable you to develop a breadth of content knowledge across the elementary subject areas you will teach, providing a solid pedagogical framework for effective classroom instruction. These courses simultaneously fulfill 30 credits required in SPU’s Exploratory Curriculum.
Component II: Residency Teacher Certification Program
Students will complete a year-long internship in their professional year in the program, which will include completing requirements for teacher certification. Students who do not complete certification requirements will be required to switch to the Elementary Education: No Certification major or a different major at the university.
Additional Endorsements
The K-8 Elementary Education major offers students the opportunity to enhance their professional qualifications by adding three endorsements to their primary teaching degree. These endorsements provide educators with specialized skills and knowledge that can significantly enrich their teaching capabilities and expand their career opportunities. Whether it's in the realm of special education, multilingual learners, or reading instruction, these additional qualifications empower teachers to better meet the diverse needs of their students. Each endorsement brings unique insights and strategies to the table, equipping educators to create inclusive and effective learning environments while also enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
Additional Required Courses
| EDSP 3107 |
Exceptionality in the Classroom |
3 |
| EDSP 4642 |
Individual Education Programs |
3 |
| EDSP 4646 |
Severe Disabilities |
3 |
| EDSP 4648 |
Teaching Students with Emotional and Behavior Disorders |
3 |
| EDSP 4651 |
Special Education Assessment |
3 |
15 credits
Additional Required Courses
| EDU 4210 |
Foundations of Bilingual/Multilingual Education |
3 |
| EDU 4215 |
Educational Linguistics |
3 |
| EDU 4220 |
Methods of Teaching and Assessing Multilingual Learners |
3 |
9 credits
Additional Required Courses
| EDU 4210 |
Foundations of Bilingual/Multilingual Education |
3 |
| EDU 4215 |
Educational Linguistics |
3 |
6 credits
If You Don’t Want to Teach
Students may graduate with an Elementary Education major without seeking teacher certification. If you don’t want to teach, you are not required to complete methods or professional years required for the Residency Teacher Certification Program. You will complete a concentration-specific capstone course(s) instead of the education capstone course and practicum.
Entering the Elementary Education Major
You may enter the Elementary Education major during your first quarter at SPU. Entrance after your first quarter requires only good academic standing (2.0 or higher SPU cumulative GPA). Consult the undergraduate catalog for complete information on how and when to enter and what you must do to complete the program.
Advising
You will be assigned an Education faculty advisor during your freshman year. Once you are admitted to the Elementary Education major, be sure to work closely with your advisor as you make decisions regarding course selection for the core courses, the concentration, the teacher certification and Elementary Education endorsement requirements, and the University’s graduation requirements. You will also work closely with the Certification Office to ensure you complete all state and program requirements for the Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate.
If you plan to participate in a study abroad program, work with your advisor to determine the most appropriate quarter for such travel. This planning should be done during your freshman year if at all possible.
Transfer Students
If you are a transfer student from a Washington state community college with a direct transfer agreement (DTA) associate degree with an Elementary Education Major-Related Program (MRP), you will be allowed to transfer credits toward corresponding course requirements in the core courses and in the Elementary Education major at SPU.
Use the Transfer Course Equivalency Guide to see how credit from other institutions will transfer to Seattle Pacific University.