Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate

Earn a teaching certification in one year

Program Description

The Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate Program prepares students to become certified teachers in Washington state elementary schools who are focused on educational justice and equity. Elementary Education Teacher Certification students learn how to center and sustain the rich cultural and linguistic identities and experiences of students, families, and communities while working in partnership with communities to transform schools into spaces of possibility and joy.  

Upon completion of this highly-structured, one-year course of study, students meet all the requirements to be recommended for Washington state residency teacher certification with an Elementary Education endorsement.

Why join the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate Program?

Students in the Elementary Education Teacher Certification program develop the skills to:

• Advocate for educational justice and equity in schools and communities. 
• Center and sustain the languages, cultures, and ways of knowing of children and families. 
• Foster safe and inclusive learning environments that celebrate elementary students’ strengths.  
• Teach or develop curricula that reflect student experiences.

Program Highlights

Students in the Elementary Education Teacher Certification program have the opportunity to:

• Be a member of a supportive learning community and make lifelong professional friendships.
• Develop strong relationships with UW faculty who are national experts in justice-oriented research and teaching.
• Develop valuable professional connections with local school districts through student teaching placements.
• Receive holistic support from professors, advisors, mentor teachers, placement staff and field instructors, including community-building and career networking workshops.
• Be eligible for several School of Educational Studies scholarships.
• Complete all the requirements for teacher certification in four-quarters.
• Participate in a full-time, day-time program with some evening classes.
• Apply to the Master of Education for professional development or to add a specialty endorsement.