Elementary Education: K-8 Certification & Special Education Endorsement (BA)

Program Description

Obtaining an add-on endorsement in special education as a K–8 teacher can be a game-changer. This specialized training equips you with a deeper understanding of diverse learning needs and strategies to support students with disabilities. By acquiring this endorsement, you are better equipped to create inclusive classrooms where every child can thrive.

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.

Admission to the School of Education

When you enroll in the Education Foundations courses, you are considered a tentative candidate for admission to the School of Education. You will be required to prepare a formal application for full admission to the School of Education in the year prior to Professional year. Upon the fulfillment of all required prerequisites and full admission to the School of Education, you may take the primary sequence of courses leading to certification.

Admission to the School of Education requires the following:

Complete the all Education Foundation courses, achieving an average with no grade lower than a 2.0 (“C”). Your prerequisite coursework must be no more than five years old.
- Post-baccalaureate students only: Passing scores on the Washington state basic skills test (WEST-B), Washington state educators’ endorsement test (WEST-E/NES), and transcript evaluation by the School of Education must be completed prior to registering for Education Foundation courses
Receive two favorable recommendations from SPU faculty and staff. You will receive directions on this from the Certification Office prior to Professional year.
Complete a Interview with School of Education faculty.
Pass the SPU writing requirement of ENG 3301 Advanced Expository Writing, or both WRI 1000 Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar and WRI 1100 Disciplinary Research and Writing Seminar, with a grade of 2.0 (“C”) or better.
Achieve a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or a 3.3 GPA in the last 45 credits of college or university work.
Documentation of meeting the SOE preferred scores on the basic skills tests (reading, writing and math); official Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) SAT, or ACT scores are required.
Accepted into a major.
Take the appropriate Washington Educator Skills Test – Endorsement (WEST-E/NES) for each endorsement being earned. Taking the exams will allow you to register for Professional year; however, tests must be passed with official scores to SPU prior to September 1 of Professional year.
Complete fingerprint and pre-residency clearance through OSPI.
Complete a formal application for admission to the School of Education.
Senior standing (135 credits).
Completion of 15 upper-division credits in student’s major.
Maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.3 in the last 45 credits throughout the program.

Registration

Students will need School of Education permission to register for most classes in the certification program. Before registering, contact the School of Education to confirm that you have passed the appropriate prerequisites.