TLES

TLES

Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Michigan K-8 Teacher/Administrator Certification (both Elementary and Early Childhood)

ZA Endorsement (only Early Childhood) which gives recognition as an Early Childhood Education Specialist

A. In the Elementary Education program, there are two programs of study you can choose from:

Students making balloonsB. As an Elementary Education student you must: take courses in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. You must also minor in at least two of the subjects listed above. To do so you will take additional courses (usually just two courses).

C. Students who want to major in PE, Art, Music, or Speech Pathology should contact those departments for information on the majors and options within each major. One option is the elementary education minor with classes taken in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies:

Outside the classroom

The Urban Program is focused on preparing students to teach urban learners in a climate of support and cultural responsiveness, where the knowledge, experiences and gifts of each child are valued and used as the most important basis to guide teaching choices.

Early Childhood Education is available to Elementary Education students, Special Education with elementary majors and Speech Pathology majors, as well as those Music and Art majors who choose the Elementary Education minor.   Besides the certificate and the endorsement, WMU’s Early Childhood program provides:

•     An opportunity to belong to a community of students and faculty with common interests.
•     Experience with children of all ages and special emphasis on children from birth to nine years.
•     A portfolio of evidence of increasing skill level--a valuable tool in securing professional employment.

The Literacy faculty provide undergraduate courses to all WMU elementary and secondary education majors. These courses integrate teaching reading and literacy development throughout the curriculum and across the educational continuum. Within each program area, faculty are engaged in research initiatives that enhance both student engagement and learning. Opportunities are provided for WMU students to participate in experiential learning through the Dorothy J. McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic and the Career Connections Research Center.

Career possibilities

Graduates with the Early Childhood (ZA) Endorsement are certified to teach:

  • Kindergarten - 5 in all subjects,
  • Grades 6 - 8 in second and third minors.
  • Kindergarten - 8 in all subjects when teaching in a self-contained classroom-- one in which the majority of instruction is provided by a single teacher.
  • Early Childhood Specialist (ZA: pre-school/young fives programs) endorsement
  • Day Care Administrator
  • Resource Teacher
  • Child Life Specialist

Graduates of the Elementary Education option will be certified to teach:

  • Kindergarten - 5 in all subjects,
  • Grades 6 - 8 in second and third minors.
  • Kindergarten - 8 in all subjects when teaching in a self-contained classroom--one in which the majority of instruction is provided by a single teacher.

Advanced degrees

Western Michigan University also offers master's programs in the Practice of Teaching and Socio-Cultural Studies of Education.

Resource Guide

Elementary Education resources for career guidance and exploration

 

2112 Sangren Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5276 USA
(269) 387-3465 | (269) 387-3880 Fax
tles-info@wmich.edu