Education
Blend the theories behind education with practical experience in the classroom. In our program, you will observe, assist, and teach with the mentorship of seasoned teachers. Our program prepares you for state and Adventist denominational certification with courses aligned with national Common Core standards and Washington state standards. Graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates excellent educational practices in the K–12 setting.
Download the Teacher Education Conceptual Framework.
What to look for in a strong education program
(and how our program stacks up)
Classroom experience.
Our students start shadowing teachers in the classroom their first year in our program and complete a full year of student teaching before graduation. Additionally, the school operates the Discovery Preschool where education students can work with children every week day.
Accreditation.
Our programs are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities. Our teacher preparation programs are approved by the State of Washington Professional Educator Standards Board.
Training for diverse school settings.
Rural, urban, public, and private school settings each require specialized skills. All education students have the opportunity to observe and practice teaching and learning in multi-grade settings.
Special education endorsement.
Learn practical methods to engage with students from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of special needs. Our endorsement in special education addresses the national demand for teachers with this specialized training.
Experienced faculty.
Our faculty have years of classroom experience and each hold a doctoral degree. Their specialties include cognitive development, the integration of faith and learning, student assessment, motivation, elementary STEM education, special education, creativity and learning, international literacy education, remediation in reading, and much more.
Scholarships.
We offer departmental merit scholarships to full-time students (no application necessary). The Doreen Paulson-Evans Memorial Scholarship is awarded to education students who qualify on the basis of financial need, merit, and a strong commitment to God (no application necessary). Additionally, the Eleanor Schofield Memorial Teachers Scholarship is awarded to elementary and secondary education students (applications due January 15 and are available in the School of Education & Psychology dean's office. Learn more information about Walla Walla University scholarships.
Student organizations.
Our student-led education club engages in local service projects with children in our community.
Graduate programs.
We offer graduate programs in educational leadership, literacy instruction, curriculum and instruction, and special education. Learn more about our graduate program.