Bachelor of Science in Education
At Washington University, the teacher education programs are designed to produce teachers who implement an inquiry approach to education. Based upon the belief that teaching is a complex, normative, and changing activity, teacher education is viewed as an ongoing, problem-solving process as opposed to a search for the "one right" answer or "one best" way. Therefore, our students are expected to develop the ability and the inclination to look at educational policy and classroom decision-making from multiple perspectives, and to raise fundamental questions about the purposes, processes, and inequities of the current system. In addition, they are expected to act in ways that have a sound and defensible rationale rooted in research, ethical standards, and personal experience, and to reflect upon and reconsider that practice in the interest of all of their students.
The Major in Education
The Undergraduate Secondary (9-12) Teacher Education Program allows you to pursue a bachelor's degree and certification in English or social sciences at the same time. As part of this program, you must do a double major: one in education, and a second major in English or one of the social sciences (history, political science, or international studies). The required education course work in this major totals 30 credit hours and includes a 3-credit foundations course, the English or social sicences subject area curriculum and instruction courses, and student teaching.
In addition, you must complete specific, state-required course work in the English or social sciences major. You must attain sophomore status (60+ credit hours) and pass the state-required C-BASE exam before being admitted to the teacher education program; however, you should consult an education advisor about state requirements as early in your academic program as possible.
Any student who pursues teacher certification must meet state requirements, including a passing score on a subject-area examination, before Washington University can recommend you for teacher certification. State requirements and national standards for teacher certification change frequently. Thus it is important for any student pursuing teacher certification to consult with an education advisor early and often.
Admission
To be considered for the undergraduate teacher education program, you must
- have completed 60 credit hours or more toward the undergraduate degree;
- have a 3.0 grade point average in your other major and a 2.8 grade point average in all courses taken;
- pass the C-BASE test; and
- submit an application, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
