BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a Specialization in Elementary Education

The Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, BA equips students to think both deeply and broadly, providing an excellent foundation for the training of elementary teachers in general and the specific skills required by someone who is being prepared to teach in linguistically and ethnically diverse classrooms. This Elementary Education (K-8) specialization within the existing BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies (IDLS) enables undergraduates to be certified to teach K-8 in the state of Washington and earn endorsement in English language learning (ELL). IDLS majors in the specialization complete the major requirements, courses offered by the College of Education (EDLS courses), and pre-requisite courses. The combination addresses all the competencies demanded by the Professional Educator Standards Board to be a K-8 teacher in Washington State. The specialization is distinguished by its persistent, developing and accumulated field experience culminating in clinical internship, by its endorsement in ELL, and by proficiencies in science and math. Through field experiences, the specialization also embeds an emphasis on understanding how to serve special education students.