Coursework focuses on content area requirements for your required major or minor. Elementary teacher education candidates are required to double major or minor in a related field such as psychology, children's studies, American culture studies, etc. Middle school and high school teacher education candidates must declare a second major in the content area in which they wish to teach, such as biology, english, history, mathematics, etc.). 

All teacher education candidates are required to take courses in child/adolescent psychology and teaching exceptional children and complete an early field and clinical experience. Elementary candidates also take courses in teaching reading, math, science, social studies, and art, while secondary candidates focus will complete content coursework and education foundations.

The professional year for secondary education majors consists of additional field and clinical experiences, including student teaching in the spring, and content pedagogy courses. Elementary candidates spend the fall semester student teaching and complete their major/minor course requirements during the spring. As a student teacher, you'll work one-on-one with students alongside an experienced mentor teacher. During this year, you will also study for and pass a content exam in your field of study as required by the state.

WashU's teaching program emphasizes hands-on field and clinical experiences so that you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage your own elementary, middle, or high school classroom. You will observe the daily life of teachers and their interactions with students, teaching decision-making processes, expectations and requirements for teachers, while incorporating evidence-based research and practice in the calssroom setting. Support from your university supervisor and your mentor teacher will assist you in developing expertise in communication, professional relationships, and collaboration with teachers, administrators, families, and the community.

As a community, WashU is committed to justice and racial equity and prepares future teachers to understand diverse cultural perspectives of their students, to select appropriate strategies for individual needs and to meet curricular objectives; create a positive learning environment through effective classroom management using strategies based on research and pedagogically sound techniques; and develop reflective practices to improve teaching while understanding the importance of incorporating professional learning opportunities in school districts and professional organizations.

Immediately upon admission to our teacher education program, an academic advisor serves as a coach and mentor. They will reach out to you to offer suggestions and support. WashU's field placement coordinator will match each you with experienced mentor teachers who provide opportunities to integrate theory and research into practical classroom experiences. Faculty supervisors provide weekly feedback through on-site observations and an on-campus seminar. Work-life balance is emphasized as candidates are ecnouraged to create a self-care plan focused on concrete ways to practice physical, emotional, social, and cognitive self-care while student teaching.

Through partnerships with local school districts, private, and charter schools, WashU represents an interdisciplinary community that bridges the theoretical and research foundations of education, traditional academic disciplines, and the professional practice of education. Our undergraduate teacher certification program supports your goals and offers a chance to explore your interests, develop your skills, and begin your journey to a rewarding career. We offer a vibrant student-centered community in which faculty and staff are invested in the mentoring and success of students. Many of our classes are smaller and thus allow for meaningful interactions with the education community.