Program Description
The International Year program will provide you with the solid foundation you need to be successful in your university degree. Offered as a one, two, or three quarter program, you will study a range of subjects to develop your language and study skills, while focusing on your chosen field. After successfully completing your International Year, you will be able to progress to your undergraduate degree at Western.
This dual endorsement program offered through the Department of Special Education and Education Leadership prepares aspiring teachers to work with families and children age Birth through Eight years. Particular attention is paid to working with children who have developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Early Childhood Special Educators have extensive knowledge in many areas including the following: 1) process of learning and development, 2) development of effective instructional programming, 3) effective use of assessment data to guide curricular planning, and 4) the social, legal, and political context in which they work. This rigorous program includes training in the use of evidence based practices as well as extensive supervised practicum experiences in the public schools as well as community agencies.
The major combines studies in Special Education with Early Childhood Education and leads to a recommendation for a Washington State teaching certificate with endorsements in both Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education from Preschool through Third Grade. Students may choose to complete additional coursework required to add the P-12 Special Education endorsement.
The college faculty coordinate a wide range of school and community based practicum placements strategically placed throughout the program. This provides frequent opportunities to interact with young children while developing your teaching skills.
Our graduates are actively recruited from districts and agencies across the state. There has been a national shortage of Special Education teachers since 1975 and districts in Washington State continually strive to find qualified teachers, often forced to look out of state. We, in the department, are particularly proud of our graduates and the work they do in school and communities supporting students who experience the most difficulty learning.
Our graduates are also actively sought by numerous graduate programs and have been allowed to transfer some of their coursework into the graduate school. So, whether you plan to continue in the classroom move to the university setting, you will be well prepared and maintain a competitive edge.
