The Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program (SMATE) is a visionary and practical program designed to enrich the training and education of K-12 pre-service teachers and, through them, their students. From a collaboration of the disciplines, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics, and Engineering, the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program offers an opportunity for teachers and future teachers to gain specific skills and broaden talents within their chosen discipline. SMATE offers two major options for students:
General Science Elementary
This major provides a broad base of knowledge in science to prepare you for teaching at the elementary level, and satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education (K-8) and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.
For more information, visit: Woodring's Elementary Program of Study website
General Science Middle Level
Interested in working with older students? This major provides a broad base of knowledge in science to prepare you for teaching at the middle school level, and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education (K-8 ) or secondary education.
For more information, visit: Woodring's Secondary Program of Study Website
Declaring a Major
Students planning to major in one of the General Science majors may declare as early as possible. Early declaration is costless and in no way restricts the student’s options for changing plans later, but it does have some advantages. Advantages are easier access to advising for help in program planning and easier access to classes that are restricted by major as well as protection against future catalog revisions that change degree requirements. Declared majors are also eligible for departmental scholarship awards.
To declare, contact Lori Torres at (360) 650-7605 or lori.torres@wwu.edu to make an appointment. At that appointment, your transcripts will be reviewed for any potential transfer equivalences so please bring an unofficial copy of your transcripts as you will begin work on your Plan of Study. Also there is a new Electronic Declaration Form that you will need to fill out when you meet with Lori.
Understanding the Elementary Education Puzzle
Becoming an Elementary teacher may seem puzzling when you first try to figure it out. Learn to understand how to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.
