A teacher reading to her Â鶹´«Ã½s.

Empowering the next generation

Help shape the future and share your love of learning. Be the person who positively impacts a child's life forever.

A teaching degree with a long-term advantage

You want to be a teacher so you can support your Â鶹´«Ã½s and see them meet their highest potential. While you’re a Â鶹´«Ã½ at Western, we want the same for you. The College of Education and Human Development's Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies develops future dedicated educators like you by offering valuable experience-driven learning and networking experience in your chosen field through internships and Â鶹´«Ã½ organizations. Our dedicated faculty and Â鶹´«Ã½ service professionals will ensure you have the support you need to prosper—because teachers need support, too.

Diverse career outcomes

Students who have graduated from Western's program have gone on to build professional careers as:

  • Educational directors
  • Assistant principals
  • Teachers
  • Consultants
  • Analysts
  • Early intervention coordinators

The organizations they work for include:

  • Children's Trust Fund of Michigan
  • Kalamazoo Public Schools
  • Grand Rapids Public Schools
  • Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • Refugee Education Center
Students talking with their teacher in a small group table.

Undergraduate degrees

Our department offers two Bachelor of Science degrees to our undergraduate Â鶹´«Ã½s: elementary education (early childhood) and elementary education (K–8).
Teacher reaching in a school library with Â鶹´«Ã½s around her.

Graduate degrees

In addition to graduate certificates, our department offers two master’s degrees to our graduate Â鶹´«Ã½s: teaching as well as teaching, learning and educational studies.
Â鶹´«Ã½ teacher in a classroom.

Urban Teacher Residency Program

Launched in summer 2021, the Urban Teacher Residency Program is a 12-month initiative that develops an affordable pathway for long-term substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to become certified teachers.

Resources that build your skills and confidence

Â鶹´«Ã½ teacher in a classroom with Â鶹´«Ã½s reading around the table.

 

At Western, our goal is to give our future teachers access to every resource available. Whether you're looking for a hands-on teaching experience through a carefully crafted, mentor-based internship; aiming to join a Â鶹´«Ã½ organization for career development and community; or reaching out to one of our esteemed faculty members, we strive to support you so you can excel in your education and thrive in confidence.