Education
Education Minor/Teacher Licensure
All states require professional education courses for licensure to teach in public schools. Through the Rockbridge Teacher Education Consortium (RTEC), a collaborative teacher-preparation partnership between W&L and Southern Virginia University, students may earn a teaching license in elementary, middle or secondary education. In addition, many private schools favor applicants who have been licensed through a state-approved program. Our graduates go on to careers as teachers, administrators, community organizers, counselors, clergy, professors and more.
Education Policy Minor
W&L offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates to pursue an interdisciplinary minor in education policy. Students chose from an array of courses in education, politics, economics and poverty studies and complete fieldwork and service opportunities in local schools. Students minoring in education policy have gone on to careers as teachers, researchers, policy analysts, lobbyists, economists, politicians and lawyers.
Special Programs and Study Abroad
Teaching Opportunities: Our programs offer opportunities to teach abroad in numerous countries, including Ireland and Denmark, in local schools, and in partnerships with numerous teaching residency programs.
Sarah G. Ball Education Award: This award is granted to a senior at Washington and Lee University who has completed coursework in the field of education and teaches in a low SES school. The $4,000 award is renewable for a second year of teaching.
Burish Service-Leadership Internships: These selective programs make interns responsible for determining the volunteer needs of an assigned school in the Rockbridge County School System, recruiting and training tutors to fill those needs, ensuring that tutors are responsible for their assigned shifts, and filling in where needed.
“As I begin working in the world of education and nonprofits, I am sure that my time studying teacher education at W&L strengthened my mind and heart to invest in students, strive toward organizational excellence, and, most importantly, bring people — young and old — together over meaningful curiosities.”
Endorsement Areas
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (PREK-6) &
MIDDLE EDUCATION (6-8)
English
Science
Mathematics
History and Social Sciences
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Physics
Mathematics
English
Journalism
History and Social Science
PREK-12
French, German, Spanish, Latin, Chinese
Vocal and Instrumental Music
Theater Arts
Visual Arts
Sample Courses
Foundations of Education
An introduction to the issues relating to American public education in the 21st century. Students are introduced to information about teaching strategies and school policy upon which future courses can be built. Emphasis is given to school efforts to create environments which promote equity and excellence within a multicultural system. Required for teacher licensure in Virginia.
Teaching the Exceptional Learner
This course addresses education for exceptional individuals by examining the key issues surrounding instruction for children and adolescents with disabilities or special talents. Students study the identification, etiology and incidence of exceptionality. Through case-study review and individual research projects, students investigate the educational, social and cultural dimensions of life in American society for exceptional individuals. Required for teacher licensure in Virginia.
Teaching Elementary Reading
This course prepares students to teach reading in the elementary classroom. Participants will develop an understanding of the reading process, consider theories of reading instruction, examine current research in reading development, and investigate elements of a balanced literacy program. Strategies for teaching word study, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and spelling will be studied for each developmental reading stage. Students will also examine formal and informal diagnostic techniques and instructional procedures for dealing with various types of reading difficulties.
Elementary & General Music Methods
This course includes methodologies for teaching music in the classroom (Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze approaches), computer applications, music textbooks and classroom materials for music education in the elementary and general music classroom. This course also includes the study of learning theories appropriate to elementary-aged music students combined with applications in practical lesson plans.
Methods for World Language
This course prepares students to teach world languages in elementary and secondary classrooms, including English as a Second Language. Participants develop an understanding of theories of world-language pedagogy and examine current research in world-language instruction. Students learn strategies for direct instruction and group learning to meet the needs of learners at different stages of development. Students also learn how to plan and prepare lessons while managing the learning environment of the classroom.
Exploring Childhood in Denmark
The course explores childhood in Denmark and the United States. In Denmark, students experience schools, daycares and preschools in both economically advantaged and disadvantaged areas as well as speak with administrators and policymakers. Students explore Copenhagen and take a three-day study tour of Western Denmark, and also participate in a three-day mini-practicum teaching Danish schoolchildren.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
