Walla Walla University is updating its continuing education program to better serve K–12 teachers pursuing Adventist certification or renewal. The School of Education and Psychology is also adding a bachelor’s degree in science education, which will provide more well-rounded preparation for those interested in teaching the sciences. These program updates are part of a concerted effort to meet the demand for qualified, Christ-loving teachers.
Updated Adventist Certification Courses
The restructured continuing education program consists of online, self-paced courses that are flexible and convenient for teachers. The asynchronous courses are designed to be finished within six months and are centered around job-embedded coursework, making it easier for teachers to complete the courses while teaching.
“Job-embedded assignments allow teachers to implement what they’re learning in their classrooms immediately. Instead of creating lesson plans for a hypothetical class or students, they’re doing that work for their current classroom,” said Maria Bastien Valenca, WWU School of Education and Psychology dean.
Perhaps most importantly, the program is embedded in the Adventist worldview, providing a context of faith for teachers. As they learn about curriculum or literature choices for their classrooms, they’re examining those practices in relation to Adventist beliefs. “Other programs might allow similar flexibility, but we’re really unique in offering high-level education for teachers in the context of Adventist faith,” said Bastien Valenca.
Interested in learning more once this program launches? Visit wallawalla.edu/cont-ed.
New Science Education Degree
The new bachelor’s degree aims to make it easier for undergraduate students to prepare to teach the sciences, especially in smaller schools that require endorsements in multiple areas. The program allows students to concentrate in either physics, chemistry or physics, while allowing time to add a minor in a second science area.
“We are trying to encourage students to think about science teaching as a major,” said Brian Hartman, associate professor of education, “and provide a way for them to be more marketable and flexible, without having to take extra time to complete their degree.”
The new degree will be available this fall, pending final accreditor approval. Learn more about the School of Education and Psychology at wallawalla.edu/ed-psych.
