Dance with a Teaching Endorsement, BA

College Of Fine and Performing Arts

What is the Study of Dance?

In the course of their Dance studies, students will learn to understand and evaluate contemporary thinking about dance and related arts, while nurturing a physical and intellectual understanding of the language of movement that is reflective of and insightful toward the human condition.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

The BA is a broadly based degree, with a liberal arts orientation, and is designed for students with a general interest in dance and its applications. BA candidates will focus on pedagogical and historic aspects of Dance Art as well as on the performance/generative components. They will be encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in pedagogy.
The BA Dance major leads to a baccalaureate degree without teacher certification. To receive a recommendation for state of Washington teacher certification, students must also complete the teacher certification program offered by the Department of Secondary Education.

How to Declare:

To declare, a student must have completed the following requirements:

  • 15 college credits
  • Modern placement of Level One or above.

Contact Cher Carnell/Associate Chair of Theatre & Dance

Advising tips: Students should seek early departmental advising.

Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program

Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:

  • Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less than 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
  • Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
  • WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
  • Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
  • Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher

Application materials: Printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss

Coursework

This endorsement must be taken with the following major:

  • Dance, BA (77-86 credits)

Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements (68 credits)

  • EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
  • EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
  • EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
  • IT 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
  • SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
  • SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
  • SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
  • SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
  • SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
  • SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
  • SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
  • SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
  • SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
  • SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs

GURs:

The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.

  • CCOM: DNC 231
  • ACGM: DNC 232

Sample Careers

  • Dance Educator
  • Dance Administration
  • Dance Studio Director
  • Fitness Trainer
  • Aerobics Instructor
  • Choreographer

Department

Contact

Associate Chair
Coordinator of Dance

Cher Carnell
19 High St. Hall
360-650-3893
Cher.Carnell@wwu.edu

Teacher Education Admissions

MH 150
360-650-3313
www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss

Secondary Education
Program Manager:

Janna Cecka
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu

Secondary Education
Program Coordinator:

Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327
Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu

Related Majors

Dance, BA
Dance, BFA