Education
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Professional Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Education Major Minute Transcription
[video: Dr. Sutton sits in front of a white wall, dressed in a button-down shirt and speaking to the camera.]Paul Sutton, PhD, Professor of Education: Hi. I’m professor Paul Sutton. I teach in the Education Department. And this is my Major Minute.
[video: Over the video of Dr. Sutton, the header “Major Minute” slides in in white lettering. Following this, the screen turns charcoal grey with yellow accents and large numbers reading “3”, “2”, “1” count down the start of the minute.](video beeping)
[video: a pair of hands appear over Dr. Sutton and clap to begin the minute.](timer ticking)
[video: return to Dr. Sutton. To the left of him appears a translucent grey and yellow stopwatch, which counts down a minute.]Dr. Sutton: Education is basically the study of how to teach people to be teachers who help students become their best selves. The small class sizes model that we have here at PLU is really nice, because it gives students the opportunity to really get to know their professors. And it gives the professors a really good opportunity to get to know students. And as professors, that also gives us the opportunity to adjust and make adaptations to our lesson plans, and the different units that we have in our different courses. The vast majority of our teacher candidates, and our graduates go on to work in the K-12 system. We are intentional about our preparation, in that regard. We prepare you to not just be a teacher leader in the classroom and in your school, but to also be a systems leader as well. To make sure that, you know, your impact based on your preparation has reached really far across the system.
(timer buzzing)
Dr. Sutton: Totally lost my train of thought.
About:
PLU’s Education program is one of the most respected in the region, known for its focus on socially just, equity-focused instruction and creating classrooms that are inclusive for every student. From your very first semester, you’ll gain hands-on experience in K–12 schools — completing 240–300 hours before full-time student teaching. These opportunities combine learning from coursework and real teaching experience, so you graduate ready to teach with confidence.
You’ll build close relationships with professors and classmates who will support you throughout your career. Plus, with PLU’s direct admission to education, applying to PLU also means applying to the education program. As long as you meet academic and Washington state requirements, you will be guaranteed a spot in your teacher certification program.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Equity and Inclusion in Teaching Practice — Learn how to create welcoming, supportive classrooms where every student’s background, identity, and voice matter.
- Classroom Management — Develop the skills to lead with confidence, keep students engaged, and build a positive learning environment.
- Lesson Design and Assessment — Plan lessons that connect with different learning styles, and use assessments to understand and support student growth.
- Educational Technology — Explore digital tools and strategies that make learning more interactive and fun, while advancing student learning.
- Hands-On Experience — Spend hundreds of hours in real K–12 classrooms, building critical skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability that prepare you for the ever-evolving field of education.
Elementary (K-8) Certification with endorsements in:
- Special Education (P-12)
- Reading (P-12)
- English Language Learners (P-12)
- Music Certification (Music Education major)
- Health & Fitness K-12 Certification (Kinesiology major)
- Interested in teaching high school? We recommend you major in your area of interest, then earn your teaching certification as part of the PLU Master’s program. This 4+1 option is available at PLU for most subjects.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Kindergarten Teacher, Bethel School District
- Elementary Teacher, Wheatland School District
- Special Education Teacher, Mounds View School District
- Second Grade Teacher, Federal Way Public Schools
- Third Grade Teacher, Clover Park School District
- Fifth Grade Teacher, Orting School District
- Sixth Grade Teacher, Puyallup School District
- Resident Teacher, Hamlin Robinson School
- Substitute Teacher, Leading Out - Australia
- Special Education Preschool Teacher, Longview School District
- LAP Literacy Intervention, Renton School District
- Master’s Student in Special Education, Vanderbilt University
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedTop 10
PLU is a top 10 Best College for Education in Washington –Niche
Study Away
PLU has a study away semester program in Namibia specifically for education majors, which includes hands-on experience in a classroom setting!
90% of Education majors are employed within four months of graduating.
Get a Job
Over the last 5 years, PLU elementary education graduates have been hired in more than 30 Washington school districts.
