Bruce Larson Hired for One-Year Term as Dean of Western's Woodring College of Education

Bruce Larson has been hired for a one-year term as dean of Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University, Provost Brent Carbajal announced today.

Larson will start in his new job on July 20, 2020. He follows Woodring College Dean Horacio Walker, who is retiring.

“Dr. Larson is a seasoned and experienced leader in the Woodring College of Education, well positioned to lead the college during this interim period,” Carbajal said. “His commitment to the mission and values of the college and university, his familiarity with the complexities and administrative needs of colleges of education generally, and his relationships with the public schools all prepare him well to make a positive impact as we strive to foster and achieve inclusive student success during very challenging times.”

Plans now are to conduct a national search for Woodring College Dean during the 2020-21 academic year.

“The Woodring College of Education has excellent undergraduate and graduate programs in Bellingham, Everett, Bremerton/Poulsbo, and online. I am excited to support faculty, staff, students, and community partners as we continue to be more inclusive professionals who will take action toward contributing to a more just society,” Larson said.

Larson, now professor of Secondary Education/Social Studies Education at Woodring College, received a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and a doctorate with a major area of study in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, both at the University of Washington.

Larson has served in many leadership roles at Woodring College, including department chair of Secondary Education, co-associate dean and associate dean. He now teaches graduate and undergraduate secondary methods courses and courses for teaching social studies (elementary and secondary). Larson also observes and evaluates student teachers earning their 5-12 teaching certificates.

His research examines the use of classroom discussion to explore controversial public issues, and the use of discussion to develop content knowledge and civic participation skill. He also has been the principal investigator for grants focused on teacher education, including from the National Science Foundation and the Washington state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Larson has written numerous articles and two books about teaching strategies and instructional design. Larson has received Western’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

The dean of Woodring College is responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership to an engaged community in four academic departments, three off-campus program sites and several related centers. The dean reports directly to the provost and serves on the university’s Council of Deans.

Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education is recognized throughout Washington, and beyond, as a leader in the development and implementation of programs that prepare outstanding teachers, from early childhood to adult education; educational administration leaders; human services professionals; and rehabilitation counselors.