Skip to content
CAMPUS LIFE
ALUMNI
ATHLETICS
FOUNDATION

RESOURCES

SERVICES

PAGES

Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
Search Icon
SEARCH

Teacher Education Programs

Vision

Inclusive communities of practice investigating learning and teaching.

Mission

The mission of the Professional Education programs at SMSU is to create inclusive communities of practice where each learner is an active participant in the investigation of learning, teaching, and leadership processes. Teachers and learners will engage in educational theory, research, inquiry, critical reflection, and application in pursuit of excellence in a culturally responsive education.

Birth - Grade 8 Education

  • Early Childhood Education, birth - grade 3
  • Early Childhood Special Education, birth - age 6
  • Elementary Education, K-6 with Optional Endorsements
    • Elementary Education K-6 - no endorsement
    • Elementary Education + Pre-Primary (Ages 3-5)
    • Elementary Education + Gr. 5-8 Communication Arts-Literature
    • Elementary Education + Gr. 5-8 Mathematics
    • Elementary Education + Gr. 5-8 Science
    • Elementary Education + Gr. 5-8 Social Science
    • Elementary Education + Gr. 5-8 World Language/Cultures, Spanish

Secondary Education, grades 5 - 12

  • 5-12 Agricultural Education
  • 5-12 Communication Arts-Literature Education + English
  • 5-12 Communication Arts-Literature Education + Speech
  • 5-12 Health Education
  • 5-12 Mathematics Education
  • 5-12 Social Science Licensure
  • 9-12 Biology Education
  • 9-12 Chemistry Education

Non-Licensure

  • Educational Studies

 

K-12 Education

  • K-12 Art Education
  • K-12 Music Education Instrumental
  • K-12 Music Education Vocal
  • K-12 Physical Education
  • K-12 Special Education: Academic Behavioral Strategist
  • K-12 Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

 

 

 

Minors

  • Coaching Minor or Coaching Certificate
  • K-12 Reading licensure
  • K-12 Developmentally Adapted Physical Education licensure (DAPE)
  • Special Education minor (nonlicensure)
  • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) minor (nonlicensure)

 

Assessment of Student Performance

Assessment of teaching skills begins when applicants are reviewed for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Ability to work with children and/or adolescents, strong scholastic achievement, and solid communication skills are examples of characteristics that teacher candidates entering teacher education must have. During the program, teacher candidates receive specific feedback from professors and E-12 cooperating teachers. At the time of student teaching, each teacher candidate receives a comprehensive assessment by the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Mastery at the appropriate level for a beginning teacher must be demonstrated in the Standards of Effective Practice. Collaborative skills and attitudes are emphasized. Candidates are also required to complete the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) and a graduation portfolio.

Program Changes to Meet New Licensure Requirements

The teacher licensure requirements are subject to change without notice to accommodate the requirements of licensure and accrediting agencies. These changes may be applied to teacher candidates currently enrolled in the program. Teacher candidates seeking a teaching license must complete a program approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board; the University will then recommend that an appropriate license be issued. Students interested in Teacher Education should ask for updated information in the School of Education Office.

Application to Teacher Preparation Program

A teacher candidate must put forward a formal application for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program if they are working toward licensure in any Education major. Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program is a prerequisite for most 300 or 400 level Education methods courses. A teacher candidate will not be able to register for methods classes that require admission to the Teacher Preparation Program until being formally admitted, so it is important to start this process early.

For information on applying to the SMSU Teacher Preparation Program, see the School of Education Homepage.

Contact Information

School of Education - Office

IL 229, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

School of Education

FRESHMAN ADMISSION PROCESS

  • Complete Application
  • $20 Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Official High School Transcript(s)
  • ACT or SAT Test Scores

Schedule Your Visit Today!

FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Rank in the upper half of graduating class
  • or
  • Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT

Last Modified: 4/30/24 2:08 PM | Website Feedback