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Education Students
- Can complete all certification requirements in four years;
- Are prepared to meet the teaching certification requirements in many states;
- Explore methods for planning, instructing and evaluating learning and build a background of theory and pedagogy;
- Build confidence in their teaching abilities before student teaching by working in local classrooms;
- Work with mentors the Education Department and in surrounding school districts to build a broad understanding of the role of professionals in education;
- Learn from books, children and classroom teachers to build an appreciation of curiosity as an essential tool for teaching success.
Career Planning
Beginning the first year, students work closely with an Education advisor to design their academic programs. Sophomores apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. During the third year, students apply for student teaching during the fourth year. Education students take courses in teaching methods, human development, educational psychology and issues in education.
Preparation for Certification
Elementary Certification requires completing course work for a major in Education and two academic minors. Also required are classroom placements and a full term of student teaching. Elementary certification enables teaching grades K–5 and minor areas in grades 6–8. Elementary education majors can earn departmental honors by preparing a senior thesis.
Secondary Certification requires completing course work for an academic major and minor and the secondary education program that culminates in a full term of student teaching. Secondary certification enables teaching grades 7–12 in the major and minor.
Early Childhood Education
An Early Childhood Endorsement (ZA) added to the elementary education major allows teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade and in child development programs. Early childhood education is the most rapidly growing area of education. Many school districts and child care centers prefer to hire graduates who have this endorsement.
Teaching Majors and Minors
Elementary and secondary teaching majors and minors:
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Elementary Education (see early childhood education)
- English
- French
- German
- Health and Physical Education (elementary minor and secondary major only)
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Natural Sciences group minor
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Studies group minor
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Continuing Education
All beginning teachers receive a Provisional Teaching Certificate. However, to obtain continuing certification, an 18-hour planned program and teaching for three years are required.
Alma graduates have completed graduate-level continuing certification programs at universities such as Central Michigan, Michigan State, Oakland, Colorado, New Mexico and many others.
Career Possibilities
The Education Department faculty work with the College’s Center for Student Development to help gather credentials, locate jobs, and prepare job and graduate school applications.
Alma alumni are teaching in more than 20 states and overseas.
