As an educator, you’ll spark curiosity, foster creativity and provoke a lifelong love of learning in the students you work with.
Studying Education at Alma College
Alma’s nationally-accredited education program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education. We designed it to equip you with the background, techniques and disposition you need to be a successful educator — wherever you choose to work. It will also help to prepare you for your state tests and certification requirements.
Whether you would like to teach in a public school or a non-traditional learning space such as a nonprofit, museum or childcare center, we have a major, minor or endorsement program tailored to your goals.
- Our pre-K-6 education major will give you a broad foundation to work with preschool through sixth-grade students in all subjects.
- If you’d like to teach middle and high school students, our secondary education major will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to focus on a particular subject area in the classroom.
- Our special education endorsement will prepare you to work with PK-12 students with learning disabilities in elementary or secondary education settings.
- If you love working with children but don’t want to earn your teaching certification, our educational studies major or minor will empower you to pursue a fulfilling career outside of the traditional classroom.
- If you are passionate about inspiring others to reach their potential, our coaching minor will help you harness your ability to lead teams on and off the field.
Program Highlights
At Alma, you’ll work closely with our expert faculty to build the groundwork you need to be a compassionate, effective educator. You’ll practice your skills in teaching placements, volunteer work and service learning — all from your first year in college.
You’ll graduate with at least one semester of teaching experience in your certification grade band or subject area for endorsement.
You’ll also have opportunities to travel. The Alma Venture provides funding to volunteer in organizations like schools and orphanages all over the world. And through our partnership with the Chicago Center, you can hone your skills in a preschool, elementary or secondary student teaching placement.
“The educational studies major gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in elementary schools, in speech-language pathology rooms and with special education students. It requires an internship, one of the things that makes this major so special. I interned at Child Advocacy in Alma, which helped me solidify my career goal of being a licensed social worker.”
— Lauren Sandtveit
Where Can Education Take Me?
Our students have an excellent track record of obtaining certification. Because many states have reciprocal agreements with Michigan, you may qualify for out-of-state certification, too.
Our alumni who choose not to go directly into teaching pursue meaningful careers in other youth-focused fields — or go on to graduate study at some of the best institutions in the country.
Recent Employers
- Gaylord Community Schools
- Grand Rapids Christian Schools
- L’Anse Creuse Public Schools
- Harbor Light Christian School
Recent Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Aurora University
- Michigan Technological University
- Central Michigan University
- Michigan State University
