The Department of Education maintains liberal arts-based teacher education programs that are accredited by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These programs lead to recommendation for licensure to the State of Minnesota for elementary (grades K-8), secondary (grades 5-12) in biology, chemistry, communication arts/literature, health, mathematics, physics, and social studies, and K-12 licenses in visual art, health, physical education, music, and dance/theatre, and special education: E/BD.

Degree and/or licensure programs are available in both weekday and weekend formats. Weekend College degree and licensure programs are limited to elementary, communication arts/literature, social studies, and visual arts. Additional teaching majors are available through the weekday program and open to weekday and weekend students who can take courses on a weekday schedule. All prerequisite, elementary core, and professional education courses except field work and student teaching are available on a weekend or weekday late afternoon/evening schedule. Fieldwork and student teaching must be completed during regular weekday hours. All students must have some time available each term for field experiences.

Beginning Fall 2002, a graduate level licensure option will be available in weekend format to those already holding a B.A. degree. Graduate courses taken for licensure can be applied to a Master of Art in Education degree. Contact the Education Department for information.

Students in all degree and/or licensure programs must apply for acceptance into the education department prior to beginning 300-400 level courses. State law requires completion of the PPST-PRAXIS I exam prior to beginning 300-400 level courses. Criteria for acceptance into the education department are available in the department. Students complete a semester of full-time student teaching at the conclusion of their degree and/or licensure programs. State law requires passing three exams prior to recommendation for licensure: PPST, Principles of Learning and Teaching Test, and a subject matter test.

The education department offers non-licensure majors in elementary education and education studies. Contact the department for details. The department also offers a special education minor which is described at the end of this section after course listings.

All students are expected to obtain an education department adviser at the outset of coursework. All students are expected to become knowledgeable of programs and follow through with department policies. Handbooks outlining programs and policies are available through the education department.

Student Teaching Abroad

Selected education department students may participate in an international student teaching abroad program. Those interested in further information should contact the education department at least one year prior to student teaching. Students who teach abroad will do part of their student teaching in the Twin Cities area under direct Augsburg faculty supervision.