School of Teaching and Learning
Lommen Hall 216, (218) 477-2216
Chair: John Benson
Faculty: Abby Bremer, Layna Cole, Erin Gillett, Marci Glessner, Marilyn Labrensz, Valerie Ritland, Peggy Rittenhouse
Additional information about education policies and degree requirements can be found under Teacher Education.
Areas of Study
Early Childhood Education, Non-Licensure Early Childhood Education, Elementary Inclusive Education with the option of Special Education Licensure, and Graduate Education in Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education. Descriptions of the graduate programs and courses may be requested from the Office of Graduate Studies.
Elementary Inclusive and Early Childhood Admissions Requirements
Student wishing to complete a major in Elementary Inclusive Education or Early Childhood Education must meet all the SARTE (Selective Admission and Retention in Teacher Education) requirements.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 is required. In addition to the GPA requirement, there are eight different items for which students are rated and receive points ranging from 0-4 per item. The eight items include the following:
- Cumulative GPA
- Grade earned in ED 205 (at least a C required)
- Grade earned in ED 294 (at least a C required)
- Grade earned in SPED 225 (at least a C required)
- Disposition concern by course instructor
- ED 205 Dispositions
- NES Basic Skills Tests or ACT + Writing/SAT test
- Personal Initiative
Students must earn 23 points or higher to be fully admitted into Teacher Education. If students score 20-22 points, they are not admitted into Teacher Education, but an automatic appeal will go to the T-Care Team. If students earn below 20 points, they are not admitted into Teacher Education, but have the right to appeal to the T-Care Team.
Please refer to the SARTE information and instructions, under Teacher Education, in this Bulletin for details.
Full admittance to Teacher Education through SARTE requirements is required before students can enroll in 300 and 400 level courses with the education prefix of ED, EECE, SPED or STL. Students must have taken all three NES basic skills exams, or achieved a composite score of 22 or higher and a combined English/Writing score of 21 or higher on their ACT exam, before they can student teach and apply for licensure. Students must also take the appropriate MTLE licensure exams in both content and pedagogy before they may apply for Minnesota licensure. Students should consult with their advisor.
Non-Licensure Early Childhood Education Admission Requirements
Students wishing to complete a major in Early Childhood Education Non-Licensure must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 45 semester credits
- GPA of 2.25 in LASC
- Overall GPA of 2.5
- Verification from supervisor of experience with groups of children in a teaching/learning setting.
Major in Elementary Inclusive Education
This program prepares teachers to teach the wide range of diverse learners found in today’s K-6 classrooms. The course of study emphasizes academic content knowledge, assessment of student needs, differentiated instruction, collaborative decision making, and an intentional emphasis on learning in field-based placements. Because the program prepares teachers for inclusive classrooms, with 30 additional credits it is possible to also pursue licensure in Special Education. The Elementary Inclusive Education degree prepares candidates to apply for a Minnesota teaching license in Elementary Education.
Continued adherence to the SARTE requirements, including a cumulative GPA of 2.8, is required for enrollment in any 300/400 level education course. Grades of C- or higher must be earned in all courses that are required for licensure, except ED 205, ED 294 and SPED 225, which require at least a grade of C.
Major in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education major prepares students to teach in inclusive programs serving children from infancy to 8 years old. These programs include licensed childcare, preschool, Head Start, Early Childhood Family Education, public school kindergarten and first, second, and third grade classrooms. The Early Childhood Education major emphasizes collaboration with parents and other professional agencies that serve families with young children. This major prepares candidates to apply for a Minnesota teaching license in Early Childhood Education.
Continued adherence to the SARTE requirements, including a cumulative GPA of 2.8, is required for enrollment in any 300/400 level education course. Grades of C- or higher must be earned in all courses that are required for licensure, except ED 205, ED 294 and SPED 225, which require at least a grade of C.
Major in Non-Licensure Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education--Non-Licensure major prepares students to teach in inclusive education and care programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschool children and their families. Graduates are qualified to teach in licensed childcare and pre-school programs, Head Start and Early Head Start. The Early Childhood Education non-licensure major is designed to provide a strong foundation in understanding child development, developmentally appropriate practices, early literacy development, young children's learning, and current best practices in supporting young children and their families in a variety of settings.