Education

Mijung Kim, Tomson Hall 290
507-786-3245

wp.stolaf.edu/education

Overview of the Education Major

The Education major prepares people to be highly qualified, reflective, licensed teachers. The major supports students in integrating the liberal arts, their subject matter, and professional education. Reflective teacher candidates assess their options and make sound professional decisions based on practical, pedagogical, and ethical criteria. Teacher candidates develop leadership skills and contribute to the profession and to society. The Education major is sequential and culminates with the 14-week student teaching semester — EDUC 389 Student Teaching (3.0 credits) and the capstone course — EDUC 381 Senior Seminar (.5 credits). To ensure depth, breadth, and mastery in their licensure areas, students majoring in Education must also major in their content licensure areas. If a student elects an Education major, a major in one of the following content areas is also required: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

The Education Department also supports two stand-alone majors: a BA in Social Studies Education and a BM in Music Education. 

Most Education majors choose employment as educators in K-12 (kindergarten through grade 12) classrooms in the U.S. or abroad. Many also attend graduate school in special education, counseling, or related human services fields. Among baccalaureate - liberal arts institutions, St. Olaf ranks sixth in the nation in the number of graduates who earn Ph.D.'s in education.

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major

Overview of the Educational Studies Concentration/TEFL certification

The Educational Studies Concentration leads to a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and offers students from all areas of the liberal arts an opportunity to strengthen their program of study with selected courses that focus on issues of education, particularly language education. The concentration does not lead to teaching licensure. Educational Studies provides important foundational work toward achieving a number of post-baccalaureate goals including various vocations (e.g., management, arts education, coaching, environmental education, youth ministry, classroom teaching, teaching English abroad) and service opportunities (e.g., Peace Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps, Fulbright, etc.).

NOTE that proof of obtaining the TEFL "certificate" is listed on student transcripts. There is no actual "certificate" generated.

The requirements for the concentration include core courses within the Education Department and interdisciplinary elective options.

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Concentration

Overview of the Teacher Education Program

The St. Olaf Teacher Education Program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to recommend its graduates for teaching licensure in Minnesota. To be eligible for a teaching license through St. Olaf, students must meet the PELSB requirements of their teaching content area (English, mathematics, music, social studies, etc.), complete a major in this same content area (except for ESL licensure candidates who can complete any major at the College), complete all B.A. or B.M. requirements, and complete all required Education courses and experiences (see requirements tab).

The Higher Education Act, Title II, Section 207, requires all institutions that prepare teachers to report pass rates on state licensing tests. In Minnesota, teacher candidates are required to pass tests in pedagogy and content area. Testing requirements may differ for students seeking licensure in other states; students should contact Nancy Veverka, Director of Field Experiences and Licensure, for assistance in working with the teacher licensure agency in those states.

Note: Because of periodic changes in licensure requirements, students should maintain frequent contact with the Education Department regarding their program.

The requirements of the social studies education major and music education major are described elsewhere in this catalog.

St. Olaf offers these licenses in education:

  1. Secondary school teaching (grades 5-12) in the following academic areas: communication arts and literature (English, communications); mathematics; 9-12 science (biology, chemistry, physics) and 5-8 general science; social studies (economics, history, geography, political science, psychology, sociology/anthropology).
  2. Kindergarten-grade 12 in the following academic areas: English as a second language (ESL); music (vocal/classroom, instrumental/classroom).

St. Olaf does not offer an elementary (K-6) classroom teaching license. Students interested in elementary education may take a few education courses at St. Olaf but must complete requirements for the license after graduation at a different institution. 

Student Teaching Opportunities

Student Teaching Locally

Students indicate preferences for student teaching placement areas that are within a 60-mile radius of St. Olaf. The college has collaborative arrangements with over a dozen school districts in urban, suburban, and rural settings. A vehicle (or access to public transportation) is needed for transportation to the school.  Students are not permitted to student teach in their home schools. 

Student Teaching in Chicago

Students may apply to student teach in Chicago, IL through the Chicago Semester program. Students participating in Chicago Semester are placed with mentor teachers in Chicago Public Schools who are committed to urban education. Applicants must carry a minimum overall and content area GPA of 3.3. Contact Nancy Veverka, Director of Field Experiences and Licensure, for further information.

Student Teaching Abroad: India and Mexico

Students may apply to student teach at international schools in Mussoorie or Kodiakanal, India and Cuernavaca, Mexico. Students must apply for a student teaching abroad placement by Oct. 1 one year in advance of the academic year in which the placement will be made. Applicants are screened by the Director of Student Teaching Abroad. Applicants must carry a minimum overall and content area GPA of 3.3, and in addition to all other requirements for student teaching, students must be recommended by the chairs of their content area department(s) and the Education Department. Mexico applicants are expected to have completed the St. Olaf language requirement in Spanish or to have equivalent Spanish proficiency. Final acceptance to the student teaching abroad program is dependent upon approval from the international school and the availability of an appropriate placement. These placements meet all the requirements for Minnesota licensure. India placements are offered annually in the fall semester and Mexico placements are offered in both fall and spring semesters. Contact Elizabeth Leer, Director of Student Teaching Abroad, for further information.