Education Majors

Do you dream of teaching in a classroom of your own someday?

Teacher education is an exceptionally competitive field today—in Minnesota and around the country. At Northwestern, we believe in equipping the next generation of teachers with the character, expertise and cultural competence needed to stand out among their peers.

Here you’ll learn from long-time teachers who share your faith and love of helping others learn. And your professors become your personal mentors who will help guide and encourage you during your journey toward teacher licensure—and a classroom of your own!

Learn more about the education degree areas

EARLY CHILDHOOD/ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)
Elementary Education (Grades K–6) with academic emphasis in one of the following:
- Preprimary Education (Ages 3–5)
- Communication Arts and Literature (Grades 5–8)
- Mathematics (Grades 5–8)
- Social Studies (Grades 5–8)

SECONDARY EDUCATION (Grades 5–12)

Communication Arts/Literature Education (English education) (Grades 5–12)
Mathematics Education (Grades 5–12)
Social Studies Education (Grades 5–12)

SPECIALTY FIELDS (Grades K–12)

>> Visit the Department of Education

Kirsten discusses community at Northwestern College and its impact on preparing her to be a teacher:

A recognized reputation for excellence

Principals and teachers from Minneapolis and St. Paul schools frequently praise our teacher education program for providing excellent student teachers. Northwestern’s Department of Education is recognized in Minnesota and beyond for their exceptional teacher training.

The NWC Department of Education has a wide range of P–12 school partnerships in Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts that will give you extensive interaction with current teachers in real classrooms as early as your sophomore year. Through observing and assisting in Minnesota classrooms for two years, you’ll gain confidence to become a student teacher at the end of your senior year.

Students Speak

"I know I will be prepared to be an enriched teacher in a public school; ready to be in kids’ lives while living out my faith at the same time."

Shelly – Palatine, Illinois

What classes will I take?

Educating Diverse Learners
Education Ethics
Educational Psychology
Instructional Foundations
School Health and Drug Problems

What are grads doing?

Graduates with Northwestern’s education degrees serve as teachers and principals in public, private and Christian schools in Minneapolis, St. Paul, across Minnesota and the U.S. and internationally. Many pursue graduate studies and hold leadership positions in their schools and districts.

ESL and Elementary Education Dual Licensure

Students may be recommended for dual licensure in ESL (grades K–12) and elementary education (grades K–6) with an academic specialty in communication arts and literature education (grades 5–8) by completing the ESL degree (grades K–12) with some changes.

Due to the number of credits, this program usually requires 5 years to complete. The combination of ESL and Elementary licenses work together wonderfully to support your future students, and also have the benefit of adding flexibility to your teaching career.

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