Teacher education majors are combined with the biblical studies minor to prepare state certified, competent teachers for public, private, and Christian schools. Students pursue either a major in elementary education or a major in physical education (the later provides certification for elementary and secondary schools).

Students are prepared in the knowledge and skills of teaching within a framework of Christian attitudes and principles. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to receive teaching certificates from the state of North Dakota and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Objectives
Upon completion of the Education Major, students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical basis of education.
• give evidence of Christian character in both personal and professional life.
• demonstrate knowledge of curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and assessment procedures in specific areas of elementary education or physical education.
• demonstrate skills in presenting curricular materials for appropriate age levels.
• demonstrate effective teaching skills in a classroom setting through field experiences.
• research theories, technologies, practices and issues currently related to elementary or physical education.
• demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity.
• demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication skills necessary in the teaching/learning process.

Admission to the Department of Teacher Education
In accordance with the mission of the college and the North Dakota state guidelines and regulations, admission and acceptance into the teacher education department program includes:

• successful completion of EDUC 250 Foundations of Education with a grade of “C” or above.
• a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70.
• an acceptable score on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), which will be taken at the students’ expense.
• submission of a formal application including references to the teacher education department committee.
• an interview with students’ elementary education or physical education instructors once all above criteria have been received.

The teacher education major must follow all regulations and guidelines as outlined in the Teacher Education Program Manual.

Admission to Student Teaching
Application for admission to student teaching is made to the teacher education department committee during the semester before students intend to student teach. This is usually the fall semester of the students’ senior year.

Students who apply for student teaching must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
• A minimum GPA of 2.70 in the professional education courses as indicated by the catalog
• No grade below “C” in any professional education course
• Completion of Junior and Senior Teaching Practicum with a grade of “B” or higher
• Senior standing and completion of all teaching methods courses prior to student teaching
• Completion and submission of application form to the teacher education department committee.

Students who have met the above criteria must be formally approved by the teacher education department committee. For further details refer to the Teacher Education Program Manual and Student Teaching Handbook.

Professional Semester
The professional semester is usually the spring semester of the senior year. Students must have been formally admitted to student teaching before the professional semester begins. Students will complete a minimum 14-week student teaching 44 assignment. Students are required to provide their own transportation, driver’s license, insurance, etc. for the student teaching experience. Anyone applying for a North Dakota teaching license in elementary or physical education will be required to take and pass the Praxis II exam. For further details refer to the Teacher Education Program Manual and Student Teaching Handbook.

Overseas Teaching Emphasis
For students considering teaching overseas with the goal of using education as a springboard for missions work, up to 12 hours of the following courses are recommended. These credits do not meet requirements for any additional major or minor, but are recommended to enhance exposure to intercultural issues.

ITCS 101 Introduction to Missions 2
ITCS 354 Intercultural Communications 3
ITCS 356 Preparing to Live Interculturally 2
ITCS 357 World Religions 3
SOCI 310 Cultural Anthropology (Prerequisite for Intercultural Communications) 3
ITCS 255 Introduction to Teaching ESL 3
ITCS 260 Methods of Teaching ESL 3
LANG 222 Spanish Ia

Outcomes Assessment
The outcomes assessment requirement for the teacher education major includes:

• a standardized outcomes assessment. test, taken during the senior year.
• a Bible content test.
• a senior exit interview.
• a national standardized test (Praxis II).
• a teacher portfolio.

Program Requirements
Biblical Studies	20 Credits
General Studies	54.5 Credits
Professional Education	57.5 Credits
Total	132 Credits