Education
Dr. Scott Sorvaag, Ed.D., Chair
The School of Education is an integral and integrated part of the university, defining itself within the Lasallian mission of the university and sharing responsibility with every unit of the university for preparing effective and qualified teachers.
General Department Goals
Students will:
- Have the ability to perform at a highly qualified level of teaching as defined by the Minnesota State Board of Teaching Standards;
- Display the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively teach a diverse population of students and work with parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members in support of a child’s education;
- Demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of teaching in the spirit of the Lasallian mission; and
- Hold a strong foundation in the disciplines in which one will be teaching.
The School of Education prepares teachers for licensure in one or more of the following certification areas: childhood/early adolescence (grades K–6 with a 5–8 concentration), and early adolescence/young adult (grades 5–12, K–12 music, and K–12 world languages). All programs meet the licensure requirements of the State of Minnesota. However, due to continuing changes in teacher preparation licensure requirements in the state of Minnesota, students should note that program courses and requirements needed for certification may be subject to change prior to graduation and students have responsibility for checking with the education department to adjust course work. In addition, due to varying and changing state licensure requirements throughout the country, the education department cannot assure students of licensure in states outside Minnesota. However, students completing the Minnesota licensure requirements can generally be assured that other states will grant initial provisional teaching certificates for one or more years to Minnesota licensees. Students are required to consult an advisor from the education department when considering a course of study leading to teaching certification(s).
Completion of course work in Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Teacher Education Programs does not guarantee teacher licensure. In addition to completing required course work, students must successfully meet all program/content standards, including dispositions as outlined in SMU’s Policy on Dispositions Appropriate to Teachers (see Teacher Education Program Guide), along with passing all state testing and background check requirements to be recommended for licensure.
Formal entrance into the teacher education program is required prior to admission into education courses numbered higher than ED305; this acceptance requires:
- Evidence of having taken the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST);
- Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.750 and have an average GPA of at least 2.750 in ED300 and ED305;
- Evidence of satisfactory progress on relevant program standards; and
- Submission of a formal application to the education department.
Students who major in education must earn a C grade or better in all required general education courses, and in all major courses, including concentration/minor courses. In order to maintain eligibility to move through the program, candidates are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.750 and demonstrate proficiency on the program standards. Failure to demonstrate continued competent performance on identified program standards, skills, and dispositions or not maintaining the minimum 2.750 cumulative GPA requirement could result in required remediation prior to continued enrollment in program courses, being placed on department probation, being denied enrollment to student teaching, or dismissal from the teacher education program. See the Teacher Education Program Guide for additional details on admission procedures, monitoring of student progress, department probation, and appeals procedures.
All students will be required to complete a minimum of thirteen weeks of student teaching. Qualified students have the opportunity to student teach abroad. All other student teaching experiences must be completed in the Winona vicinity.
As early as possible, students should identify which certification area they wish to pursue. Each student must choose to be certified in either childhood/early adolescence or early adolescence/young adult education. For students choosing childhood/early adolescence, course work leads to licensure in grades K–6 with a 5–8 specialty. Students choosing early adolescence/young adult certification leads to licensure in grades 5–12 or K–12 in music or world languages.
Title II Information
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota reports information on its teacher preparation programs as required by federal law. Said information is included as an appendix in this catalog. Most recent information is also available by contacting the School of Education at (507) 457-6622 or writing to the following address: School of Education Program Chair, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights #23, Winona, MN 55987.
Learning opportunities in the education department extend beyond our classrooms through membership in Kappa Delta Pi a professional honors organization, our student chapter of Education Minnesota, and membership in the student chapter of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Majors offered:
Childhood/Early Education (Grades K–6 with 5–8 Concentration)
Secondary Education Grades 5-12 & K-12:
Chemistry Science Education
English Education
French Education
Life Sciences Education
Mathematics Education
Music Education (either Classroom & Instrumental or Classroom & Vocal tracks)
Physics Science Education
Social Science Education
Spanish Education |
