Our promise to Catholic educators
The Catholic Educator Promise, donor-funded and rooted in our Lasallian mission, covers tuition for dependents of Minnesota K-12 Catholic school employees, making a Saint Mary’s undergraduate and residential education in Winona more accessible for families dedicated to Catholic education.
“The fact that you are helping and repaying people who give to Catholic schools means a ton. This is a life-changing opportunity that will make a difference to me years after college”, says Giana DiPietro, an education major at Saint Mary’s and daughter of Saint Agnes School employee in Saint Parul, Minn.
Read Giana’s story here to see how the Catholic Educator Promise supports families like hers.
Grow as a Catholic educator with Saint Mary’s.
Lead and teach with purpose — in just one year. Complete our 100% online graduate certificates and make an immediate impact in Catholic schools.
Catholic School Educator Certificate
- Prepare to transition into the role of teacher, whether you are currently a parent, grandparent, volunteer, or any other invested role.
- Gain foundational teaching skills without the time and cost of full licensure (bachelor’s degree required).
- Partner with a Catholic school for student teaching and hands-on experience.
Catholic School Leadership Certificate
- Lead with character and integrity in Catholic schools.
- Develop faith-based leadership skills to guide students, faculty, and school communities.
- Enhance preparation for principal, administrative, or system-level roles.
Programs to start or advance your career in education
Saint Mary’s education programs are developed to shape your skills and character, with virtue formation embedded in every course. With 12 teaching licensure areas to launch your career, two Ed.S. options, and three administrative preparation programs to guide you toward ethical leadership, Saint Mary’s supports every step of your journey.
Plus, with 60+ Catholic school partners and the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence network offering tuition discounts through our Trusted Partnership Programs , your education is accessible and connected to the schools you serve.
Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Finish your bachelor’s and earn an initial SPED license. Workplace-based assessments for paraprofessionals to learn on the job.
Graduate Certificate in Charter School Leadership
Learn to lead, manage operations, and build strong relationships in charter schools.
Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading
Earn your K-12 Reading licensure in Minnesota for Tier 3 and 4 licensed teachers.
Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership
Build expertise in teaching and leadership without pursuing administrative licensure.
Doctor of Education: Leadership
Lead K-12 schools, higher education, or pursue academic leadership roles.
Executive Doctor of Education: Leadership
Solve complex challenges through advanced leadership and education coursework — for mid- to senior-level professionals.
Master of Arts in Education
Enhance teaching skills and deepen knowledge in curriculum design; choose from two specializations.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Launch your Minnesota teaching career faster with one of 12 licensure areas while earning a master’s.
Master of Arts in Special Education
Advance your career and address the special education teacher shortage; choose from three programs.
Ed.S. and K-12 Principal Licensure Preparation
Earn an Ed.S. and prepare for Minnesota principal licensure.
Ed.S. and Director of Special Education Licensure Preparation
Earn an Ed.S. and prepare for Minnesota SPED director licensure.
Superintendent Licensure Preparation
Prepare for Minnesota superintendent licensure in six months with a current K-12 principal or SPED director license.
What sets Saint Mary’s education programs apart?
Vision and values — Shaping educators with purpose, guided by Lasallian Catholic values
Calling and identity — Exploring who becomes a teacher or leader, not just what they do
Leadership and impact — Preparing educators to influence schools and communities in meaningful ways
Flourishing communities — The vision of what thriving schools and learning environments look like
Reputation with purpose — Recognized and respected, yet deeply personal in how students are supported
Holistic support — Meeting students where they are, from the first step to the next milestone
Catholic education in action
Sarah Striemer M’16, S’25 has dedicated her career to Catholic education, growing from first-grade teacher to principal of Saint John Vianney Catholic School. Her M.A. in Educational Leadership and ongoing Ed.S. degree from Saint Mary’s gave her the skills and confidence to lead with faith, purpose, and impact.
“It gave me the confidence to talk to people outside of my school, to grow relationships with other principals and other leaders. I don’t know that I would have done that without this program,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Saint Mary’s education programs unique?
Educating current and future educators is a cornerstone of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. With a strong reputation for preparing highly skilled teachers and administrators, the School of Education is an innovator in adult learning. - How is character and virtue incorporated?
For over 300 years, Lasallian Catholic education has focused on forming the whole student. At Saint Mary’s, we continue this tradition by cultivating character, virtue, and the intellectual, moral, and civic growth of every learner. - Can I go to school and still work?
Yes! Many of our bachelor’s, graduate certificate, Ed.S., master’s, and doctoral programs are fully online and designed for working educators. The School of Education provides personalized support to help every student thrive and succeed. - What financial aid is available?
If you are in a degree-granting program and enrolled at least half time, you may be eligible for financial aid. Learn more here.