Teacher Preparation Programs Overview

Where Students Prepare to Become Teacher Leaders

The heart of the Department of Teacher Education lies in our Teacher Preparation programs. We know that teaching matters and we place a high value on preparing our students to become effective educators in both elementary and secondary classrooms. Our programs are designed to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to gain the critical knowledge and skills needed to teach all children. We encourage you to get to know our various teacher preparation programs. You will see that our programs are constantly revised in light of both new knowledge and also new insights into the struggles faced by teachers and administrators in today's schools. All of our programs take a personal approach to providing the highest quality education for our teacher preparation students.

Elementary Education

Our department considers the elementary education teacher preparation program to be a rigorous place for future teachers to become trained K-8 professionals. Not only do we believe that our students in elementary education should be well versed in all subject areas but we also require a professional education program along with a fifth year internship to ensure that our graduates are prepared to progress into their teaching career in elementary schools and become effective classroom teachers.

Secondary Education

In the teacher education department we understand that it is essential for secondary classroom teachers to be well prepared in their subject matter areas of interest and certification. To ensure that our graduates are well prepared to teach the various disciplines found in secondary schools, we partner closely with colleges around the university to assist us in preparing our secondary education students. Students take professional courses within our department as well as complete a fifth year internship in schools. Our comprehensive program prepares students to progress into their secondary classroom teaching careers successfully.

Post-Bachelor Options

The Department of Teacher Education at MSU feels that teaching is a career not only for first time professionals, but for those people who are looking for a second career or have a passion for bettering the education of children through teaching. Maybe you are unfulfilled in your current career and strive to better society in a new career path. Teacher education will welcome you into this noble profession and ensure that you have adequate training for your new career.

Certification & Endorsements

We feel that teaching is a career where lifelong learning is valued. If you are looking to add another subject area specialty to your teaching portfolio, the Department of Teacher Education has the programs to help you in earning these new credentials. If you are looking to add additional endorsements we encourage you to come back to MSU and continue your lifelong education that may not only improve your teaching instruction but also student achievement.