Roadmap to Success
The School of Education has a roadmap of success that students can follow on their journey towards teaching
1. Educational Foundations and Program Admission
Foundational Experiences are designed to help candidates determine their personal "fit" with the teaching profession.
A field experience consists of 20 hours within a public school classroom.
Candidates formally apply to be admitted into the School of Education.
Candidates interview with School of Education faculty to discuss their qualifications and their "decision to teach."
2. Education Core Courses and Human Relations
Candidates are prepared to meet the MN Standards of Effective Practice, including an emphasis on subject matter, student learning, instructional strategies, learning environment and assessment.
Candidates are prepared to develop and advance their cultural awareness by understanding the contributions and lifestyles of the various racial, cultural, and economic groups in American society with an emphasis on human diversity, personal rights, and how faith applies to embracing cultural diversity.
Field experiences take place in diverse schools and community settings, allowing candidates to work with individuals from cultural or ethnic groups different from their own.
3. Methods-Level Courses and Field Placements
Candidates learn and apply methodologies within their chosen field by creating, teaching, and evaluating lessons within a cooperating school classroom.
University supervisors visit candidates weekly in their field placements to offer support, feedback, and reflection opportunities for candidates' professional growth.
The UNW School of Education partners with over 150 schools and 200 cooperating teachers every year. Candidates receive hundreds of hours in the classroom setting prior to student teaching.
4. Student Teaching & Preparing for MN Teaching License
Candidates will be placed in a classroom setting for 14-18 weeks depending on the requirements of the licensure program.
Candidates will be given the opportunity to teach full time and will participate in culminating assessments demonstrating their professional knowledge and abilities.
Recommendation for teacher licensure in the state of MN occurs when all program and state requirements are met.
