Academic Catalog and Handbooks

2023-2024 Edition

Education

Department Chair: Allison Spenader

Faculty: Catherine Bohn-Gettler, Emily Colton, Tamara Cowan, Luke Feierabend, Diana Fenton, Kristi Hendricks, Madeleine Israelson, Theresa Johnson, Fardowsa Mahdi, Alicia Peters, Terri Rodriguez, Allison Spenader, Gretchen Starks-Martin, Mary Tacker, Lauren Thoma Ergen, Susan Vollbrecht, Jason Welch

The CSB/SJU Education Department recognizes that purposeful decision-making is at the heart of effective teaching. We aim to develop exemplary teachers who have a strong liberal arts background, who exemplify Benedictine values, and who consistently make professional decisions which help all students to achieve their full potential as persons and as responsible world citizens in a democratic society.

The Education Department currently offers courses of study that prepare students academically to apply for Minnesota licensure in K-6 elementary education with an optional grades 5-8 endorsement in Communication Arts and Literature, Mathematics, General Science, or K-8 World Language and Culture (French, German, or Spanish). In addition, we offer licensure programs in:

  • grades 5-12 Communication Arts/Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Social Studies;
  • grades 9-12 Life Science, Chemistry, and Physics;
  • grades 5-8 General Science; and
  • grades K-12 Visual Arts, Vocal or Instrumental Music, World Languages (French, German, Spanish);
  • and Teaching English as a Second Language.

These programs are approved by the Minnesota Professional Standards and Licensing Board. Non-licensure programs in grades 5-12 Theology and Teaching English as an International Language are also offered.

Students are strongly advised to contact the Education Department during their first year to become aware of the current program requirements and devise a course plan. Each program is unique and subject to change according to the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board guidelines. Please refer to the Education Department website for the most current information.

Admission to Teacher Education

Students must make formal application to the Education Department for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Application is made while students are enrolled in EDUC 379A. Descriptions of all admission requirements and the application process are specified on the Education Department's website at https://www.csbsju.edu/education/student-resources/apply-to-the-program

Additional Education Department Requirements

Due the professional nature of this program, students must:

  • Maintain a cumulative, content area, department and endorsement GPA of 2.50 or above. In addition, a grade of C or above is required in content area, minor, and endorsement courses.
  • Pass required licensure examinations
  • Successfully complete edTPA during student teaching
  • Complete a background check every two years, or as required by the district in which a student is placed. Eligibility to participate in Education Department course work and field experiences is determined by the department chair and aligned to state and district regulations/policies. This process will be coordinated by the Education Department.
  • Purchase liability insurance through Education Minnesota on an annual basis.

Students should reference the Education Department website for additional information about requirements.

Note: Students may be required to take a ninth semester to fulfill licensure requirements depending on their experiences and the licensure areas they would like to complete.