A teacher from Bethany Lutheran College reads to young students in a colorful classroom, fostering student engagement.

Majors

Elementary Education

The teaching profession is challenging, rewarding, and inspirational, with the opportunity to shape generations to come. Students in Bethany’s elementary education major can become licensed professionals in a variety of K-6, 5-8, and K-12 programs.

The Perfect Education for Your Career and Your Faith

The education program at Bethany prepares students to teach in a variety of settings with the belief that future teachers educated from a Christ-centered perspective will be better prepared to meet the needs of children in a multi-cultural society whether in public, private, or Lutheran schools. Bethany’s education program provides rigorous and research-grounded coursework that is student centered and immerses teacher candidates in real classroom teaching experiences.

Bethany education majors are trained in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and spend time as an AVID tutor at a variety of grade levels. AVID is a nationally recognized program that provides study skills and college preparation training for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. AVID students are often the first in their family to graduate from college.

Your Path to the Classroom Starts Here

Elementary Education Scope 

Bethany’s education major offers Minnesota state-approved teaching licensure for K–6. Endorsements are available in the following areas: 

  •  Communication Arts and Literature
  •  Science
  •  Mathematics
  •  Social Studies
  •  Preprimary

Entry into Major

The liberal arts serve as a foundation on which students build their professional education sequence. 

  • Successful completion of 24 credits of general education core courses including EDUC100 Introduction to Education 
  • An application to the education major 
  • Verification from academic advisor of a 2.75 GPA in the core education major classes 
  • Interview with a committee from the Education Department 
  • A positive clinical experience report from EDUC100 Introduction to Education 

General Education Requirements 

Education majors are required to take and earn at least a “C+” in bolded courses as they contain embedded teaching standards. A grade of “C+” or higher must be obtained in each of the courses noted with an asterisk (*), as these contain embedded state licensure standards.

Professional Education Core Requirements

A grade of C+ or higher must be obtained in all Elementary Education Coursework. 

Important requirements of all students completing Minnesota Education licensure at Bethany Lutheran College:

  • Entry into the Education Program / Major:
  1. Successful completion of 16 credits of general education core courses including EDUC100 Introduction to Education.
  2. An application to the Education Major.
  3. Verification from academic advisor of a 2.75 GPA in the core education major classes
  4. Interview with a committee from the Education Department
  5. A positive clinical experience report from EDUC100
  • Maintain 2.75 GPA Complete all standards based courses with a “C+” or better
  • Complete all courses required for Minnesota State Licensure
  1. Submit proof of a valid first aid/CPR/AED certification
  2. Satisfactory completion of Teaching Internships and Seminar
  3. Please note that the Student Teaching requirements in statute (8705.1010 Standard 11.C sub. 2 and Standard 12.D. sub 2) do NOT allow for the substitution of prior learning experiences, coursework, teaching experience, and credit by examination for student teaching.
  4. Satisfactory completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
  5. Satisfactory completion of Professional Portfolio

Note: An appeals process is outlined in the Education Handbook. According to Minnesota Statute 122A.09 Subdivision 4(c), a  candidate who remains unsatisfied with a dispute regarding recommendation for licensure may appeal the decision to the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Bethany Lutheran College Education Programs are accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). 

To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Elementary Education major, please consult the Academic Catalog.

Clinicals and Student Teaching

We feel it is very important that college students preparing to be teachers should have as many opportunities as possible to gain experience in the classroom. Therefore as a future teacher, you will participate in extensive classroom clinicals:

  • 16 hours of early field experience in a classroom working under the direction of an experienced teacher.
  • 25 hours in the classroom tutoring middle or junior high school students and assisting an experienced teacher.
  • Approximately 18 weeks of clinicals during which you will plan and teach lessons in specific subject areas (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, health, physical education, music and art) on consecutive days.
  • A three-week clinical during which you will teach children with special needs under the direction and supervision of a special education teacher.
  • The final classroom experience is the semester-long teaching internship during which you will complete the full-time student teaching requirement. Recently, students have done their teaching internships in Mankato and the surrounding communities of Nicollet, Janesville, Madelia, Mapleton, Jordan, Good Thunder, Faribault, St. Clair, St. James, St. Peter, Albert Lea, and Waterville.

Allie Curtis

Alumna Making Impact With Reading Program

Allie Curtis, a 2016 Bethany education graduate, has been an integral part of the after school studies program at MCW. The program is designed for students to receive extra help with homework subjects that are difficult for them.

Contact the Elementary Education Department

Carrie Pfiefer

Professor – Education

Elementary Education Faculty

Chris Dale

Adjunct Faculty – Education

Thomas Hunter

Adjunct Faculty – Education

Ted Manthe

Vice President, Title IX Coordinator, Instructor -Teaching Christian Faith

Follow Bethany Education on Social Media

Next Steps

Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.

Large bold text reads Since 1927, with Bethany Lutheran College Mankato MN below in smaller letters.