PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Education
Education
Scott Sorvaag, Ph.D., Chair
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota School of Education seeks to live its commitment to our
institutional Lasallian mission. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to provide high quality
teacher preparation to our learners in the context of a personalized caring community. We are dedicated
to creating a challenging climate of growth for all learners inclusive of diverse backgrounds and needs.
Like the learners our teachers will serve, we seek to enhance the potential and capacities of all learners.
General Department Goals
Students:
• Have the ability to perform at a highly qualified level of teaching as defined by the Minnesota State
Board of Teaching Standards;
• Display the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively teach a diverse population of
students and work with parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members in support of a
child’s or young adult’s education;
• Demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of teaching in the spirit of the Lasallian mission; and
• Hold a strong foundation in the disciplines in which one will be teaching.
The School of Education prepares teachers for licensure in the following certification areas: elementary
education (grades K-6) in which students may also add a grades 5-8 endorsement, and secondary
education (grades 5-12), and K-12 music, and K-12 world languages. All programs meet the licensure
requirements of the State of Minnesota. However, due to continuing changes in teacher preparation
licensure requirements in the State of Minnesota, students should note that program courses and
requirements needed for certification may be subject to change prior to graduation and students
have responsibility for checking with the School of Education to adjust course work. In addition, due
to varying and changing state licensure requirements throughout the country, the School of Education
cannot assure students of licensure in states outside Minnesota. However, students completing the
Minnesota licensure requirements can generally be assured that other states will grant initial provisional
teaching certificates for one or more years to Minnesota licensees. Students are required to consult
an advisor from the School of Education when considering a course of study leading to teaching
certification(s). Credits earned prior to matriculation at Saint Mary’s University are accepted after
review and approval by the School of Education. Once matriculated, any major course taken at another
university must have department chair approval.
The education program is approved as a teacher certification program by the Minnesota Board
of Education, Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36, West Roseville, MN 55113,
telephone: (651) 582-8200, Ext. 8833.
Completion of course work in Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Teacher Education Program does
not guarantee teacher licensure. In addition to completing required course work, students must
successfully meet all program/content standards, including dispositions as outlined in SMU’s Policy on
Dispositions Appropriate to Teachers (see Teacher Education Program Guide), along with passing all
state testing and background check requirements to be recommended for licensure.
Formal entrance into the teacher education program is required prior to admission into education
courses numbered higher than ED307. This acceptance requires:
• Evidence of having taken the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE);
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.750 and an average GPA of at least 2.750 in ED301,
ED302, ED305 and ED307;
• Evidence of satisfactory progress on relevant program standards; and
• A formal application to the School of Education.
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