Bethel University's childhood education programs

Bethel University is a leader in Christian higher education. Currently, there are approximately 6,200 students from 48 states and 29 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Located in St. Bethel University along with additional seminary locations on the western and eastern sides of the United States, offers bachelors and advanced degrees in nearly 100 relevant fields. A distinguished faculty devotes their time into teaching within a clearly evangelical Christian framework, preparing women and men for culturally sensitive leadership, scholarship, and service worldwide.

Bethel's education department makes available programs that allow students the opportunity to achieve licensure for teaching early childhood education (birth - age 8), elementary education with a preprimary specialty (age 3 - grade 6), elementary education with a middle level specialty (K - 8), education for grades 5 - 12, and education for grades K - 12. Bethel University is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The college has met the requirements established by the State of Minnesota through a meticulous review process. These results are reported to the Minnesota Board of Teaching, which in turn reports to the United States Secretary of Education under Title II of the Higher Education Act, an annual reporting requirement. These figures were based on the results of students who completed the course during the 2003-2004 academic year. The graduates of Bethel's program achieved a 100th percentile pass rate, placing the graduates of our program in the first quartile of all college education programs in the State of Minnesota. An inclusive report of this information can be obtained from the Education Department upon request.

Early Childhood Education Licensure Program:

Preparing teachers to plan, implement, and evaluate instructional programs that address the developmental requirements of children from birth through age 8 (third grade). Students of the program can work with children in many educational settings. Once the program is successfully completed, students can become licensed to work in early childhood (birth-age 8.) Students interested in an Early Childhood Education license must major in K-6 elementary education with a preprimary specialty.

Elementary Education Licensure Program:

This program will prepare the student of this elementary teacher education program for teaching in any school with an elementary classification. Not only is the program designed to provide elementary teachers with a strong background in general or liberal arts, but teachers are also afforded the opportunity to focus their preparation in a selected specialty, develop knowledge and understanding of human development and the learning process, and learn methods of integrating subject matter with materials and methods.

The following are required general criteria for participation in the teacher education program:

1. Procedures for Admission. Second year coursework must be completed with no lower than a 2.50 on a 4.0 grading scale.

2. While enrolled in these courses, you will have to do the following: You will need to forward a completed admissions application to the education department.

• Apply to the Education Department.
• Required are the submitted personal autobiographical statement, one current transcript, and two references. You must include one reference from a Bethel faculty member who can provide detailed information about your academic abilities. Your second reference will need to be submitted by a current or previous employer or a supervisor if you have had a voluntary position involving work with children or youths. Please remember: a professor in the major subject area must give the reference from a Bethel faculty member for 5-12/K-12 majors. Students that recently transferred may receive a reference addressing academic abilities from an instructor at their previous institution.
• Applicants must interview with the Education Interview Committee and meet the approval of the faculty in their area of emphasis before being accepted into the program. Students who have spent time with youths and have experience with diversity will be given preference.

3. In order to be fully admitted, you will need to take the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

4. Have transfer education course work evaluated by the education department. Components of some courses in education may not be included in courses transferred from other schools and may not meet Bethel’s education requirements. Additional components, such as field experience, may be required from transfer and post-baccalaureate students.

5. Students must accomplish a grade that is a minimum of C to allow for the course work to be transferable for credit.