BECOMING A TEACHER LEADER:

Taking Responsibility for Student Learning

Why should I get a Bachelor’s degree in Education?

What are the career opportunities for a graduate?

How can I decide if an Education major is right for me?

Why should I get a Bachelor’s degree in Education?

Students often choose teacher education in order to contribute to society in ways that are meaningful, rewarding, and lasting. Most teacher candidates are energized by seeing the light go on in students’ heads and by helping them at points in their lives where they most need a positive role model.

In Missouri Western’s teacher education program, students develop their leadership capabilities, and discover the knowledge and skills to become a successful teacher.

What are the career opportunities for a graduate?

Graduates from Missouri Western’s teacher education program are very successful in securing teaching positions at all levels and in all disciplines in public and private schools. Missouri Western’s graduates are in high demand because school administrators across the state are familiar with the university’s excellent teacher education program.  Many alumni have continued their education and earned advanced degrees.

How can I decide if an Education major is right for me?

As a student in Missouri Western’s teacher education program, you will have plenty of opportunities for practical experience in the classroom early on to help you decide if a teaching career is right for you. Missouri Western’s program was one of the first in the nation to require its students to participate in elementary and secondary schools early in the program, rather than waiting until students are almost ready to graduate.

Beginning as sophomores, teacher candidates observe and assist in area classrooms in elementary and secondary schools, and the level of the candidates’ responsibility and involvement increases each year.

Are there any other options for professional certification?

The CDA Credential course (8 credit hours) offers the preparation necessary to earn the Child Development Associate credential. A person with a CDA Credential is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assesment.  The Council for Professional Devolpment, which is headquarted in Washington, D.C., operates the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program.  This Credential means he/she is able to meet the specific needs of children and works with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social,emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.  This individual has demonstrated competence in his/her ability to meet the CDA Competency Goals through his/her work in a center or family child care program.