WELCOME TO TEACHER EDUCATION

Empowering teachers as servant leaders, reflective practitioners
and life-long learners...

The purpose of Concordia's teacher education programs is the preparation of teachers for Lutheran, other nonpublic and public schools. These preparation programs are designed to develop the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to successfully work in diverse schools, congregations and communities. Concordia's programs combine theory and practice to prepare educators for the twenty-first century who are ready to grow from novice to master teacher-leader.

There are two program options leading to a bachelor's degree -- elementary teacher education and secondary teacher education. Both options are also available to those who already hold a completed bachelor's degree and wish to pursue post-baccalaureate certification. Successful completion of our programs leads to provisional certification in the State of Michigan. An important part of our programs is the Lutheran Teacher Diploma, through which candidates prepare for service in the teaching ministry of the schools and parishes of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

The School of Education congratulates you on your decision to prepare for the challenging profession of teacher. You will invest much in this decision-time, energy, money. The joy of seeing your students learn and grow will be an amazing experience and worthy of your investment!

This handbook is designed to assist you in understanding the various requirements of your particular program, supplementing the college catalog. Your advisor, instructors and staff personnel are prepared to help you in many ways. However, primary responsibility for meeting the requirements of the various options is yours.

We pray that you have a positive and enriching experience as you progress through your program at Concordia.

Dr. Dennis Genig
Dean of the School of Education
 

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Program Outcomes and Commitments

Caring Relationships

Candidates reflect a disposition of service as they nurture caring and supportive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Each Child

Candidates believe that all students are capable of learning and implement effective instructional strategies to support student success.

Disciplinary Knowledge

Candidates know, understand and apply skills, and frameworks of the subjects appropriate to their certification.

Theory into Practice

Candidates understand and apply the theoretical basis of instruction and design strategies which are responsive to individual student differences and diversity.

Delivery of Well-Aligned Instruction

Candidates can deliver well-differentiated and well-aligned instruction that empowers students as learners.

Communication and Collaboration

Candidates communicate effectively and foster collaboration which supports students and their learning.

Teaching Contexts

Candidates use their knowledge of the social, historical, economic, legal and cultural foundations of education to assess and respond to the diverse needs of the classroom, school and community.

Appropriate Technologies

Candidates utilize technology effectively to support teaching and learning.

Learning Communities

Candidates pursue, reflect upon and share professional knowledge and the wisdom gained from practice in order to improve their effectiveness and to strengthen the profession.

Strengthening Practice

Candidates continue to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to enhance student learning.