Undergraduate Teacher Education Program

Teaching is one of the most satisfying and rewarding professions for those who enjoy working with young people. It is also one of the most important and challenging professions. Teachers carry a tremendous responsibility as they work to prepare students for their lives beyond P-12 classrooms.

Hamline has served the needs of new teachers since the 1850s. This legacy continues today as we work to prepare teachers who can meet the demands of the teaching profession in the 21st century. To that end, Hamline’s Undergraduate Teacher Education (UTE) Program is committed to “developing reflective practice in an urban, multicultural context.” As an integral part of the Hamline School of Education, the program also works within the larger conceptual framework which acknowledges the importance of 1) promoting equity in schools and society, 2) building communities of teachers and learners, 3) constructing knowledge, and 4) practicing thoughtful inquiry and reflection. Throughout the program, students are placed in several different urban school settings where they develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to effective teaching. The UTE program believes that future teachers educated in this context will be better prepared to teach in urban, rural, suburban, and global educational environments.

Hamline students have the option to earn a co-major in education (with or without licensure) or minor in education (with or without licensure). In addition, students earn a major in a CLA or HSB content area. Students interested in school-based careers beyond classroom teaching (e.g. school counseling, school administration, media generalists) should be aware that these programs normally require an initial teaching license. Students must seek advanced study to prepare for these careers after completing a bachelor’s degree and all requirements for an initial teaching license.

Licensure Programs: All teaching candidates are advised that completion of the program within a four-year time frame requires careful planning. If you are interested in licensure, please seek early advising from the Undergraduate Teacher Education program faculty to plan your program.

Pathway to the Master of Arts in Teaching

Undergraduate education majors are eligible to apply their licensure credits toward Hamline’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. This program allows for a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate study. For more details about the benefits of this program and the requirements for admission, please contact the School of Education at education@hamline.edu or the undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Kim Koeppen, kkoeppen@hamline.edu or 651-523-2241.

State of Minnesota Licensure Examination Requirements

All candidates for licensure must successfully complete the MTLE Basic Skills Exam or its equivalent (contact an education faculty member for more information) in reading, writing, and mathematics. Completion of the exam is required before formal admission into the Undergraduate Teacher Education program is granted. Taking the exam during or before the sophomore year ensures the opportunity to retake some or all of the exam before applying for a license.

All candidates who are applying for a first-time Minnesota teaching license must also complete the appropriate content-area and pedagogical MTLEs . Information regarding registration procedures, fees, and exam dates may be obtained from a faculty advisor or staff member in the teacher education program, or from the MTLE website at: www.mtle.nesinc.com. No one may be licensed in the state of Minnesota without passing the appropriate exams.

The cost of MTLE exams may be covered by financial aid. For questions, please contact the Financial Aid Department at 651.523.2000.

Examples of Unique Program Opportunities

English as a Second Language

Growing immigration to the United States has increased the need for English instruction for those who are learning English as a second language. In collaboration with the faculty of the Second Language Teaching and Learning program, the teacher education department offers a K-12 license in English as a Second Language to interested undergraduates with any major. In addition to the K-12 courses, eight courses in ESL are required. Because of this considerable amount of required coursework, careful planning is required. Please consult with a departmental advisor for the list of required ESL courses.

Hamline Overseas Student Teaching (HOST)

The HOST program is a combined winter-spring experience that provides a student teaching opportunity in another cultural and geographical setting. Students are first placed in a Twin Cities urban school where they student teach for eight weeks (e.g., January-February). Participants then student teach in an overseas school for ten weeks (March-May). HOST is available only to education students who have completed all required coursework and are eligible for a regular student teaching placement. Interested students should contact the School of Education Teacher Education Department chair for specific details.

Faculty

Letitia Basford, associate professor. BA 1995, University of Minnesota; MA 2000, San Francisco State University; PhD 2008, University of Minnesota.

Michelle Benegas, assistant professor, BA 2000, University of Saint Thomas; MA 2003, Hamline University.

James Brickwedde, assistant professor. BA 1977, State Universities of New York-Buffalo; MSE 1993, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; PhD 2011, University of Minnesota.

Jennifer Carlson, associate professor, BS 1991, Winona State University; MS 1998, Minnesota State University-Mankato; PhD 2001, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Rachel Endo, associate professor and Teacher Education department chair. BS, MPA, MA, University of Nebraska at Omaha; PhD 2009, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jeff Fink, assistant professor, BS 1976, University of Minnesota; MA 1984, University of Saint Thomas.

Sarah Hick, assistant professor. BA 1992, Grinnell College; MES 1996, Yale University; PhD 2008, University of Minnesota.

Kim Koeppen, professor and UTE program coordinator. BA 1984, Iowa State University; MSE 1991, Northern Illinois University; PhD 1996, The University of Iowa.

Joe Lewis, assistant professor, BA 1989, Grinnell College; MA 1999, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; EdD 2006, Columbia University Teachers College

William Lindquist, assistant professor, BA 1976, Augsburg College; MA 1993, University of Saint Thomas; PhD 2001, University of Minnesota.

Ann Mabbott, professor, BA 1973, College of Wooster; MA 1974, University of Wisconsin-Madison; PhD 1995, University of Minnesota.

Rebecca Neal, assistant professor, BS 1993, Hampton University; MEd 1994, College of William and Mary; PhD 2014, Arizona State University

Marcia Rockwood, assistant professor, BS 1974, St. Cloud State University; MA 1982, University of Minnesota.

Deb Sheffer, assistant professor, BA 1977, Gustavus Adolphus College; MA 1998, Hamline University.

Jean Strait, professor, BA 1987, University of Pittsburgh; MS 1991, Moorhead State University; PhD 1995, University of Minnesota.