WLC focuses on preparing quality teachers and positive role models who are ready to face the challenges of traditional and non-traditional educational programs that require a high degree of flexibility, stamina, and resourcefulness. Education majors gain meaningful experience outside of the college classroom through partnerships with area schools. Pre-student teaching clinicals, connected to all methods courses, are conducted in a variety of early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary school settings.
In an educational landscape desperate for passionate and highly-trained teachers, the Wisconsin Lutheran College education major prepares future teachers as agents of change, ready to make a positive impact in their classroom, school, and district. Preparing to be an educator
is an investment of time, talents, and efforts. The rewards are immeasurable in the
enlightened eyes or the smiles of successful learners who represent the developmental
stages of early childhood, middle childhood, early adolescence, and adolescence.
What Makes the Program Distinctive?
For the eighth year in a row (since the 2011-12 academic year), 100% of our traditional undergraduate education majors have
secured teaching jobs. In the latest assessment, WLC’s teacher education program received a
perfect review from the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction.
WLC teacher education majors completing their final year of undergraduate
preparation can gain a competitive edge by taking advantage of a new residency
program. During the semester prior to their 18-week teacher candidacy (student teaching),
WLC teacher education seniors may participate in the undergraduate residency
program. Students spend 15 hours per week helping a teacher in the same school
district – and often in the same building – where they will complete their teacher candidacy.
Selecting Your Education Major(s)
We offer a variety of majors within our School of Education. You may or may not know exactly where you want to focus. That's okay! You'll experience various aspects of teaching earlier than typical in our program. Those experiences will help you choose a path. One of our education professors will also serve as your personal advisor, helping you figure out the best fit for your personality and strengths.
Major/License: Early Childhood Education
If you love little kids, this may be the education major for you. Preparation focuses on early education at the kindergarten and primary levels. Many of our graduates with this major teach in a regular education setting, usually at the K4 through Grade 2 levels, though the license extends through Grade 5.
Major/License: Elementary Education
Elementary education might be a great option for you if you have an interest in elementary and middle school teaching. Many of our graduates within this major teach in a regular school setting, usually at the Grade 3 through Grade 6 levels, while others teach in a departmentalized setting in the area of their minor (e.g. Math, English, Social Studies, Science, or Language Arts).
Major/License: Secondary Education
If you are interested in teaching a specific subject area at the middle or secondary levels, our secondary education major would be right for you. Graduates with this major teach in departmentalized settings in the area of their major (e.g. Math, English, Social Studies, or Science).
Major/License: Special Education
Obtaining your dual certification in special education and either elementary or secondary education can be an especially rewarding career path. We are immensely proud of our special education alumni and the joy they bring to their students.
Major/License: Wide Range Education
Our most expansive option, wide range education preparation focuses on all grade levels. Graduates with this major teach in specialty areas corresponding with their major (e.g. Music, Art, and Foreign Language).