Teacher Education

Chairs: Dr. Scott H. Moats and Prof. Patricia J. Pitts

The Teacher Education Department prepares teachers for Christian leadership in public and private schools. In addition to offering pre-primary and elementary education programs, the Department coordinates all secondary and K–12 licensure programs with content courses offered by other departments of the College. Students who complete Crown College’s teacher education programs have demonstrated competency in planning, conducting, and evaluating lessons; in developing and maintaining an effective learning environment; and in guiding the academic and personal growth of students. The foundational studies in Bible and theology, combined with a strong academic program and practical school experiences, produce strong candidates for successful teaching careers.

All teacher licensure programs are regularly reviewed and approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching, so graduates of these programs are eligible to receive the necessary credentials to teach in both public and private schools. Each educational program has been planned to meet Minnesota’s requirements for teaching licensure. The Teacher Education Department has taken all steps to comply with the Title II Act mandated by the state and federal government. Upon request the Teacher Education Department will supply the information as per the law. Additionally, Crown College is a charter member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Department works with individual students who wish to obtain ACSI certification to teach in affiliated Christian schools.

All persons completing approved teacher education programs in Minnesota institutions and seeking initial teaching licensures are required to successfully complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) Basic Skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students must take this exam prior to department acceptance and must pass the exam prior to student teaching. Students are also required to pass the MTLE pedagogy and content area tests to be eligible for licensure.

The State of Minnesota requires a background check of all persons seeking teacher licensure upon completion of the preparation program and prior to issuing the teaching licensure. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from licensure, but candidates must consider whether their backgrounds would jeopardize receiving licensure approval. Additional information may be required by the Board of Teaching to determine whether or not to grant the license.

Teacher Licensures

Program prerequisites include having obtained a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college. Students must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in Crown College licensure course work.

Department Goals

Demonstrate the subject matter content, pedagogical knowledge, teaching skills and professional dispositions of effective teachers
Communicate effectively with all stakeholders within a variety of educational environments
Integrate faith and learning into the disposition of teaching
Develop and apply critical thinking skills into reflexive teaching practice
Apply knowledge of diversity and learning to foster learning for all students

Degree Programs

Major

Minor

Teacher Licensure