Education

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth."--Dan Rather

Education majors at Augustana gain a thorough knowledge of teaching theory and are exposed to a wide range of practical experience. Annual workshops and panel discussions with local educators ensure that Augustana's program continues to teach skills needed for challenges faced in the modern classroom.

The best teachers come from academic backgrounds that develop the ability to connect ideas from different areas of thought - in other words, a liberal arts education. Augustana's broad curriculum ensures that students from all departments receive a balanced education in the liberal arts and sciences. General education requirements include a first-year liberal studies program, learning perspectives and learning community requirements, all emphasizing the connections between academic disciplines. Also required are specific individual and integrated courses including physical education, a second language, quantitative reasoning, an investigative lab, and multicultural and global perspectives.

Augustana has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since that organization's inception in 1954. Only 37-percent of Illinois colleges and universities are NCATE accredited (22 out of 60 state institutions.)

Over 90-percent of Augustana students enrolled in the education programs complete their degree in four years, often including a term abroad. This is accomplished through careful advising and regular contact with professors in the Education Department.

An average class in the education department has 15-24 students, one reason why education majors and their professors form a close group, with plenty of support along with challenge.

The department has seven full-time faculty members, all holding Ph.D.s and serving as advisors. Each education major has an advisor who guides him or her through the entire process of becoming a teacher-from choosing supporting courses, to finding the best student teaching placement, to applying for a teaching certificate. The education faculty also can share a wide range of professional experiences with their students: teaching in public and private schools in and out of state, teaching abroad, moving from teaching to administration, field experience and advanced study.