Curriculum - Licensable Education
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Core Requirements - Public Education | 44 | |
| Public Education Major | 75 | |
| Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma | 47 | |
| Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major | 81 | |
| Total Credits - Public Education 3 | 120 | |
| Public Education Elective Credit | 1 | |
| Total Credits - Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate 3 | 128 | |
Core Curriculum - 44 - 47 Credits
Concordia Common Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Core Requirements - Non-Licensable Education | 44 | |
| Non-Licensable Education Major | 75 | |
| Non-Licensable Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma | 47 | |
| Non-Licensable Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major | 81 | |
| Total Credits - Non-Licensable Education 3 | 120 | |
| Total Credits - Non-Licensable Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate 3 | 128 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology - Public Education | ||
| REL 1000 |
The Bible
This course is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| REL 1100 |
Christian Faith
This course is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts as they relate to everyday life. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC) | ||
| REL 2010 |
Old Testament
This course is an overview of the Old Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content, but students who take it must also take REL 2020 New Testament elsewhere in their programs. It is required for students in a church-work program. | 3 |
| REL 2020 |
New Testament
This course presents an overview of the New Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. The New Testament is read with a focus on the life of Jesus, his teaching and miracles, death and resurrection. The other major people of New Testament are also studied through their writings, especially the apostles Paul, Peter, and John. | 3 |
| REL 2030 |
Biblical Theology
This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required. | 3 |
Cross Categorical Special Education Curriculum - 75 - 81 credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCE 1020 |
Western Culture & Worldview
This course explores the underpinnings of Western Culture by focusing on crucial historical/cultural moments and the artifacts these civilizations produced. The Classical heritage and Christianity (at least as practiced in Europe and America) have both competed and cooperated for 2000 years, and the work in this class will highlight their interactions that define a Western Christian worldview in the present moment. Through a study of these developments, students will be able to situate themselves culturally and better engage worldviews and cultures other than their own. | 3 |
| CCE 1030 |
Western Thought & Worldview
This course is a Christ-centered reflection on the great conversation between the leading minds of Western philosophy. Mindful of Paul’s admonition to avoid captivity to ideas contrary to Christ, and equipped with the tools of logic and worldview analysis, students engage the great ideas of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Along the way, students are trained to give clear definitions, to state worthwhile theses, and to defend them with cogent arguments. There is a particular emphasis on defending the merits of a biblical understanding of the world (apologetics), living a Christian life (ethics) and the relevance of philosophy (evaluating and applying worldviews) to our many vocations. This class is part of the Common Concordia Core required for all traditional students. | 3 |
| CCE 1040 |
Science & Humanity
This interdisciplinary course promotes scientific literacy by developing student understanding of how the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are practiced, while at the same time providing the foundation for the required lab sciences and social sciences courses. By focusing on both the natural and social sciences, students will learn the types of questions asked by each, the ways knowledge is acquired in each, and how to evaluate the claims made by each. The increased impact of computer science (modelling, algorithms, big data) on science and society will also be covered. Ethical considerations of the uses of scientific knowledge form a key part of this course.
| 3 |
| Liberal Arts Dimensions | ||
| ENG 2100 |
College Writing
This course is a beginning college-level composition course designed to provide a variety of challenging writing tasks addressing a number of vital ideas and issues. Through critical reading and discussion of essays written by influential thinkers such as Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Virginia Woolf, students learn to write thoughtful, logical, creative essays incorporating research when appropriate. | 3 |
| Communication or Language course | 3 | |
| Faith and Life Elective | 3 | |
| ED 1102 |
Foundations of Education
This course is a critical examination of the forces that have shaped formal and informal education, especially as they affect American urban education. The course will review historical, philosophical, theological, social, scientific, and technological contributions that have influenced the American educational system. From this foundation, students will be encouraged to explore contemporary issues in American education as they consider their future roles in the teaching profession. This course will be taught with computer technology integrated throughout the course. This course serves as the first required professional course for teaching education students at Concordia University Wisconsin. | 3 |
| HHP 1115 |
Fit and Well
This course explores the importance that physical activity and nutrition play in maintaining wellness in our lives. | 2 |
| Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, Literature or Graphic Design activity course | 3 | |
| MATH 1190 |
Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9
This course is the first course in a two-course sequence that presents an integrated approach to mathematics content and methods appropriate for early childhood, elementary, and middle school pre-service teachers. Emphasis is on constructing knowledge through problem solving, communication, reasoning, connecting mathematical ideas, representation, and generalization. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual understanding of ‘‘number’’. Specific number sense topics include numeration systems, number theory, concepts of numbers and operations (whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios), estimation, and proportional reasoning. Preservice teachers will invent strategies to solve computations. | 3 |
| ENV 1050 |
Introduction to Environmental Science
This course introduces students to vocabulary, major concepts, and contemporary issues related to the natural world and human interaction with it. | 3 |
| ED 1103 |
Human Relations for Teachers
This course is an interaction laboratory course designed to help candidates improve their interpersonal relationship skills and acquire competence in facilitating human relations activities in the classroom. Candidates will examine their attitudes and values toward and improve their techniques in working with learners, parents, colleagues, and community and minority groups. This course serves as an introduction of human relations' components to education majors.
| 3 |
| Society & Culture elective | 3 | |
- 1
Course Requires Upper Division Status.
- 2
"The Block" classes are taken during the same semester.
- 3
Candidates select either the Public Education or Lutheran Teacher Diploma tracks for this program.
Curriculum - Non-Licensable Education
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Core Requirements - Non-Licensable Education | 44 | |
| Non-Licensable Education Major | 76 | |
| Non-Licensable Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma | 47 | |
| Non-Licensable Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major | 82 | |
| Total Credits - Non-Licensable Education 3 | 120 | |
| Total Credits - Non-Licensable Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate 3 | 129 | |
Core Curriculum - 44 - 47 Credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology - Public Education | ||
| REL 1000 |
The Bible
This course is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| REL 1100 |
Christian Faith
This course is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts as they relate to everyday life. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine for students who are not in a program that requires the enhanced church-work core. | 3 |
| Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC) | ||
| REL 2010 |
Old Testament
This course is an overview of the Old Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content, but students who take it must also take REL 2020 New Testament elsewhere in their programs. It is required for students in a church-work program. | 3 |
| REL 2020 |
New Testament
This course presents an overview of the New Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. The New Testament is read with a focus on the life of Jesus, his teaching and miracles, death and resurrection. The other major people of New Testament are also studied through their writings, especially the apostles Paul, Peter, and John. | 3 |
| REL 2030 |
Biblical Theology
This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required. | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCE 1020 |
Western Culture & Worldview
This course explores the underpinnings of Western Culture by focusing on crucial historical/cultural moments and the artifacts these civilizations produced. The Classical heritage and Christianity (at least as practiced in Europe and America) have both competed and cooperated for 2000 years, and the work in this class will highlight their interactions that define a Western Christian worldview in the present moment. Through a study of these developments, students will be able to situate themselves culturally and better engage worldviews and cultures other than their own. | 3 |
| CCE 1030 |
Western Thought & Worldview
This course is a Christ-centered reflection on the great conversation between the leading minds of Western philosophy. Mindful of Paul’s admonition to avoid captivity to ideas contrary to Christ, and equipped with the tools of logic and worldview analysis, students engage the great ideas of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Along the way, students are trained to give clear definitions, to state worthwhile theses, and to defend them with cogent arguments. There is a particular emphasis on defending the merits of a biblical understanding of the world (apologetics), living a Christian life (ethics) and the relevance of philosophy (evaluating and applying worldviews) to our many vocations. This class is part of the Common Concordia Core required for all traditional students. | 3 |
| CCE 1040 |
Science & Humanity
This interdisciplinary course promotes scientific literacy by developing student understanding of how the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are practiced, while at the same time providing the foundation for the required lab sciences and social sciences courses. By focusing on both the natural and social sciences, students will learn the types of questions asked by each, the ways knowledge is acquired in each, and how to evaluate the claims made by each. The increased impact of computer science (modelling, algorithms, big data) on science and society will also be covered. Ethical considerations of the uses of scientific knowledge form a key part of this course.
| 3 |
| Liberal Arts Dimensions | ||
| ENG 2100 |
College Writing
This course is a beginning college-level composition course designed to provide a variety of challenging writing tasks addressing a number of vital ideas and issues. Through critical reading and discussion of essays written by influential thinkers such as Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Virginia Woolf, students learn to write thoughtful, logical, creative essays incorporating research when appropriate. | 3 |
| Communication or Language course | 3 | |
| Faith and Life Elective | 3 | |
| ED 1102 |
Foundations of Education
This course is a critical examination of the forces that have shaped formal and informal education, especially as they affect American urban education. The course will review historical, philosophical, theological, social, scientific, and technological contributions that have influenced the American educational system. From this foundation, students will be encouraged to explore contemporary issues in American education as they consider their future roles in the teaching profession. This course will be taught with computer technology integrated throughout the course. This course serves as the first required professional course for teaching education students at Concordia University Wisconsin. | 3 |
| HHP 1115 |
Fit and Well
This course explores the importance that physical activity and nutrition play in maintaining wellness in our lives. | 2 |
| Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, Literature or Graphic Design activity course | 3 | |
| MATH 1190 |
Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9
This course is the first course in a two-course sequence that presents an integrated approach to mathematics content and methods appropriate for early childhood, elementary, and middle school pre-service teachers. Emphasis is on constructing knowledge through problem solving, communication, reasoning, connecting mathematical ideas, representation, and generalization. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual understanding of ‘‘number’’. Specific number sense topics include numeration systems, number theory, concepts of numbers and operations (whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios), estimation, and proportional reasoning. Preservice teachers will invent strategies to solve computations. | 3 |
| ENV 1050 |
Introduction to Environmental Science
This course introduces students to vocabulary, major concepts, and contemporary issues related to the natural world and human interaction with it. | 3 |
| ED 1103 |
Human Relations for Teachers
This course is an interaction laboratory course designed to help candidates improve their interpersonal relationship skills and acquire competence in facilitating human relations activities in the classroom. Candidates will examine their attitudes and values toward and improve their techniques in working with learners, parents, colleagues, and community and minority groups. This course serves as an introduction of human relations' components to education majors.
| 3 |
| Society & Culture elective | 3 | |
Cross Categorical Special Education Curriculum - 75 - 81 credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Component | ||
| ED 1230 |
Nature of the Exceptional Child
This course is designed to introduce the education student to a study of the major characteristics of all disabilities and gifted students as defined by state and federal law in order to provide for their needs in the general education classroom. The course provides significant foundational theories and practices for understanding special education as a discipline, legal requirements for Special Education services including IEPs, and rights and responsibilities of parents, teachers, other professionals and schools related to children with exceptional needs. Students learn about characteristics of learners, assessments used to diagnose them, support services, and how to create instructional and behavioral strategies for exceptional learners in the general education classroom. This course includes a field experience component. | 3 |
| ED 1275 |
Human Learning
This course explores theories of human development, learning, and motivation from a brain-based perspective. Students will be actively engaged in the learning process through a variety of assignments and activities including clinicals, presentations, reflections, and other experiences to enhance understanding and application of brain-based learning theory in the classroom. This course includes a field experience component. | 3 |
| ED 4411 |
The Profession and Ethics of Teaching
This course is the capstone course of the education program, ideally taken just prior to student teaching. This course emphasizes key tenets of the profession: school law; ethics and judgment of educators, including conflict mediation and resolution; legal responsibilities of teachers; finding and securing a meaningful job, including the Call process to a Lutheran school; and ongoing professional development. | 3 |
| Practical Component: Regular Education | ||
| ED 2204 |
The Art & Science of Teaching Reading
This course examines the science, research, and methodology behind literacy instruction. Effective literacy instruction involves an acute understanding of the reading process, which includes oral language development, concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics/decoding, vocabulary, word knowledge, fluency, and comprehension. Pre-service teachers will assume responsibility for understanding this complex process and delivering an effective instruction using varied instructional approaches, curricular materials, and assessment tools. The results of successful instruction are readers who possess not only basic reading skills but also the ability to read for multiple purposes, including other curricular areas. This course will also consider how to support the reading development of English Language Learners, students with disabilities, students from low socioeconomic status, and students from diverse backgrounds. The practicum component of this course enables students to put some of these strategies and skills into teaching practice. ED 2204 and ED 2358 meet the requirements for Wisconsin Act 20 Reading and Language Arts compliance. | 3 |
| ED 2358 |
Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3
This course examines the development of children as writers from ages birth to grade 3. This course includes a study of children’s language development, specifically the relationship between language and writing, stages of writing development, supporting the child as a writer through Writer's Workshops and Writing Conferences. The course explores the use of writing as a way to communicate to a variety of audiences for multiple, authentic purposes. A deep understanding of the process writing approach is developed through course work. The course will examine current research and instructional strategies. ED 2204 and ED 2358 meet the requirements for Wisconsin Act 20 Reading and Language Arts compliance. | 2 |
| ED 3401 |
Reading Strategies for Engagement and Growth
This course provides students with multiple reading and learning strategies to use across the curriculum. Theoretical models of reading and instructional approaches to the teaching of reading are reviewed, including developmentally appropriate instructional methods for teaching phonics and spelling, and assessments for instruction and accountability. Students will learn evidence-based instructional methods for:
concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
| 3 |
| ED 4321 |
The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts
This course focuses on the methods and materials essential for teaching language arts in the elementary classroom. Candidates will explore strategies to develop students’ communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, through a literacy-rich approach. Emphasis will be placed on using digital resources and platforms to support diverse learners and integrate literacy goals across various subjects. Candidates will also gain practical experience in curriculum planning and instructional design tailored to the language arts classroom. | 2 |
| ED 4322 |
The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies
This course prepares candidates to design and deliver effective social studies instruction in the elementary classroom. Through the integration of literacy strategies, candidates will explore how to foster critical thinking, inquiry, and communication skills within the context of social studies content. The course emphasizes curriculum planning, innovative teaching methods, and the use of digital tools to engage students and make social studies relevant to their lives. Practical applications will focus on developing a deep understanding of social studies standards and creating interdisciplinary connections. | 1 |
| ED 4323 |
The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics
This course provides an in-depth exploration of curriculum and methodologies for teaching mathematics in the elementary classroom. Emphasis is placed on helping students develop a strong conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Candidates will explore effective strategies for creating engaging, hands-on math experiences that build confidence and competence in learners. The course integrates the use of digital tools and resources to support diverse learning needs and align instruction with standards-based practices in mathematics education. | 2 |
| ED 4324 |
The Art and Science of Teaching Science
This course focuses on the methods and curriculum necessary for teaching science in the elementary classroom. Candidates will explore how to engage students in scientific inquiry, using evidence-based practices to investigate real-world phenomena. Emphasis is placed on helping learners develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on exploration and experimentation. The course also examines the integration of technology and engineering concepts to foster a deeper understanding of science content and its applications. | 1 |
| MATH 1200 |
Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9
This course is the second course in a two-course sequence that presents an integrated approach to mathematics content and methods appropriate for early childhood, elementary, and middle school pre-service teachers. Emphasis is on constructing knowledge through problem solving, communication, reasoning, connecting mathematical ideas, representation, and generalization. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual understanding of ‘‘uncertainty’’ and ‘‘geometry’’. Topics include collecting, representing and analyzing data; concepts of chance; strategies for determining probability of events; functions; properties of 2-D and 3-D figures; transformations, similarity and symmetries; measurement systems; perimeter, area, volume, and surface area; and topology. | 3 |
| Practical Component: Special Education | ||
| ED 2327 |
Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society
This course is designed to provide students with a practical look at how teachers and families can empower, collaborate, and advocate for children with special needs. Students will see how lasting partnerships can be formed between members of diverse families and professionals in special and general education including administrators, teachers, assistants, special educators, and related service providers. The course includes family systems theory, the history and current status of policy, family rights, and the principles of partnership and their application by teachers and other professionals. Focus is on communication between home and school and strategies for developing culturally appropriate family-centered practices. | 3 |
| ED 2484 |
Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education
Topics addressed in this course include individual and group behavior management, behavioral change strategies, and classroom management for students with special needs. Principles of applied behavior analysis are discussed to promote appropriate academic and social behaviors and to decrease challenging behaviors in school settings. Creating positive learning environments that facilitate student learning and effective social interaction is emphasized. Special emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to recognize, apply, and evaluate various strategies of management, and to develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). | 3 |
| ED 3328 |
Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities
This course examines and provides instruction in the teaching of the following areas for students with disabilities, especially those with moderate to severe disabilities: self-management and self-determination skills; social skills and emotional development; self-concept, personal competence, communication skills, and academic skills. This course also provides a study of the philosophical and practical base of effective assessment and intervention for individuals with moderate and severe disabilities, including assistive technology evaluations and applications. In addition, this course will focus on issues relevant to post educational, vocational, independent living, and community transitions, and the development of Individual Transition Plans. | 3 |
| ED 3450 |
Instruction and Transition for Adolescents with Disabilities
This course examines the instructional, transitional and community-based needs faced by adolescents with disabilities. Students learn how to modify, accommodate, and adapt instruction for exceptional youth, with an emphasis on adolescents who have disabilities. Students will identify appropriate attitudes and strategies that will help them build positive relationships with adolescents with disabilities and create appropriate learning environments as they move from school-based instruction to community-based vocational or post-secondary settings. There is an emphasis is on legal issues, the continuum of alternate placements, post-secondary transition plans and collaboration with community-based organizations and personnel. | 3 |
| ED 3457 |
Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities
This course offers a framework for adapting the general education curriculum and instructional materials to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities and mental health challenges. Curriculum adaptations, modifications, and accommodations are defined and scrutinized. Planned supports such as instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning, and assistive technology are explored as ways to accommodate students with diverse needs in the general education environment and curriculum. The course includes an emphasis on unit and lesson planning. | 3 |
| ED 4479 |
Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners
This course provides a foundation in using multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions, as well as, the legal and ethical issues regarding the assessment of students with exceptional needs. Students will learn to conduct formal and informal assessments for eligibility and instructional purposes. They will interpret assessment results to guide educational decision-making including writing individualized plans and selecting supports and adaptations for learners with special education needs. Students will learn the importance of collaboration with families and other colleagues to assure that nonbiased and meaningful assessments are administered. Students will use technology to support assessment tasks.
| 3 |
| ED 4485 |
Special Education Law and IEPs
This course addresses the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education, from referral to placement. Students will acquire knowledge of special education legislation, policy, and terminology, including the provisions outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Students will develop meaningful and compliant Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and learn how to serve on school-based teams that interpret assessment data, write goals, and advocate for students with disabilities and their families. | 3 |
| Clinical Field Work Component | ||
| ED 4501 |
Field Experience 1
This course is the first fieldwork adventure in the online teacher licensure program, designed to immerse candidates in real-world educational environments. This course offers a unique opportunity to observe and participate across diverse classroom settings, where candidates gain hands-on experience and insights into the teaching profession. Candidates connect theory to practice as they engage with students, educators, and the day-to-day life of schools. | 3 |
| ED 4502 |
Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience 1
ED 4502 Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience 1 provides candidates with an immersive, multi-week clinical experience where they actively engage in the full cycle of teaching—planning, delivering, assessing, and refining instruction. Candidates apply their skills in a classroom setting directly related to their licensure area, tailoring their approach to meet the unique needs of students. For those in specific licensure areas, this course may offer multiple clinical experiences, allowing candidates to deepen their expertise and adaptability in real-world educational environments. This is the first of two courses with clinical experiences that meet state licensure requirements for pre-student teaching in the online licensure programs. | 3 |
| ED 4503 |
Field Experience 2
ED 4503 Field Experience 2 offers the candidate the opportunity to continue their journey in the online teacher licensure program by observing classrooms in an educational setting of their choice. This course provides candidates with immersive experiences in diverse teaching environments, allowing them to witness a variety of instructional methods and strategies firsthand. Through reflective analysis of their observations, candidates deepen their understanding of effective teaching practices, enhancing their skills as future educators.
| 3 |
| ED 4504 |
Field Experience 3
This field experience course provides the candidate with the opportunity to observe and engage in a classroom setting of their choice within the online teacher licensure program. Candidates will explore various instructional methods and classroom management techniques, gaining valuable insight into effective teaching practices. Through reflective analysis of these observations, candidates continue to build the foundational skills essential for success as future educators. | 1 |
| ED 4505 |
Field Experience 4
In this field experience course, candidates immerse themselves in a classroom environment of their choosing, observing and reflecting on diverse teaching practices within the online teacher licensure program. This course encourages candidates to explore instructional strategies and classroom dynamics, fostering a deeper understanding of effective educational methods. Through these reflections, candidates strengthen the foundational skills needed for impactful teaching. | 1 |
| ED 4506 |
Field Experience 5
This field experience course allows candidates to observe and analyze teaching practices in a classroom setting of their choice, as part of the online teacher licensure program. Candidates gain firsthand exposure to a variety of instructional approaches and classroom interactions, building a well-rounded perspective on effective teaching. Reflecting on these experiences, candidates continue developing essential skills that will support their growth as educators. | 1 |
| ED 4508 |
Special Education Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience 2
This course is a field-based experience where special education majors work directly with children and youth with disabilities ages 4 to 21. It is designed to provide students with the curricular methods, techniques, and adaptations necessary for teaching learners with disabilities. The focus is on evidence-based practices, designing and adapting learning environments and curriculum, writing and implementing unit and lesson plans, collaborating with other professionals, and self-reflection. This field-based experience will occur one or two terms prior to student teaching. | 3 |
| Student Teaching Component (Take these courses in the same semester) | ||
| ED 4453 |
Cross Categorical Special Education Student Teaching
This course serves as the culminating special education clinical experience for students pursuing a teaching license in Cross Categorical Special Education (CCSE). Teacher candidates are mentored in the responsibilities and expectations of a special education teacher through observations, reflections, discussions, and participation in professional development meetings. The setting provides candidates with practical experience within their designated developmental level. | 12 |
| ED 4449 |
Portfolio Completion - Special Education
This course is the culminating portfolio presentation that provides verification that the teacher candidate has completed all special education program and Wisconsin licensure requirements at this time. Recognizing that reflective, concerned, and competent teachers develop from a multitude of unique abilities and experiences, Concordia’s teacher education program encourages the cultivation of unique, well-rounded teacher candidates. Since traditional evaluation procedures that focus on tests and grades fail to reveal the whole picture of the teacher education student, Concordia has instituted the portfolio process, which seeks to provide a more personal reflection of the unique abilities and accomplishments of each teacher education student. The final portfolio presentation provides evidence of the teacher candidate’s proficiency in and application of the Wisconsin Teaching Standards with artifacts from student teaching. Students will enroll concurrently in ED 4444 and/or ED 4447. | 1 |
| Lutheran (LCMS Members) Teacher Diploma Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 |
Teaching the Faith
This course helps the student develop knowledge of resources and skills necessary to teach religion in the elementary or secondary classroom. This course is required for Lutheran education majors. Students will explore theological, relational, social, and educational issues related to teaching the faith. While focusing upon topics and issues related to a Lutheran school setting, much of what is explored will be useful as one considers present and future vocations in parish, family or other educational settings. Note: Completion of Core theology courses is a requirement prior to taking this class. | 3 |
| REL 4000 |
Lutheran Confessions
This course is an overview of the historical background and major teachings of the documents of The Book of Concord, the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students will explore the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition as expressed in the ancient creeds and in confessions of the Lutheran Reformation, which serve as norm for contemporary teaching and practice among Lutherans and as a model for confessing the faith today. | 3 |
| Christian Teacher Certification Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 |
Teaching the Faith
This course helps the student develop knowledge of resources and skills necessary to teach religion in the elementary or secondary classroom. This course is required for Lutheran education majors. Students will explore theological, relational, social, and educational issues related to teaching the faith. While focusing upon topics and issues related to a Lutheran school setting, much of what is explored will be useful as one considers present and future vocations in parish, family or other educational settings. Note: Completion of Core theology courses is a requirement prior to taking this class. | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| REL 3500 |
A Survey of Christian Thought
A Survey of Christian Thought examines how Christians have probed and presented the mystery and majesty of God's interaction with human beings, from early Christian writers to modern theologians. With a focus on close reading of primary sources, discussion, and writing, this course familiarizes students with some of the most influential thinkers of Christianity, allowing them to explore themes that have fascinated generations of Christians through the centuries. | 3 |
| REL 3860 |
Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church
Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church leads the student to see more clearly the significance of two major Christian doctrines and the correct relationship between them for a Christian’s life. Sections of Scripture, of the Lutheran Confessions, and of current theological literature are analyzed in the light of these fundamental teachings. | 3 |
| REL 4000 |
Lutheran Confessions
This course is an overview of the historical background and major teachings of the documents of The Book of Concord, the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students will explore the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition as expressed in the ancient creeds and in confessions of the Lutheran Reformation, which serve as norm for contemporary teaching and practice among Lutherans and as a model for confessing the faith today. | 3 |
| PHIL 3250 |
Christian Apologetics
This course is an introduction to the art of defending the truth claims of the Christian faith. Students learn the biblical warrant for apologetics, the merits of rival methodologies, and study philosophical, scientific, and historical evidences. They are equipped to respond to the skeptical challenges of atheism and the contrary claims of rival religions. | 3 |
| PHIL 3340 |
Christ and Culture
This course examines the interaction between the Christian and the surrounding culture in both Western and non-Western settings. The classic typology of H. Richard Niebuhr is presented and critically evaluated. The implications of the doctrines of vocation and of the two kingdoms are explored. Public theology is defined, and students learn to appreciate the distinctive approaches to public theology within different denominations. A wide range of contemporary issues facing the Christian is studied. Throughout the course, there is particular emphasis of the merits of the Lutheran “paradox” model for interaction with culture, along with due consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of other models. | 3 |

