Online - All of the program courses are online. Practicums (in-classroom experience) and student teaching (leading a classroom as a student teacher) must be done in-person at a school.
Accelerated format - Courses are accelerated. Students take 3 successive 8-week terms within each semester. Students completing the program in three years take two classes at the same time. Students take 6 credits at once (2, 3-credit courses). Courses are 8-weeks in length. The first 7 weeks are content-heavy and the 8 th week is designed as dedicated time for you to complete your practicum, or as a low-volume week before the next courses kick off.
Courses - Curriculum was developed in view of the traditional undergraduate program. Within coursework, there are highly-collaborative education courses. There are also non-education courses such as math, science, communications, English, etc. These courses are more self-paced.
Start dates - You have the opportunity to begin this program at the start of any 8-week session once you are accepted. Students begin with the Foundations of Education course.
Practicum and classroom experience -Over the semester students have practicum experiences. This is also known as students "in the field" or field work. This work in the beginning is developmental in nature--observational. Semesters one through five of six total semesters have practicums. The third and final year presents more leadership classroom experience. The 6th and final semester is student teaching.
A background check is required at the beginning of practicum 1 and prior to student teaching. Students need to have a cooperating teacher in a regular school and the teacher needs a valid teaching license, at least 3 years experience, and been in their current building for a year. Concordia is happy to discuss practicum and field work with you.
License - This program leads to Wisconsin teaching licensure in K-9th grade. Applicants from out-of-state should check with their departments of education to see how courses translate to other states. Concordia will help you with a program course review.
Credit opportunities - Students may transfer up to 84 credits. Applicants may apply for life and work experience credit toward practicum coursework up to 6 credits.
LTD opportunity - Do you want to get your Lutheran Teacher Diploma? You can take 9 additional credits of theology and education courses to qualify.
Financial opportunity - Uncommon scholarships are available. The TEACH grant qualifies. This program is offered at the accelerated tuition rate.
Add on licenses - Once you complete our program, you are eligible to engage in our opportunities for any of the six add-on licenses listed below: