Master of Arts in Education with Licensures and Certificates

Overview

This option offers a Master of Arts in Education degree with academic study that aligns with licensures and certificates in one of the following areas:

  • Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching
  • Principal (WI)
  • Principal/Supervisor of Special Education (IA)
  • Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (WI)
  • Director of Instruction (WI)
  • Cross-categorical Special Education (WI)
  • Reading Teacher (WI)
  • Reading Specialist (WI)
  • School Business Administrator (WI)
Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership

Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.          
Addendum

Accreditation/State Approval

Viterbo University undergraduate and graduate programs in education are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); 2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 500; Washington, DC 20036; 202-466-7496; www.ncate.org.

The education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the certification of teachers in the elementary and secondary schools and for the training of veterans. The Iowa Educational Leadership Program is approved by the Iowa State Board of Education and other endorsement programs are recognized by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Gainful Employment

Art Education (BAED)

Overview

Art education majors at Viterbo University start with a year-long Freshman Art Foundations experience, or "boot camp", where drawing, design, and art history lessons help build confident artists and teachers. Art education students learn from practicing artists and designers in state-of-the-art studios and digital labs. Besides learning artistic techniques on campus, art education majors will spend much of their time in the community and area schools learning and gaining hands-on teaching experience. Art education students begin teaching, as part of the Afterschool Art Workshop for children ages 5–12, then as teaching artists in residence in K–12 schools. These experiences are unique to Viterbo's art education program. With an art education degree from Viterbo University, graduates will be ready to teach artistic techniques and inspire people of all ages. This foundation, paired with education courses taken through the School of Education, prepares students for a teaching career in public or private schools.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Science Education (BS)

Overview

A degree in science education prepares the student to lead a science classroom at the middle and high school levels in a way that sets pupils up to enjoy their curriculum, and seek more scientific knowledge. This major is perfect for those who want to teach, and have a passion for the sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Mathematics Education (BS)

Overview

The mathematics education major at Viterbo University explores many different concepts, particularly patterns, space, and change. The degree provides a solid foundation in logical and critical thinking and unique problem solving skills. This foundation, paired with education courses taken through the School of Education, prepares students for a career in secondary education. These skills, and degree, also translate well into other in-demand fields, such as business, industry, and government.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Technology Education (BS)

Overview

Technology education teachers are in high demand and Viterbo's program has a 100% placement rate. Technology education teachers have a unique opportunity to expose young people to a wide variety of hands-on technology-related projects and explore possible career paths. These highly skilled educators play a critical role in developing the workforce of tomorrow. The technology education program is built around a collaborative effort between Viterbo University and Western Technical College. The School of Education at Viterbo provides coursework on the fundamentals of education theory and practice. Technology courses at Western provide the fundamentals of woodworking, construction, computer aided drafting, manufacturing techniques, fabrication, engine and fluid systems. With a degree in technology education, graduates will be ready to excel in this high demand field.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Elementary Education (BSEd)

Overview

Viterbo’s education program has a rich history of training teachers to become ethical leaders and exceptional educators. Viterbo elementary education majors log many hours of field experience prior to student teaching and receive extensive training in their content area, teaching theory, and teaching practice. Viterbo’s education faculty are caring and approachable and have extensive experience in the classroom.

Policy
Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.
Addendum

Elementary Education (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science in Education)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in the Early Childhood Education and Foundations of Teacher Education programs must have been earned after May 2008 for Wisconsin Technical System graduates. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled .  

  • Core curriculum and mission seminars – see core curriculum section of catalog. Education majors are required to take specific general education courses to satisfy DPI licensure requirements. Students may take any course fulfilling the core curriculum requirement categories, with the exception of specific courses in the following categories: historical analysis – HIST 111 or 112; scientific reasoning in the natural sciences – BIOL 100 or 160 or 161 or 203 and PHYS 102; integrating faith and practice – RLST 433.
  • Major requirements (Early Childhood Education) – EDUC 255, 290, 302, 306, 308, 311, 323, 355, 405, 413, 441, 482, MATH 255
  • Major requirements (Foundations of Teacher Education) – EDUC 255, 290, 302, 306, 308, 311, 323, 355, 405, 413, 441, 482, MATH 255
  • Certifiable minor – certifiable minors for elementary/middle education majors are available in early childhood education, English/language arts, history, mathematics, science, Spanish, and special education. Methods and student teaching in the minor are incorporated into the teaching major program.
  • Bachelor of Science requirement – a minimum of 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 40 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Business Education (BS)

Overview

The Viterbo University business education major prepares students to become business teachers at the middle and secondary levels. Through a combination of courses from the Dahl School of Business and the School of Education, a strong liberal arts foundation is provided, setting students up to enter the sought after field of business education. This foundation, paired with education courses taken through the School of Education, prepares students for a teaching career in public or private schools.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Cross-Categorical Special Education (Elementary Education Minor)

Overview

The cross-categorical special education minor prepares teachers to strengthen their instructional practices, increase achievement for all students, and become educational leaders. Students who earn a B.S. in education and wish to become special education instructors are perfect for this minor. The special education minor also provides students with the cross-categorical special education license. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Master of Arts in Education (Generalist)

Overview

The Master of Arts in Education Generalist Degree is designed for educators who aspire to work at the forefront of change and reform in education. Coursework will challenge educators to explore the changing role of the teacher in an educational context. Academic study is flexible and educators will have considerable choice in selecting courses that will meet their individual need and interest.

  • 15-credits of M.A. core coursework (six courses)
  • 15-credits of elective courses taken from Educational Leadership, Reading Teacher, Cross-categorical Special Education, or Innovative Teacher Leadership
Policy

Admission

Admission requirements for all graduate programs in education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership

Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program. Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Communicate information in a scholarly fashion.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership, including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.          

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (Non-Degree)

Overview

The post-baccalaureate licensure program is an accelerated program for students who already have an undergraduate degree and would like to pursue an initial teaching license. Viterbo University offers programs that can lead to initial teaching licensure in three primary paths:

  • Elementary Education,
  • Cross-categorical Special Education, and 
  • Nine different Content Areas

 For most Content Areas, the program can be completed in as little as one year. The program has an Education Core of 25 credit hours, plus any additional content specialty coursework needed. Total credit hours for each Content Area vary based upon prior undergraduate coursework. Content Areas include:

  • Art Education
  • Business Education
  • English Language Arts Education
  • Math Education
  • Music Education
  • Social Studies Education
  • Science Education
  • Technology Education
  • Spanish Education

The Elementary Education post-baccalaureate program is an online program can be completed in two years. The program consists of 47 credit hours with the option to take three additional Cross-categorical Special Education courses for a total of 55  credit hours.

The Cross-categorical Special Education licensure program is a two-year, 38 credit hour program offered online.

Policy

Cross-categorical special education: 

  • Completion of required content coursework with a grade of “C” or better in each course
  • Methods coursework in the content area
  • 50 hours of field experience
  • Earn a B or better in EDUC-681

Elementary/secondary education:

  • Completion of required content coursework (art, broad field social studies, business education, cross-categorical, English, mathematics, music, science, Spanish, or technology education) with a grade of “C” or better, or a passing score on the Praxis II in content area
  • Methods coursework in the content area (art, broad field social studies, business education, cross-categorical, English, mathematics, music, science, Spanish, or technology education)
  • Field experiences or hours as determined by the instructor
  • Earn a passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (for students pursuing elementary education)
     
Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • PUPIL DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic, local, and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.
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