Nobody wants to be a teacher today. We have to change that.
The sad fact is, nobody wants to be a teacher anymore. It’s especially true for young people trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. Becoming a teacher isn’t even on their list. It’s not on their parents’ list, either. When polled in 2018, 54 percent of parents nationwide said they did not want their child to become a teacher. Even educators themselves have been advising young people not to enter the profession.
At McPherson College, we’re changing the conversation about teachers and promoting the idea that teaching is a rewarding career path. Read more
Major
Elementary Education
The mission of the Teacher Education Program of McPherson College is to develop service-oriented educators who effectively blend the art and science of teaching.
Combined B.S & M.Ed.
Get a combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees with licensure in K-6 Elementary Education plus an added endorsement of either ESOL or Special Education completed in just four years.
Overview
The teacher education program at McPherson College focuses on three major levels of licensure in the Elementary Education major: 6-12 Licensure, K-6 Licensure and PK-12 Licensure. This allows you to focus on a specific grade range. We’re committed to developing service-oriented educators who effectively blend the art and science of teaching.
Because your professors have all led a classroom, they have the expertise and experience needed to mentor you as you become a great teacher. You’ll gain real-world insight into all sizes of schools through classroom observation and practicums. Experience what it’s like to lead a classroom first-hand through experiential learning opportunities that begin early in Wichita or Chicago.
If you want to increase your earning potential at the beginning of your career and further your impact, McPherson offers an accelerated teacher program that combines a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years.
Featured Teacher Education Student Story
Licensures
K-6
Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, High-Incidence Special Education
6-12
Biology, Chemistry, English, English for Speakers of Other Languages, History and Government, Mathematics, High-Incidence Special Education, Speech/Theatre
PK-12
Art, Health, Music-General, Music-Instrumental, Music-Vocal, Physical Education, Spanish
Licensure Disclosure
The US Department of Education federal regulation Sec 668.43 A-C. McPherson College Teacher Education prepares candidates for licensure in the state of Kansas. At this time, we have not determined if these preparation programs will lead to licensure in other states.
Experiences & Outcomes
Combined Bachelor’s & Master’s Program
McPherson College is offering an accelerated teacher education program to incoming freshman which leads to: B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction degrees with a KSDE licensure, plus an added endorsement of either ESOL or Special Education completed in just four years.
Learn moreStudent Teaching
Students learn by applying their knowledge during practica and student teaching in classrooms throughout the McPherson area.
Practica & Student Teaching
Featured Stories
Faculty & Staff
April Counts M.Ed.
- Assistant Professor of Education
- “I love the look in a student’s eye when they get a concept or when they realize what a passion they have for a subject. My goals as an educator are to inspire students to experience success, to encourage students to be lifelong learners, and to spark a fire in prospective teachers to be excited about what their future holds.”
Jill Hemenway
- Administrative Assistant
Shane Kirchner Ph.D.
- Professor of Education
- “We’ve all had memorable teachers in our lives. Some were a positive force, others were not. As a teacher of future teachers, I try my best to model and instill in my students positive teacher dispositions such as a love of learning, humor, patience, and accountability.”
Vicki Schmidt Ph.D.
- Associate Professor of Education
- “As a teacher and a lifelong learner, I believe the best way for students to learn how to be an effective teacher is to learn the WHAT alongside the HOW. I believe in teaching students what they need to know about education and teaching through the use of instructional activities they will also use with their own students one day. With that in mind, I strive every day to create an engaging and dynamic learning experience for our students.”