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Become an educator who sparks potential—and inspires the next generation.

The Department of Education at Bethel will guide you to discover your unique calling as a teacher. You'll learn how to work collaboratively and creatively so you can use your skills to make a difference in the classroom.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Communication Arts and Literature 5-12 Major
Elementary Education Major
Math Education 5–12 Major
Middle Level (grades 5–8) Endorsement Major
Music Education Major
Social Studies Education 5-12 Major
Special Education Major Minor

Upcoming Events

MAR 20 2024

Bethel Education (GS) Table in the Egg

11 a.m.

Learn more about Bethel's Graduate Studies Education Program!

APR 4 2024

Growing Minds: Bethel University Virtual Education Fair

6:30 p.m. CT

Join us online to learn more about our Education programs at Bethel University!

JUNE 13 2024

Camp Hope 2024

Noon

A retreat for teachers

JUNE 14 2024

Camp Hope 2024

Noon

A retreat for teachers

Teacher Preparation Coupled with Real-World Experience

At Bethel, you'll be challenged in a supportive community that provides you numerous, innovative classroom placements and a deep understanding of evolving education technology. Here, we recognize the plethora of opportunities for educators both within and outside of traditional education settings, which is why we encourage and promote cross-disciplinary learning that helps students combine their passions. We go beyond books and theories with significant, real-world experiences in a number of diverse settings to ensure your success. And we do this while integrating your faith in Christ into everything you learn so you can lead and serve in incredible ways—in the classroom and in our world.

Education student in class

Top 15

Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

- besteducationdegrees.com

$60,109

average salary for education alumni 10 years after graduation

- U.S. Census Bureau

Program Highlights

Real-world experience

We offer numerous classroom experiences in diverse settings: from urban and suburban; public and private; charter and magnet; and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and international baccalaureate schools. We provide multiple opportunities for classroom observations, real-life teaching experience—including extensive field placement experience in addition to student teaching assignments—and the option of a year-long residency.

Innovative partnerships

We've developed partnerships with charter schools and local districts that provide students with additional opportunities for hands-on learning. Plus, our Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) tutoring training program and partnerships have given students the chance to receive compensation for field placement hours.

21st century skills

Learn evolving teaching technology—from SmartBoards, iPads, and online resources, to tools for creative teaching such as programming simple robots and designing games for learning—and experience teaching and learning in a state-of-the-art interactive classroom.

Study abroad

As part of your education program, you can choose to study in Great Britain, student teach internationally, or gain teaching experience with our partner program in Chicago. Additionally, Bethel's robust study abroad programming includes over 30 different opportunities for you to learn in a different setting.

Interdisciplinary Relationships

Our focus on STEM will make you more marketable in the elementary setting where STEM integration is a high demand. We also maintain strong cross-departmental relationships to support our students' synthesis of their focus fields.

Engaged professors

Our department's small class sizes allow for individualized attention to aid the development of aspiring teachers. Our professors get to know you personally in the classroom, and an assigned faculty member will also serve as your academic advisor—mentoring you and guiding your path through our program. 

Alumni support

Our Teach Forward program provides ongoing professional development for education graduates—including online resources and regular meet-ups for practicing teachers. The program is funded in part by grant funds from the Bush Foundation and has a mission of supporting young educators through diverse offerings.

Data backs up our program

Not only has our elementary education program been independently ranked the top program in the Midwest region, our alumni report high satisfaction and preparation for their careers.

See our current assessment and alumni reporting data. 

What can I do with an education degree?

Education majors serve as classroom teachers in schools as well as youth leaders, consultants, or in business careers.

Careers

Our education graduates work as:

  • Elementary school teachers in public, private, charter, or international schools
  • Middle school or high school teachers in endorsement or specialty areas
  • Content specialists in math, communication arts & literature, social studies, and music
  • Preschool teachers
  • Community education leaders
  • Youth leaders
  • Ministry leaders
  • Educational consultants
  • Curriculum developers
  • Industrial or business trainers
  • Also engaged in numerous non-education careers

Graduate Schools

Our alumni attend:

Graduate Fields

Our alumni study:

  • Content fields
  • School administration
  • Public policy
  • Instructional design
  • Special education (ABS, ASD, EBD, and LD)
  • Literacy education
  • International baccalaureate
  • Educational technology