Education
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
Recent News
A Match Made at Festival of Christmas
November 29, 2023 | 10:20 a.m.
Upcoming Events
MAR 20 2024
Bethel Education (GS) Table Outside the DC
11 a.m.
Learn more about Bethel's Graduate Studies Education Program!
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.
20
full-time and adjunct faculty
TOP
elementary education program nationwide for a selective admissions process
- National Council on Teacher QualityProgram 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.
I am forever thankful for how Bethel University showed me how to love people. Bethel taught me that love is a verb. Teaching in a public school, I am thankful that I can still show God's love through my actions.
Bridgette Megears '16Second Grade Teacher at Anoka Hennepin
One of my favorite aspects about Bethel is the relationships that I found with my peers and the professors. The people that I have met at Bethel have impacted me by sharing their passions and helping me discover mine.
Elise Krohn '16Elementary Teacher
Bethel's education program has prepared me to be a successful educator. I provide my students with engaging, effective, and differentiated instruction. Bethel has instilled me with a love for learning and I try to do the same for my students.
Paige Davis '16First Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher at Princeton Primary School
I believe the education I received at Bethel prepared me for my role as a teacher, leader, and for my current role as principal. The education department's theme of servant leadership provided a framework and vision for me in all I do, regardless of my position. It helped create the understanding that education is not about me, but about the students and families we serve.
Nathan Flansburg '97Current job: Principal, Valentine Hills Elementary, Arden Hills, Minnesota
The Education Department at Bethel University focuses on developing the best educators for the field. Throughout my time at Bethel I knew that the department was supporting my future career through the courses, professors, and atmosphere.
Audrey Erdahl '16Teacher
Spain Term changed my life. God showed me a beautiful culture and people in need of Him. After graduation, I returned to complete a masters in Spanish and literature, and then taught at a private school in Madrid.
Lauren Borst '09Current job: Spanish Teacher at The Altamont School, Birmingham, Alabama
The professors I had the opportunity to develop relationships with during my time at Bethel continue to be an invaluable resource and source of encouragement as I begin my own teaching career.
Matt Berka '16High School English Teacher
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:
- Bethel University Graduate School
- University of Minnesota
- University of St. Thomas
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
