Learning Opportunities

Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In any major or minor in the education department, you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply what you’re learning, conduct research, and gain experience. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career.

And you’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community create opportunities to jump in from your first day on campus.

Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first semester, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse classroom settings in our partner schools: metro and urban schools in public, private, charter, immersion, magnet, and International Baccalaureate (IB) settings. We've forged many innovative partnerships that allow us to make this extensive experience possible because we believe real-world experience from day one helps prepare students to confidently lead a classroom.

You’ll complete a 14-week full-time student teaching placement in a local classroom. We have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals. 

Students in the K-6 elementary program can also participate in a year-long residency experience for extended classroom preparation and mentorship.

Clinical practice

At Bethel, you'll have the opportunity to apply what you're learning in real classroom settings. We have many partnerships with teachers, schools, and districts that give students like you the in-depth experience you'll need to be a successful teacher.

Here, we've compiled helpful electronic resources for current Bethel students and their supervising teachers to help them make the most out of their clinical experience.

Learn more

Connections and networking

You’ll be able to participate in two networking and recruiting events each year hosted by the department:

• Principal and New Teacher Panel. Every fall, principals, school leaders, and recent alumni teachers share insights and advice about teaching and career preparation.
• Bethel Advance. Each spring, you can attend a recruiting and interview event where school leaders connect with students and conduct interviews with prospective teachers.

Student clubs

You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that strives to build community within the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events aimed at supporting your future as an educator and connect with your fellow education majors. You can explore your interests through 30+ clubs and intramural sports on campus.

Study abroad

You’ll have many options for studying abroad during a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Education majors can take Exploring British Education and Culture—a January course offered in England during even years—where students live with British families and work alongside British teachers.

Writing opportunities

Especially if you major in communication arts and literature education, you’ll also be able to write for The Clarion student newspaper, the Coeval student literary journal, or other campus publications. You can also submit your creative work for consideration to win an annual cash Jerry Healy Poetry Prize. And you can attend on-campus theatre productions and readings along with others around the Twin Cities. 

Music and performance

If you’re a music education major, you’ll find opportunities to perform and enhance your skills through several ensembles. 

On-campus employment

You’ll be able to work on campus as a teaching assistant (TA) or as a tutor in Bethel’s Academic Enrichment and Support Center.