NOTICE: Due to weather conditions, MNU will open late on Monday, January 22, starting at Noon.
School of Education
The School of Education develops servant leaders in the field of education who honor God by demonstrating excellence in reflective and innovative practices, facilitating the P-20 intellectual, emotional, and character growth of next century learners.
School of Education
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Licensure Requirements
In order to be licensed, students must achieve a passing score on both the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Exam and the appropriate Praxis II Content exam. Information and for the exams are available from the Department of Teacher Education.
Elementary Education majors transferring to MidAmerica Nazarene University from a regionally accredited college or university must complete at least 21 semester hours at MidAmerica before being placed in Student Teaching. Fifteen of these hours must be from the professional education block (exclusive of student teaching) and at least six semester hours must be from the major. MidAmerica Nazarene University does not accept transfer credit for Elementary and Professional Education courses from non-accredited institutions. The School of Education’s licensure officer reviews all transcripts. Persons who have not previously held a Kansas teaching certificate will be required to pass pre-licensure exams prior to issuance of a Kansas license. These examinations include the Principles of Learning and Teaching examination and the Praxis II Content examination.
Students who plan to teach in the public school system (middle school level) are advised to major in the academic field of their choice and to take the required professional education courses. The following academic program has been approved by the Kansas State Department of Education for licensure in middle school education:
- Mathematics Education (5-8)
Middle school education majors transferring to MidAmerica Nazarene University from a regionally accredited college or university must complete at least 21 semester hours at MidAmerica before being placed in Student Teaching and/or recommended for licensure. Fifteen of these hours must be from the professional education block (exclusive of student teaching) and at least six semester hours must be from the major. MidAmerica Nazarene University does not accept transfer credit for the major and Professional Education courses from non-accredited institutions. The School of Education’s licensure officer reviews all transcripts. Persons who have not previously held a Kansas teaching license will be required to pass pre-licensure exams prior to issuance of a Kansas license. These examinations include the Principles of Learning and Teaching examination and the Praxis II content examination.
While MNU no longer offers the middle level science program, School of Education advisors can provide an overview of two available pathways to help you meet your professional goals.
Students who plan to teach in the public school system (secondary grades) are advised to major in the academic field of their choice and to take the required professional education courses. The following academic programs have been approved by the Kansas State Department of Education for licensure in secondary education:
- Biology Education (6-12)
- English Language Arts Education (6-12)
- Social Studies & History/Government Education (6-12)
- Mathematics Education (6-12)
- Music Education (P-12)
- Physical Education (P-12)
- Speech/Theatre Education (6-12)
Secondary Education majors transferring to MidAmerica Nazarene University from a regionally accredited college or university must complete at least 21 semester hours at MidAmerica before being placed in Student Teaching and/or recommended for licensure. Fifteen of these hours must be from the professional education block (exclusive of student teaching) and at least six semester hours must be from the major. MidAmerica Nazarene University does not accept transfer credit for the major and Professional Education courses from non-accredited institutions. The School of Education’s licensure officer reviews all transcripts.
Persons who have not previously held a Kansas teaching license will be required to pass pre-licensure exams prior to issuance of a Kansas license. These examinations include the Principles of Learning and Teaching examination and the Praxis II content examination.
Kansas regulations currently permit a person who is licensed for teaching grades K-6, 6-12, or P-12 to be recommended for licensure in additional secondary area(s) if the applicant has met the specified licensure requirements and/or achieved a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II Content Exam. Contact the MNU Licensure and Assessment Coordinator for additional information
Policy on Working During Student Teaching and Seminar
Student teaching is a notably intense and demanding experience. Consequently, students are advised to suspend/avoid outside employment during the student teaching semester. In extreme or dire circumstances requiring students to maintain employment during student teaching, that employment must be reported by students to the cooperating teacher and the University Supervisor. The employment must not interfere in any way with student teaching. If a student’s performance during student teaching does not meet expectations, the student will be asked to stop working or to repeat the student teaching experience. Attendance at school faculty meetings, parent teacher nights, performance of other extracurricular duties and attendance at on-campus seminar sessions is expected of all student teachers.
Program Interruption Policy
If there is an interruption in a candidate’s Teacher Education Program of two semesters or more between the education coursework and student teaching, the student is required to meet with the Chair of Teacher Education and the appropriate advisor to seek approval for readmission into the program.