Education
Are you ready to make an impact?
Alma College’s nationally accredited education program, approved by the Michigan Department of Education, offers various pathways to help you become the educator you aspire to be—whether in traditional schools or unique settings like nonprofits, museums, or childcare programs. Join a diverse community that fosters innovation and believes in the transformative power of education.
We are here to support your teaching goals:
- Elementary Education (PK-6): Our PK-6 education major prepares you to teach all subjects to preschool through sixth-grade students, providing a solid foundation for working with younger learners. We also offer endorsements in subject areas to enhance your qualifications for teaching in grades 5 through 9.
- Secondary Education (Middle and High School): If you want to teach older students, our secondary education major develops subject-specific expertise for middle and high school classrooms. We offer endorsements to enhance your qualifications for teaching grades 5-9, 7-12, or K-12.
- Special Education Endorsement: Our special education endorsement prepares you to support PK-12 students with diverse learning needs in various school settings.
- Educational Studies: If you’re passionate about working with youth but prefer a non-traditional classroom career, our educational studies major or minor prepares you for impactful roles in child development, youth advocacy, and community education.
- Coaching Minor: With our coaching minor, you can build skills to motivate and guide others in sports and life, ideal for those who see coaching as a way to inspire and lead.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
Are you ready to make an impact?
Alma College’s nationally accredited education program, approved by the Michigan Department of Education, offers various pathways to help you become the educator you aspire to be—whether in traditional schools or unique settings like nonprofits, museums, or childcare programs. Join a diverse community that fosters innovation and believes in the transformative power of education.
We are here to support your teaching goals:
- Elementary Education (PK-6): Our PK-6 education major prepares you to teach all subjects to preschool through sixth-grade students, providing a solid foundation for working with younger learners. We also offer endorsements in subject areas to enhance your qualifications for teaching in grades 5 through 9.
- Secondary Education (Middle and High School): If you want to teach older students, our secondary education major develops subject-specific expertise for middle and high school classrooms. We offer endorsements to enhance your qualifications for teaching grades 5-9, 7-12, or K-12.
- Special Education Endorsement: Our special education endorsement prepares you to support PK-12 students with diverse learning needs in various school settings.
- Educational Studies: If you’re passionate about working with youth but prefer a non-traditional classroom career, our educational studies major or minor prepares you for impactful roles in child development, youth advocacy, and community education.
- Coaching Minor: With our coaching minor, you can build skills to motivate and guide others in sports and life, ideal for those who see coaching as a way to inspire and lead.
Unique Features for Your Success
Alma College’s education program is a dynamic choice for those passionate about making a difference in and beyond the classroom.
- Dual Major Opportunities: Pair your education degree with another major or minor to broaden your expertise and career options.
- Hands-On Experience Early: Gain real classroom experience early through clinical placements across diverse grade levels and subjects, along with volunteer work and service learning starting in your first year.
- Global Opportunities: You will have opportunities for travel and volunteering globally through the Alma Venture.
- Graduate with Experience: You will graduate with at least one semester of teaching experience in your certification grade band or subject area.
- Certification Success and Mobility: Our graduates excel in certification exams. With Michigan’s reciprocal agreements, you can apply for out-of-state certification easily.
- Teaching Career Benefits: Teaching careers often offer competitive salaries, excellent health care, retirement benefits, and potential for student loan forgiveness.
- Career Flexibility: Graduates who explore fields beyond teaching thrive in youth development, nonprofits, or pursue advanced studies.
- Expert Faculty: Collaborate with experienced faculty dedicated to mentoring you in developing the skills and compassion needed to be an effective educator.
- Scholarship Support: State and federal scholarship funds are available to those pursuing teacher certification, making your path more affordable.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
Alma’s faculty help you get placed in a local classroom very early in your time with the program, so you can easily decide whether this is something you’re truly interested in pursuing before you graduate.
One of the cool things about the education department is that you’re exposed to special education instruction, which I’ve found is pretty rare for someone like me, who is not a special education teacher. It’s really beneficial! You learn a lot about individualized education programs (IEPs), the law, and other things that have helped me in my career.
My classmates and I work together on so many things, which is going to help me prepare for a collaborative workplace after college.
Alma’s faculty help you get placed in a local classroom very early in your time with the program, so you can easily decide whether this is something you’re truly interested in pursuing before you graduate.
One of the cool things about the education department is that you’re exposed to special education instruction, which I’ve found is pretty rare for someone like me, who is not a special education teacher. It’s really beneficial! You learn a lot about individualized education programs (IEPs), the law, and other things that have helped me in my career.
My classmates and I work together on so many things, which is going to help me prepare for a collaborative workplace after college.
Get to Know Education
Meet the Faculty
Professional Development
As an education major, you'll be encouraged to participate in an internship that provides valuable real-world experience. Learn about career support at Alma.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Accreditation
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036, (202) 223-0077) monitors how the Education Preparation Provider (EPP) publicly reports candidate performance data and other consumer information on its website. (Policy 6.01; p. 26, CAEP Accreditation Policy)
Alma’s Education Program: More Than Just Teaching Techniques
We help you develop the mindset of a leader and advocate. We’re committed to equipping you with practical skills to excel in certification exams and meet state requirements, setting you up for a fulfilling, impactful career in education.
You’ll also develop valuable, transferable skills for a wide range of opportunities, including:
- Interpersonal Communication
- Interviewing
- Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
Recent Graduate Schools of Alma College Education Graduates
- Cornell University
- Iowa State University
- Kettering University
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Purdue University
- University of Michigan
Recent Employers of Alma College Education Graduates
- Alma Public Schools
- Autism Centers of Michigan
- Bath Community Schools
- Brighton Area Schools
- Children’s Literacy Network
- Eaton Rapids Public Schools
- Grand Blanc Community Schools
- Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Lakeview Community Schools
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Take your learning outside the classroom — and find lifelong friends — by joining one of our 100+ student organizations designed to help you enhance your knowledge and expand your network.
