Education Department
Our Mission
The Education Department at North Central University is committed to producing teachers who are academically prepared for excellent teaching and who utilize the best pedagogical practices, model Christ-like character, and devote themselves to lifelong learning.
Licensure Programs
The education department offers undergraduate programs leading to initial Minnesota licensure in the following areas:
- Elementary Education (grades K-6) with a middle school
specialty (grades 5-8) in either Communication Arts and Literature or
Social Studies - Communication Arts and Literature (grades 5-12)*
- Social Studies (grades 5-12)*
- Vocal Music Education (grades K-12)*
- Coming soon - Mathematics (grades 5-12)*
*Secondary education programs are pending approval by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Elementary programs are fully approved.
Resources for:
Outcomes
The outcomes of the education program are based on the INTASC (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) Standards and Minnesota's own Standards of Effective Practice. Upon successful completion of the NCU Teacher Licensure Program the beginning teacher:
- demonstrates, by lifestyle and teaching, education as a life-long process.
- understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
- understands how children and adolescents learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.
- understands how learners differ in their approaches to learning and can create instructional opportunities that are adapted to learners from diverse cultural or economic backgrounds or to children with exceptionalities.
- understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage the students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
- uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation.
- uses knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
- plans and manages instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum guides.
- understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of his/her learners.
- develops as a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on the learning community and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
- understands the importance of communicating and interacting with parents/guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community to support the students' learning and well being.
- will understand and apply the research base for, and the best practices of, kindergarten, elementary, and middle education.
- will apply a general understanding of federal and state rules and statutes as they relate to general and special needs populations.
- demonstrates the servant-leadership model of concern and service towards others.
- will create and be able to express a personal philosophy of education that is established upon a synthesis of one's Christian worldview, knowledge of the teaching/learning process, and knowledge of the established traditional philosophies of education, research in the disciplines, and practical experience.
Contact Us
Education Department
North Central University
910 Elliot Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: (612) 343-4737
Fax: (612) 343-4141
Email: education@northcentral.edu
Office location: Miller Hall #207
Office hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Administrative Assistant: Jodi Herlick