Academic Catalog and Handbooks

2025-2026 Edition

Education

Department Chair: Terry Johnson

Faculty: Diana Fenton, Kimberly Holman, Kirsten Hunt, Madeleine Israelson, Terry Johnson, Alicia Peters, Terri Rodriguez, Allison Spenader, Jennifer Meagher.

At the heart of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University Education Department lies a commitment to teacher candidates and excellence in teacher preparation. Guided by values deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, we emphasize four interwoven principles: community, intellectual curiosity, equity and advocacy, and teacher leadership. These principles are derived from the Standards of Effective Practice, CSB + SJU learning goals, the unique assets and needs of K-12 students, and the Benedictine values. Together, they form the backbone of a comprehensive approach to teacher preparation that cultivates educators who are deeply invested in building inclusive communities, driven by a passion for lifelong learning, dedicated to advocating for equitable educational opportunities, and equipped to become influential teacher leaders. This holistic framework contributes to the development of teachers who are compassionate, curious, community-oriented, and poised to lead for positive change in the field of education.

The Education Department currently offers courses of study that prepare students academically to apply for Minnesota licensure in K-6 elementary education with an optional grades 5-8 additional license in Communication Arts and Literature, Mathematics, General Science, or K-8 World Language and Cultures in Spanish. 

Additionally, we offer licensure programs in:

  • grades 5-12 Communication Arts/Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Social Studies;
  • grades 9-12 Life Science, Chemistry, and Physics;
  • grades 5-8 General Science; and
  • grades K-12 Visual Arts, Vocal or Instrumental Music, World Language and Cultures in Spanish, and Teaching English as a Second Language.

These programs are approved by the Minnesota Professional Standards and Licensing Board. A non-licensure program in Teaching English as an International Language is also offered.

Students are strongly advised to contact the Education Department during their first year to become aware of the current program requirements and devise a course plan. Each program is unique and subject to change according to the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board guidelines. Please refer to the Education Department website for the most current information.

Admission to Teacher Education

Students who want to major or minor in Education need to complete the Education Department’s admission process. Admission typically occurs during the sophomore year and is required for all students seeking an Elementary Education major and Secondary Education minor.

The following items are required for application:

  • A cumulative, licensure content major, and education coursework GPA of 2.50 or above
  • Completed Intent to Apply form (available in the Education Portal in Canvas)
  • Disposition reflection and faculty review (usually completed as part of EDUC 111)
  • Completion of a 35-hour teacher shadow in a classroom aligned with the student's licensure program, written reflection, and supervisor evaluation 
  • Submission of a professional recommendation completed by a CSB+SJU faculty member, coach, advisor, or supervisor 
  • Entry survey form

Descriptions of all admission requirements and the application process are specified on the Education Department's website at https://www.csbsju.edu/education/student-resources/apply-to-the-program

Additional Education Department Requirements

Due to the professional nature of this program, students must:

  • Maintain a cumulative, content area, department, and additional license GPA of 2.50 or above. In addition, a grade of C or above is required in content area, minor, and additional license courses
  • Successfully complete CPAST during student teaching
  • Complete background checks as required by the districts in which students are placed for field and student teaching experiences. Individual schools and districts will determine student eligibility to participate in field experiences per their policies regarding background checks.
  • Purchase liability insurance through Education Minnesota on an annual basis.

Students should reference the Education Department website for additional information about requirements.

Note: Students may be required to take a ninth semester to fulfill licensure requirements depending on their experiences and the licensure areas they would like to complete.