Ellen Spencer, Ed.D.
Chair and Associate Professor of Education
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instill a love of learning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts
Earning an education degree from Clarke University empowers you to make a difference in the lives of students, families and communities. The Bachelor of Education program guides you in exploring how people learn and how best to teach them. Our dedicated faculty strive to educate and prepare teachers who will influence the cognitive, moral, and social development of children in kindergarten through high school in today’s multicultural world.
Clarke University offers an experience that is truly unique through opportunities like the Professional Development School (PDS). Through this program, you’ll gain professional experience with students in their actual elementary, middle, or high school classrooms under the guidance of two Clarke professors who are also licensed teachers. Clarke students complete 300-500 hours of instruction and student teaching, far surpassing the state requirement of 80 hours. These rich experiences empower Clarke education majors to seamlessly connect the theory of teaching with the actual practice of teaching, making them strong candidates for the position of their choice after graduation.
Earning an education degree at Clarke presents a wide variety of scholarship opportunities, and 100% of Clarke students receive financial aid. Some of the many different aid opportunities available to education majors include merit scholarships, athletic talent, and fine arts awards, federal and state aid, undergraduate student loans, and federal work-study or campus employment.
After graduating with your Bachelor of Education, you will possess real-world experiences and be well prepared to work as a licensed, professional educator in Iowa and other states that have reciprocity agreements with Iowa.
Beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
Clarke University offers unique options that can accelerate your growth in the field of education. With our MAE options, you can establish yourself as a leader in your district.
Early Access Master of Arts in Education
Eligible students can earn up to 15 graduate credits of our 36-credit master’s program while completing their bachelor’s degree at Clarke. Thanks to the flexibility of online classes, you can earn your master’s degree in as little as 14 months after completing your undergraduate work.
A Masters Degree in One Year
This 36-credit program is divided between 18 credits of online coursework and 18 credits earned by working alongside a master teacher in a Dubuque area classroom. This allows you to gain professional experience while benefitting from the experience and guidance of a veteran teacher.
Education Degree Endorsements
Clarke University’s undergraduate degree programs lead you to a bachelor’s degree and licensure in elementary education or secondary education. You may also choose from over 40 endorsement areas, including:
- Art – Explore studio courses in drawing, painting, digital imaging, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. While most graduates work in traditional classroom room settings, you may also find opportunities in museums, community art centers, maker spaces, and senior care centers.
- Reading – Work with students on the fundamentals of reading instruction and inspire a passion of reading in students. Reading specialists are in high demand in communities large and small.
- Special Education K-12 All – Gain the foundational knowledge needed to identify the individual needs of students and support their growth. This endorsement encompasses Strategist I and Strategist II. In the past ten years, every Clarke graduate with a special education degree endorsement has been hired or accepted to graduate school.
Want to learn more about a specific endorsement area? Contact us at admissions@clarke.edu and we’ll connect you with education faculty and admissions representatives who can answer any questions you may have.
Accelerated Elementary Degree for Working Professionals
Building from the excellence of our traditional elementary education program, Clarke is thrilled to offer our Accelerated Elementary Education Degree. This program was designed for working professionals such as substitute teachers or paraprofessionals with some college credits to earn their bachelor’s degree and transition into a full-time teaching role. Individuals outside the world of education have found success in the program as well. Highlights include:
• 100% online, 8-week courses allow you to continue working while pursuing your degree
• Mentorship and support are built into the program, and our expert faculty will guide you every step of the way.
• This 74-credit degree completion program can be completed in just 18 months, including a reading or special education K-12 All endorsement.
Program Details
Clarke University Education Outcomes
The outcomes for Clarke’s teaching degree candidates are described in the 10 Interstate New Teacher Assessment & Support Consortium (INTASC) Standards. Demonstration of INTASC Standards must be met for licensure in the State of Iowa. These standards form the pillars of our program with a focus on learner development, learning differences, learning environments, content knowledge, application of content, assessment, planning for instruction, instructional strategies, professional learning and ethical practice, and leadership and collaboration. A more detailed explanation of the standards can be found here.
Learning in Action
Below is a small sampling of the types of classes you may take as a Clarke Education major:
FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION — Gain your first professional experiences through observation, supervision, and supporting students in their classroom activities.
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION — Volunteer with local organizations that serve diverse populations.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM —Craft and teach your own summer reading program, including the décor and design of your room.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Hear a Graduate’s Story:
After graduating with her degree in elementary education, Isabelle continued with our 4+1 program, which included a practicum experience with a local teacher. This builds on the years of classroom experience Isabelle had already earned through our famed Professional Development School and student teaching programs. Now, she’s leading her own classroom in the Dubuque Community School District.
Program in Pictures
Education Students PEDS
Cathy Stierman, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Clarke students delight my heart, soul, and mind! I hope to empower students to expand and build new knowledge.
Paula Schmidt, Ed.D.
Professor of Education
I believe that it is my role to create and maintain a classroom environment that allows students to construct, deconstruct and reconstruct their learning in alignment with the content presented.
Lee Johnson
Assistant Professor of Education
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Study Abroad
Clarke University offers several faculty-sponsored study abroad experiences to destinations such as Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Study abroad trips encourage you to experience different cultures, broaden your mind, and discover your own passions.
The Clarke Compass
Through your Clarke experience, you will be involved in many different activities that will guide you on your college journey. By your senior year, you will have a résumé of all your awesome involvements packaged and ready for your first interview.
Careers in Education
What can I do with a degree in this major?
4+1 MAE Program
The 4+1 Program is designed for students who desire to complete their undergraduate degree and proceed directly into a one-year, practicum-based master’s degree through Clarke.
Endorsements
Learn about the different endorsements offered in the Education Department.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Brittney Mundell
Elementary Education '25
Every class here puts building a caring, kind community first. The professors bring that philosophy to life every day. Plus the Professional Development School let’s you test these ideas and concepts in real life.
Anthony Kelchen
Secondary Education ‘24
Since I want to teach secondary education and mathematics, I got to spend time in classrooms at Senior High School and Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School. The professors give you a lot of autonomy with your work. Over six weeks, you have opportunities to teach lessons by yourself, but they are there to support you too. I really got comfortable in front of my classes.
Louis Deeny
Elementary Education with Endorsements in Coaching and Special Education '19
My favorite part of my major is being involved in elementary schools since my sophomore year. It provides me with a ‘leg up’ on understanding the dynamics of a school and what teaching strategies actually work with students.
$60,660
The median annual wage for elementary teachers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1:1
One-on-one instruction from Ph.D.-level faculty.
100%
job placement
The high placement rate of Clarke graduates attests to the quality of preparation through PDS experiences.
Accreditation
Support and Licensure
Clarke is very aware of the changes in each state of teaching licensure requirements. Classes have been aligned and created to make sure that all requirements are met. Time and energy have been spent to make sure the transition from Iowa licensure is as smooth as possible.
Clarke University Education Department is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education and holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and the Iowa Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Faculty members hold current teaching licenses and actively participate in the community by serving on advisory councils and providing resources to area schools.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Education for Yourself