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.
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.
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 in nearly every subject area, 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 – Gain the foundational knowledge needed to identify the individual needs of students and support their growth. 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.
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.
- Standard #1: Learner Development – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
- Standard #2: Learning Differences – The teacher uses an understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
- Standard #3: Learning Environments – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Standard #4: Content Knowledge – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
- Standard #5: Application of Content – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Standard #6: Assessment – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
- Standard #7: Planning for Instruction – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- Standard #8: Instructional Strategies – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth and to advance the profession.
Admission to Clarke University
Accelerated Elementary Education Degree
Our Accelerated Elementary Education Degree was designed for those working as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other education-related positions to transition to a teaching role. The 100% online 74-credit program can be completed with a reading endorsement in as little as 18 months. You can also add a special education endorsement with only one additional semester.
Early Access Master of Arts in Education
Get on the fast track to your master’s degree with our Early-Access Master of Arts in Education program! Eligible undergraduate education 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
As an education major, you are also eligible to participate in our 4+1 Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program. The 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.
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Program in Pictures
Education Major Mike Mulloy reading
Education Students PEDS
Education Degree Students Conduct A Mock Trial
Cathy Stierman, Ed.D. (abd)
Assistant Professor of Education
Clarke students delight my heart, soul, and mind! I hope to empower students to expand and build new knowledge.
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
Kelly Eigenberger
Education '06
My Clarke instructors taught me about life-long learning, providing service to the community, and building relationships with others.
Matt DePauw
Education ‘17
I like being a big fish in a little pond. Clarke has really provided me with an atmosphere to bask in that.
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