Secondary Education
If you strive to reach beyond basic knowledge and skills and instead spark exploration, discovery, confidence, and potential, you belong in our Teacher Education program. The impact you can have on the life of a student is big and multi-generational. We approach your professional education in the exact same way.
At SAU, we'll prepare you to educate tomorrow's leaders, help them meet the challenge, and become exceptional learners in the classroom.
Our graduates work at Brandon Valley School District, South Dakota; Davenport Community School District; Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency; Rock Island School District, Illinois, and many other districts and settings.
Ambrose Advantages
- Service Learning Opportunities
- Individual Faculty Mentors
- Nationally Accredited Program
Education leads to empowerment. That's why we merge the liberal arts, strong professional training, and in-classroom experiences to create caring and qualified teachers. St. Ambrose has a reputation for graduating exceptional educators who are effective from the first day in the classroom. You'll graduate with the confidence and creativity to be a guiding, empowering force in the lives of youth.
Read Our Secondary Education Program Fact Sheet (pdf)
Shaping the World
Rick Cushman wanted to discover how he could shape the world, so he chose St. Ambrose. Today, he carries what he learned and lived at SAU into his own classroom every day. As an educator and an Ambrosian, he plans to spark never-ending curiosity and exploration in the next generation, and give them the tools to succeed.
More Information on the Secondary Education Program
You should apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program during the semester you are enrolled in EDUC 205 or 207.
The Secondary Education program prepares you to receive an initial license to teach grades 5-12 in Iowa agencies and schools. Our program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education and nationally accredited by the Council for Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Teacher education courses include child and adolescent development, history and philosophy of education, educational psychology, educational technology, language arts and reading, physical sciences, inclusion strategies, and testing methods.
You will also choose an area for a content endorsement as a second major, which can include biology; general business; chemistry; English; ESL; French; general science; German, American and world history; mathematics; Spanish; speech/communication/theatre; STEM; physics; reading; and middle school.
You'll enjoy a low student-teacher ratio and be assigned a faculty mentor to guide you throughout your education and student teaching.
You will begin working with children early in your college career through completing 50 hours of classroom observation, including lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching techniques. Your observation and student teaching hours can be completed in a variety of educational settings due to this unique, bi-state area: public and private schools; urban and rural communities; and students from low-income and privileged households
We make sure you have all the physical resources you need for your classroom through our well-equipped Curriculum Library: educational material, instructional resources, teaching aids, and more.
Service is fundamental to who we are as a university. At SAU, you can see the world through the eyes of a refugee by helping one acclimate to life in the U.S. You can give a few hours to help campus neighbors prepare their homes for winter, clean litter from an iconic river, stand with your peers to advance social justice, and get a hug from a parent who deeply appreciates your participation in SAU Dance Marathon. Service expands your vision and understanding of the world, your community, and yourself. It also helps you become a more effective teacher.
Want to continue serving after college? Learn about the Peace Corps and courses you can take at SAU for a Peace Corps Prep certificate.
Our education graduates not only teach in classrooms but, with additional study, also are employed as school librarians, reading specialists, curriculum specialists, school administrators, and guidance counselors.
If you decide to continue your education, St. Ambrose offers a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education in Educational Administration. The programs allow you to continue working with professors you have come to know, and know you, too.
Chloe Gunn '19 is teaching ninth-grade English at the American School of San Salvador. Read how the supportive education she got at SAU helped her reach - and exceed - her goals.
Meredith (McAfoos) Tangen '08, '10 MBA, was recognized by the Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education for her significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs during her tenure as a math teacher at Davenport West High School. She continues to teach Business Education, but moved to Davenport North where she also coaches track and field.
Emma Folland '08, '14 MEdT is a middle and high school librarian for the Clinton Community School District.
Gene Bechen, PhD, Professor; Interim Director, School of Education
Administrative Assistants: Jennet Jewell, Trish Zinger
Sallee Beneke, PhD, Professor, MECE Director
Dale Blesz, PhD, Professor
Brenda Boleyn, PhD, Professor
Becky Furlong, EdS, Instructor
Nancy Gardner, EdD, Asst. Professor
Sherri Marceau, MA, Instructor
Charley Ohnemus, Curriculum Library Specialist
Darla Dodson Pike, Director, Children's Campus
Dick Robertson, EdD, Professor
Deanna Stoube, PhD, Professor
Edwin Ubeda, PhD, Asst. Professor
Tanya Volkova, PhD, Professor
The School of Education at St. Ambrose University includes areas of study necessary to prepare highly-qualified, professional classroom teachers and enables the student to receive an initial license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
The program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education. Through agreements with other states, graduates may apply for certification after receiving an Iowa license.
There is some planning involved before you apply, so follow the steps below.
Steps to Apply for Admission to the School of Education
Step One:
Complete these general education courses:
ENGL 101 Written Communications
PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology
One course in American History or American Government
One Biology and Non-biological Science (only ECE/Elem. majors)
COMM 110 Basic Human Communication
Step Two:
Enroll in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207. Prerequisites: Complete (or transfer) 12 credit hours. GPA must be at least 2.7.
Step Three:
While enrolled in either EDUC 205 or EDUC 207, apply for admission to the School of Education while making sure you satisfy these GPA and ACT requirements below.
Admission Requirements
a. Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam.
i. Reading - score of 156
ii. Writing - score of 162
iii. Math - score of 150
b. Complete 50 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207.
c. Two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show applicant earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher to continue on into the program.
d. Receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or 207.
e. A completed application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures).
GPA Requirements
Overall GPA for entrance to the School of Education and maintenance of status within the School shall be calculated by using only the credits transferred into St. Ambrose University plus the credits earned at SAU.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Education GPA of 3.0
- Content GPA (if applicable) of 3.0
Degree Requirements
Requirements for an Endorsement in Secondary Education
Students interested in secondary education should apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program during the semester enrolled in EDUC 205 or 207.
Bachelor of Education candidates need at least three semesters to complete professional core courses for a license; major/endorsement areas may require further preparation.
Required:
EDUC 205 Introduction to the Teaching Profession OR 207 Orientation to Teaching
EDUC 282 (music majors are exempt) Educational Technology
+EDUC 284 Child and Adolescent Development
EDUC 300 The Pluralistic Classroom
EDUC 301 History and Philosophy of Education
EDUC 305 (art and music majors are exempt) Secondary Methods
EDUC 309 Educational Psychology: Tests and Measurements
EDUC 340-346 (choose one from your major; art, math, and music majors are exempt unless seeking another endorsement)
SPED 310 Inclusion Strategies for Students with Special Needs
One course in U.S. History or Government
Choose one that corresponds to your major:
EDUC 419, 430, 432, or 433
Requirements for an Endorsement in Secondary Education - Reading (5-12)
Required:
EDUC 336 Content Reading
EDUC 368 Literature for the Young Adult OR EDUC 369 Child and Adolescent Literature
EDUC 372 Language Arts and Reading in the Elementary Schools: Grades 4-8
EDUC 452/552 Diagnostic and Prescriptive Techniques of Teaching Reading
EDUC 453 Reading Clinic: Advanced Teaching Practicum
EDUC 456 Teaching and Reading to Adolescents
ENGL 101 English Composition
ENGL 216 Persuasive Writing
ENGL 313 Linguistics: Language and Learning
ENGL 316 Expository Writing Workshop
COMM 325 Introduction to Speech Pathology
Choose one:
+COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication
+COMM 228 Argumentation and Advocacy
+COMM 329 Business and Professional Speaking
+ Applicable toward general education requirements
Primary Advisors
The primary advisor for a student in secondary education is a faculty member in that student's major, such as history or mathematics. Faculty members of the Education Department serve as supplemental advisors.
Dr. Cathy Daters: Business
Dr. Richard Robertson: Biology, Chemistry, Communication/Theatre, Foreign Languages, General Science, Physics, Psychology, Sociology
Dr. Richard Hanzelka: English, Mathematics
Dr. Rachel Serianz: Music
Student teaching is completed in your last semester before graduation, and the placement is all day, every day, for one semester.
Guidelines for Admission to Student Teaching
The applicant must meet the following requirements for admission to student teaching and graduation:
1. Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Completion of a proposed sequence of courses leading to licensure.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 with 3.00 GPAs in education and major/endorsement courses. All grades must be C or above in education and major/endorsement courses. D or F grades are unacceptable.
Note: If you do not meet any of the above requirements you may file an appeal. All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Teacher Education Appeals Committee through the Assessment Coordinator of the Teacher Education Program, one semester before the start of the student teaching semester.
Scholarships and Grants
For academic/merit-based awards, eligible students are matched to the qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
You may also qualify for a scholarship or grant due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics, contact the Admissions Office so we can help be sure you're getting what you need. (You're also encouraged to seek outside scholarships and begin that search early.)
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2020-21 academic year.
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies, for up to four years, as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and remain a full-time student.
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage Scholarships
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, 2020 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15
Award: Full Tuition
Trustee Scholarships
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential Scholarships
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $22,500/year
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $14,000-$20,000/year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
$12,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $1,000/year on campus
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $12,000-$15,000/year (Iowa resident) or $13,000-16,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $10,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500/year
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their performance and abilities in fine arts and athletics.
Below, you'll find a quick summary of financial awards, and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education even more affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports.
If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional Scholarships (2020-21)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship – $14,000-$20,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities – including Esports – click here.
Fine Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2020-21 academic year.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
Scholarships
Phi Theta Kappa
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $15,500
OR
Transfer Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards (non-Iowa residents):
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,000
Awards (Iowa residents):
3.5-4.00 GPA $13,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $12,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $11,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $10,000
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarships
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,000
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,195 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes.
These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
With more than 29 varsity athletic teams and state-of-the-art facilities in which to play them, the Fighting Bees of SAU are bold contenders on any field. Watch this video
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Dylan Mitchell '17
Dylan earned his degree with the assistance of a full-tuition St. Ambrose scholarship, promised to him in the months following a tragic family accident. His childhood dream was to become a teacher and a coach, and while the scholarship eased his financial burden, he didn't have an easy path to his degree. Dylan successfully balanced the challenges of work, school, and starting a family, to reach his goal.
Contact
Gene Bechen, PhD, Interim Director
School of Education
Ambrose Hall 217
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6380
BechenEugeneF@sau.edu