An effective K-8 teacher needs strong oral and written communication skills and quantitative literacy, as well as a broad liberal arts and content area backgrounds.  Inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, creativity and leadership are the foundation of an effective teacher for the 21st century.
 

Your program of study in the Education (K-8) program combines  Foundational Studies and education courses with real life K-8 classroom practicum experiences. 

As you proceed through your course of study, you are expected to achieve the Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards that are reflected in the following Professional Competencies:

• Philosophy and Approach (PA) : Describe personal research-based philosophy of education and apply it in the classroom with consistent teaching strategies and practices.
• Developmental Stages (DS) : Understand how students learn and develop and apply that knowledge to individuals and groups in classroom practice.
• Diverse Cultures and Needs (DCN) : Teach students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics to promote learning and communication.
• Content Knowledge and Strategies (CKS) : Knows the teacher’s content areas and how to teach them using age appropriate strategies to develop student knowledge, skills, and understandings applicable to real world situations; this includes accurate information, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and use of technology.
• Assessment Guides Instruction (AGI) : Facilitates, monitors, and assesses student learning to inform students and families of progress and needs; encourages student self-assessment; uses individual and group performance to guide instruction (formative and summative assessment); and maintains accurate records.
• Positive Learning Environment (PLE) : Creates and maintains a positive learning environment that is physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe in which all students can learn, and are actively engaged, contributing members.
• Partnerships and Real-life Connections (PRC) :Works as a partner with parents, families, and the community.
• Professionalism, Ethics, and Growth (PEG): Participates in and contributes to the teaching profession, complies with standards, laws and Code of Ethics, and engages in continuous professional growth.

Also, as a graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with demonstrated achievement in APU’s Essential Competencies:  Effective Communication; Critical Thinking; Cultural & Historical Perspective;  Scientific Inquiry;  and Ethical Engagement.

Admissions

Following admission to the university, students must apply for admission in to the Teacher Education Program and advancement through the Education (K-8) bachelor’s degree.  The process involves several steps and considerations.  To be accepted in to the Teacher Preparation Program, a student must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 9 courses of the 11 Foundational Studies categories (many of which double-count as Major Studies)
• Completion of ED 21400, within which students are expected to submit a program application to the Teacher Preparation Program committee
• Completion of the any requirements undertaken in the Major Studies with a grade of ‘C’ (C+, C, C-) or better
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.75
• Completion of the Praxis I, or other State-approved qualifying exam meeting Alaska qualifying score requirements required for certification