Program: Education by Ave Maria University

Education

Education CONTENTS Elementary Education (K-6) Major | p. 2 Catechetics Minor | p. 3 Education Minor | p. 4 Meet Our Faculty | p. 5

Why Should You Get a Degree in Education? At Ave Maria University, you can unite your faith with a passion for education. As a student studying education at AMU, you will dive into the current best practices and develop the skills and confidence to teach in any learning environment, exceeding state licensing and preparation requirements. Your passion for education and love of your students will be enhanced and grounded in the truths of the Catholic Church, as revealed in the core curriculum. As you pursue your degree in education, you will learn the vision of Catholic education and how to foster a deep sense of faith in your future students.

Interested in Graduate School? AMU’s master of education in Catholic educational leadership (M.Ed.) is an accredited degree focused on both practical and spiritual formation—delivering the skills and inspiration for Catholic educational leadership. The two-year, 30-credit program is a hybrid of online coursework and in-person networking. Students spend two weeks on campus over two summers and cover 40% of all coursework in-person. This program will provide you with an excellent formation for leadership roles in Catholic education, such as an academic dean, superintendent, or principal.

Elementary Education (K-6) MAJOR

As an elementary education student at AMU, you will learn foundations of teaching with a specific focus on the earliest stages of education. Students explore the fundamental skills of educating—specifically for kindergarten through sixth grade—while strengthening their passion to form future generations. Through AMU’s elementary education program, you will achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of our Catholic faith. Graduates of the program receive K-6 teacher certification through the Florida Department of Education, reciprocal with most other states.

Quick Facts • Elementary education students gain hands-on experience in real classrooms under trained teachers throughout four semesters. • The elementary education program averages around 15 students per class for increased one-on-one mentorship with experienced faculty. • On average, AMU elementary education students double the state average of first-time pass rates on all sections within the Florida K-6 Teacher Exam. • Since the program’s inception, 100% of AMU program graduates have received teaching offers before graduation. • Education is one of the largest fields AMU students enter after graduation.

Explore Careers Elementary Educator High School Educator Special Education Administrator Tutor Resource Teacher Reading Specialist

• AMU alumni are actively recruited by Catholic, charter, public, and private schools across Southwest Florida and throughout the country.

Catechetics MINOR

AMU’s minor in catechetics consists of five courses covering educational foundations, human development, catechesis of the good shepherd, foundations of catechesis, and apologetics. Throughout this program, you will receive practical guidance on curriculum planning, evaluation procedures, classroom management, educational standards, and school organization. The catechetics program gives you a more profound understanding of the Catholic faith—as demonstrated through Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium—while preparing you to work in Catholic schools and religious education programs.

Education MINOR

The education minor allows you to deepen your love of teaching while majoring in another discipline. The minor is comprised of five courses: educational foundations, instructional strategies, classroom assessment, management, and educational psychology. With this minor, you will gain the necessary knowledge and techniques to enter the field of education, ready to nourish the hearts and souls placed under your care.

Meet Our Faculty Dr. Gerald Boersma Associate Professor of Theology Dr. Kathy Christensen Associate Professor of Education Dr. Michael Dauphinais | Chair of Theology Dr. Abigail Fuller | Chair of Education Fr. Robert Garrity Associate Professor of Theology Dr. Daniel Guernsey Associate Professor of Education Dr. Steven Long | Professor of Theology Dr. Mark Miravalle Constance Schifflin Blum Chair of Mariology Dr. Stefanie Morris | Chair of Psychology Dr. Roger Nutt | Professor of Theology Dr. Timothy Reilly Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Jeffrey Walkey Associate Professor of Theology Dr. T. Adam Van Wart Associate Professor of Theology

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Ave Maria University