You will become oriented to teaching by completing an initial observation in a classroom. You will also learn about the history and philosophy of teaching and learning as well as meeting the needs of all students. At the end of your freshman year, you will be ready to apply to the School of Education.

You will focus on your specific degree area such as elementary or secondary, and take courses that are more specific to the age and grade of the students you hope to teach. Included in this is a course on teaching and technology, which includes a short practicum opportunity with a virtual school partner and work to receive Google certification.

You will focus on your content and grade level exclusively. You will take a course in student data analysis and assessment. During this time, you must successfully pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) before you can get into student teaching. In your last few semesters, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in LindenTeach Internships and then finally, student teaching. Student teaching takes up the entire last semester.

As a teacher candidate, you will experience opportunities for authentic classroom experiences as early as your first semester. Several experiential opportunities are embedded into courses like elementary reading methods and behavior management. These opportunities enhance the course content by providing real-world context. No later than your junior year, you will spend 45 hours in a classroom related to your content area. In this experience, you will create and teach two lessons and will be formally observed by your host teacher and a Lindenwood faculty member. In your second junior semester and the first semester of your senior year, you are encouraged to enroll in our unique LindenTeach Internship.

The College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) at Lindenwood University is in the process of creating an Academy for the Preparation of Males of Color as Classroom Educators. The Academy will focus on preparing males of color in all fields of education.

The COEHS facilities at least one diverse placement opportunity as you progress through your program. All students in the undergraduate teaching program for early childhood and elementary are required to complete TESOL Methods.

The LindenTeach Internship, along with all practicum courses in the program, will connect you with teachers in schools. The COEHS faculty are all certified and experienced in their respective content areas and serve as advisors to students.

COEHS at Lindenwood University has recently conducted a self-study for CAEP (College Association for Educator Preparation) which included the past three-years of data. This data provides detailed information about the College's strengths and relative weaknesses. This data driven review informs the college’s future plans and the direction of their programs. The review includes feedback from alumni, students, adjuncts and faculty.