University of the Southwest

Your first year includes general education courses that build foundational skills in communication, math and science. 

• Lab science courses help develop analytical thinking, while introductory education courses begin shaping your understanding of teaching.
• You’ll take Rhetoric & Composition, College Algebra, and Educational Psychology to strengthen writing, problem-solving and understanding of child development. 
• You’ll also complete Freshman Orientation and Servant Leadership, which introduce you to university life and leadership principles. 

You'll start taking more education-focused courses in your second year while continuing general studies. 

• Core courses include History & Geography of New Mexico, Children's & Adolescent Literature and Principles of Speech. 
• Education courses like Foundations of Education and Introduction to Special Education provide insight into learning differences and classroom management. 
• You'll also begin field observation hours, gaining real-world experience in classroom settings. 
• Technology integration is introduced to help you effectively use digital tools in teaching.

During your third year, coursework becomes more specialized, focusing on instructional strategies and assessment methods. 

• You'll take Principles & Methods for Teaching Reading, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Creating a Culture of Learning. 
• Courses such as Classroom Assessment and Integrated Methods for the Elementary Classroom ensure you're prepared to develop lesson plans, assess student progress and create a positive classroom environment. 
• You'll also begin learning how to support English Language Learners and integrate personalized learning strategies.

Your final year centers on student teaching and advanced professional preparation. 

• You will complete Student Teaching I & II, spending an entire semester in a classroom under the mentorship of an experienced teacher. This hands-on experience allows you to apply instructional strategies, classroom management techniques and assessment skills in a real-world setting. 
• By the end of this semester, you'll be ready to apply for your teaching certification and start your career as an educator.

Hands-on experiences are included along with your coursework to help you:

• Apply theory in the classroom
• Gain real-world skills
• Build confidence and industry expertise

You will learn to support all students through the following courses: 

• Introduction to Special Education
• Literacy Development for English Language Learners 
• Culturally Responsive Teaching

You will receive guidance from experienced mentors who provide meaningful feedback and support throughout the training process. Your mentor will help you refine your teaching practices and grow into a confident, capable professional. 

The University of the Southwest is committed to:

• Partnering with local schools for hands-on experience.
• Collaboration to keep the curriculum relevant.
• Using feedback to shape the program, ensuring student success.