Education K-12

The K-12 Education Degree Programs at Avila

You know better than anyone that the quality of the education we receive depends largely on the caliber of the person standing in front of the classroom. Just think of your favorite teachers. Avila University’s K-12 Education program is designed to produce quality teachers, like your favorites, in elementary school, middle school (language arts, math, science, social studies), and high school (chemistry, PE, biology, English & rhetoric, history, music, theatre, and business). With experienced professors, small class sizes, and extensive field experience, Avila graduates are well-prepared to immediately enter today’s classrooms and make a difference.

As an Avila education major, the curriculum provides you with multiple opportunities to work in classrooms throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. In the classroom, your professors will prepare you to be a high-quality and confident teacher who positively impacts the learning of children and youth.

  • 120-130 credit hours Bachelor of Science
  • Elementary Education is designed for students wishing to become elementary teachers in grades 1-6.
  • Middle School Education is designed for students wishing to become middle school teachers in grades 5-9.
  • High School Education is designed for students wishing to become high school teachers in grades 9-12.
  • Special Education is designed for students wishing to become special education teachers in grades K-12
  • All students will complete field-based assignments and placements, which provide authentic classroom experiences and build confidence in classroom management.
SERVICE TO THE DEAR NEIGHBOR. You’ll have plenty of opportunities at Avila to serve your community alongside your classmates. Founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, their mission to serve the “dear neighbor without distinction” is our mission too.
Are you interested in education?

Be Prepared for Your Teaching Career

Avila’s School of Education programs are nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The programs provide quality education from nearly a century of tradition. Students who earn a teaching degree through Avila now serve with distinction in local, national, and global schools.

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) logo

Avila University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Avila University is working toward accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards, with an anticipated quality assurance review in Fall 2023.

Teacher addressing a classroom of middle school students sitting at their desks.
Avila education graduates have pursued careers as:
  • Elementary teachers
  • Middle school teachers of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
  • High school teachers of business, chemistry, PE, music (vocal and instrumental), biology, English & rhetoric, history, and theatre
Avila education graduates choose to work at:
  • School districts across the Kansas City metropolitan area
  • Schools across the region, nation, and globe

Choose your Grade Level & Subject Matter Expertise

Elementary Education
Elementary school teachers are some of the most important people in a child’s life. They teach kids the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, but they also teach them how to be good people. Kids need a teacher to believe in them and encourage them. Become that teacher at Avila. The 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education is designed for students who wish to become elementary teachers in grades 1-6.
Middle School Education
Going into college, you are likely used to learning from subject-matter experts in a classroom setting. However, what you may not realize is that your success in college—and in life beyond—often hinges on the quality of instruction you receive in middle school. Your middle school teachers prepared you for future classes by teaching the concepts you need to know as you progress through school. They shaped your future by ensuring that you are well-prepared for higher level classes down the road. Become that teacher at Avila. The 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Education with concentrations in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies is designed for students who wish to become middle school (grades 5-9) teachers.
High School Education
Think about the last time you had a really great high school teacher. They made learning interesting and engaging, and you looked forward to their class every day. Good high school teachers are essential to students’ success – they set the foundation for future academic achievement. Become that teacher at Avila. The Education major is for students who wish to teach at the high school level (grades 9-12) Students in this program will double major in Education and the appropriate content area: biology, English & rhetoric, history, or theatre.
Special Education
The role of special education teachers is important and unique. They work with students who have various abilities, and help them to better understand and manage their academic and social environments. Special education teachers provide support, instruction, and accommodations that help these students succeed in school. They are essential members of the educational team, and their efforts make a real difference in the lives of their students. Become that teacher at Avila. The 128 credit hour Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education: Cross Categorical is designed for students who wish to become special education teachers in grades K-12. Candidates who complete this degree will also be certified at the elementary (grades 1-6) level.
Chemistry or PE Education
If you’re interested in teaching chemistry or physical education (PE), Avila has specialized programs for you. Chemistry Education is a 128-130 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education is designed for students who wish to become chemistry teachers in grades 9-12. Physical Education (PE) is a 132 credit hour Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education is designed for students who wish to become physical education teachers at the K-12 level. The complete programs can be completed in four years with required summer terms.
Samantha Collins

“I would not be the teacher I am today without my experience at Avila.”

Samantha Collins / 2020 Kansas Horizon Award Winner

Transferring to Avila?

We work with you to make the most of your transfer credits, so you’re on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.


An Environment to Enhance your Education

Hooley-Bundschu Learning Commons

This is not your mother’s library. State-of-the-art study rooms, public computers, tutoring, and access to 50,000+ books and millions of articles await you.

Classroom in the Learning Commons

Guaranteed Research Opportunity

All first-year undergraduate students in all majors are guaranteed an internship or research experience.

Female student wearing goggles in a lab

Close to Everything Kansas City

At Avila you’re only 15 minutes from world-class museums, historical landmarks, and centers of culture, commerce, and industry.

Kansas City skyline with Union Station in the foreground

Find Your Mentor

Avila’s faculty will challenge you, inspire you, and become more than just another teacher.

Graphic design professor working over the shoulder of her students

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