School of Education: FAQs

You Have Questions.

We Have the Answers.

What Can I Teach?

Avila University prepares students to be teachers in the following areas:

  • Elementary (Grades 1-6)
  • Middle School (Grades 5-9)
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Secondary Education (Grades 9-12)
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • Social Studies
    • Speech/Theater
  • Physical Education (Grades K-12)
  • Special Education: Cross-Categorical (K-12)
  • Vocal Music Education (K-12)

Is there a minimum grade point average one must maintain to be an education major/minor?

Students must maintain the following grade point averages to advance to teacher candidacy status, to be allowed to enroll in Final Clinical Experience, and to receive state certification:

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • Education course work GPA 3.0
  • Content area GPA 3.0

How soon will I be out in area schools doing field-based placements?

Avila’s School of Education programs include extensive field-based experiences and clinical components. In one of the first education courses, ED 185 Practicum, students are placed with a certified teacher in area schools.

Are there additional costs/equipment needs associated with earning a School of Education degree?

There are a series of state required exams and assessments that all teacher education majors/minors are required to take throughout the program. Teacher candidates are responsible for these expenses.

Also, some of the courses have fees attached to them. The fees are used to pay stipends for mentors, cooperating teachers, mileage for site supervision, etc. Teacher candidates will need a laptop once they begin their education (ED) courses.

Will I need a car if I live on campus?

Education majors/minors must provide their own transportation to area schools for field-based and clinical experiences. It is therefore highly recommended that you have a car.

Can I become certified in Kansas as well as Missouri?

Teacher candidates must be certified in Missouri prior to becoming certified in any other state. Once Missouri certification is received, teacher candidates may apply for certification in Kansas or any other state. Each state has different certification requirements and additional exams may be required for each additional state in which certification is being sought. Avila University’s School of Education encourages teacher candidates to apply for Kansas teaching certification to increase one’s marketability.

Does the School of Education find me a job when I have finished my program?

The School of Education does not find jobs for teacher candidates. However, education students are made aware of job opportunities during their college experience at Avila. The School of Education posts open local job opportunities to our School of Education majors Canvas page for students to explore. Education students take a final clinical experience seminar class in which interview tips & advice is presented to help prepare them for the job search & application process. Many School of Education faculty members will assist you by providing reference letters for potential employers.

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