K-12 Education Degree

Interested in teaching Biology, Music, Physical Education, Chemistry or other specialties?

Avila’s School of Education has been preparing teachers since 1940. The School of Education has a strong tradition of preparing reflective teachers who impact the changing world. Students who choose education as their major can choose from several choices from working with elementary grades to high school. Our graduates are reflective teachers who impact a changing world. We offer K-12 teaching program that allows you to specialize in teaching concentrations.

Over the past ten years, an average of 95% of our graduates were hired immediately and are currently working in school districts.

The School of Education has a reputation for graduating excellent teachers who are well prepared to teach today’s children and youth. Our comprehensive programs focus on content knowledge, research-based pedagogy, and practical application through field-based and clinical experiences.

Teacher candidates in the program will learn the content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and professional attitudes and dispositions to be outstanding middle school teachers.

Getting a teaching degree for middle- and high-school allows you to specialize in an area of concentration.

Teacher addressing a classroom of middle school students sitting at their desks.
Teacher in Classroom

Concentrations

  • KN 101 – Introduction to Kinesiology (3)
  • KN 207 – Lifetime Fitness Activities (3)
  • KN 211 – Applied Sports Medicine (3)
  • KN 236 – Exercise Testing & Technique (3)
  • KN 249 – Sport Instruction (3)
  • KN 314 – Exercise Programming (3)
  • KN 316 – Anatomical Kinesiology (3)
  • KN 319 – Biomechanics & Motor Control (3)
  • KN 376 – Motor Behavior (3)
  • KN 381 – Exercise Physiology (3)
  • KN 393 – Sports Psychology (3)
  • KN 420 – Stress Physiology (3)
  • HE 111 – Nutrition (3) or
  • KN 271 – Exercise & Nutrition (3)

One of the following:

  • DA 110 – Basic Tap (2)
  • DA 111 – Jazz Technique I (2)
  • DA 112 – Modern Dance Technique I (2)
  • DA 114 – Ballet (2)

Download Course Requirements

  • MU 271 – Music Theory I (3)
  • MU 272 – Music Theory II (3)
  • MU 273 – Music Theory I Lab (1)
  • MU 274 – Music Theory II Lab (1)
  • MU 284 – Music History I (3)
  • MU 357 – Orchestration (3)
  • MU 384 – Music History II (3)
  • MU 395 – Fundamentals of Conducting (3)
  • MU 477 – Voice Pedagogy (3)
  • MU 479 – Voice Literature (3)

Vocal Ensemble
3 combined credit hours between the two ensembles

  • MU 151 – Avila Singers (1)
  • MU 251 – University Singers (1)

Applied Lessons
9 credit hours – 1 credit hour must be piano

  • MU 111 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 112 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 115 – Applied Piano (1)
  • MU 116 – Applied Piano (1)
  • MU 211 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 212 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 311 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 312 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 411 – Applied Voice (1)
  • MU 412 – Applied Voice (1)

Download Course Requirements

  • BI 214 – Organismal Biology (4)
  • BI 318 – Genetics (3)
  • Biology Electives (6)
  • CH 135 – General Chemistry I (4)
  • NS 221 – Physical Geology (4)

Choose One

  • BI 112 – General Biology: Ecology & Evolution (4) or
  • BI 310 – Evolution (3)

Choose One

  • BI 115 – Humans & the Environment (4)
  • BI 360 – Ecology (3)
  • BI 363 – Conservation Biology (3)

Choose One

  • IS 331 – Women & Science (3)
  • IS 369 – Reasoning, History, & Social Implications of Science (3)
  • NS 380 – Special Topics in Natural Science (1-3)

Choose One

  • PH 117 – Physics Concepts (4)
  • PH 231 – General Physics I (5)

Download Course Requirements

  • CH 135 – General Chemistry I (4)
  • CH 137 – General Chemistry II (4)
  • CH 216 – Organic Chemistry I (5)
  • CH 321 – Analytical Chemistry (4)
  • CH 342 – Biochemistry I (3)
  • CH 350 – Physical Chemistry for the Biological Sciences (3)
  • MA 241 – Calculus & Analytic Geometry I (5)
  • NS 221 – Physical Geology (4)

Choose One of the Following:

  • PH 117 – Physics Concepts (4)
  • PH 231 – General Physics I (5)

Choose One of the Following:

  • BI 115 – Humans & the Environment (4)
  • BI 360 – Ecology (3)
  • BI 363 – Conservation Biology (3)

Choose One of the Following:

  • IS 331 – Women & Science (3)
  • IS 369 – Reasoning, History, & Social Implications of Science (3)
  • NS 380 – Special Topics in Natural Science (1-3) (3 credit hours)

*Special Topic-History & Philosophy of Science and Technology

Download Course Requirements

  • GG 101 – World Geography (3)
  • HI 201 – Ancient History & Culture (3)
  • HI 202 – Modern History & Culture (3)
  • HI 203 – American Experience I (3)
  • HI 204 – American Experience II (3)
  • PS 120 – American National Government (3)
  • PS 220 – State and Local Politics (3)
  • SO 101 – Introduction to Sociology (3)

Choose One

  • EC 202 – Principles of Microeconomics (3)
  • EC 203 – Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

Choose Two

  • HI 311 – American Women (3)
  • HI 312 – African-American History (3)
  • HI 321 – Revolutionary Era America (3)

Choose One

  • HI 365 – The German Fatherland (3)
  • HI 366 – The Spectre of Nazism

Download the Course Requirements

  • CO 212 – Conflict Resolution (3)
  • CO 213 – Strategic Presentation in the Digital Environment (3)
  • CO 225 – Mass Media & Society (3)
  • ED 380 – Special Topics (1-3)
  •      ST: Advanced Debate
  • TR 223 – History and Literature of the Theatre I (3)
  • TR 251 – Stagecraft (3)
  • TR 271 – Acting I (3)
  • TR 281 – Script Analysis/Directing Principles (3)
  • TR 361 – Stage Management (3)
  • TR 462 – Theatre Management (3)

Choose One

  • TR 253 – Stage Lighting (3)
  • TR 255 – Costume Techniques/Design (3)
  • TR 272 – Acting II (3)
  • TR 324 – History & Literature of the Theatre II (3)
  • TR 425 – Dramatic Theory & Criticism (3)
  • TR 463 – Advanced Directing (3)

Download the Course Requirements

  • ED 185 – Practicum (3)
  • ED 206 – Creative Activities & Physical Movement (3)
  • ED 207 – Geometry for Elementary & Middle School Teachers (3)
  • ED 229 – Developmental & Educational Psychology (3)
  • ED 230 – Children’s Literature (3)
  • ED 235 – Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)
  • ED 245 – Tests & Measurements (3)
  • ED 287 – Multicultural Foundations of Education (3)
  • ED 308 – Math Methods for Elementary Teachers (3)
  • ED 315 – General Methods & Differentiated Learning (3)
  • ED 320 – Technology in Education (3)
  • ED 337 – Elementary Social Studies Methods (3)
  • ED 340 – Elementary Science Methods (2)
  • ED 341 – Foundations of Literacy & Language Development (3)
  • ED 343 – Language Arts Methods (3)
  • ED 353 – Analysis & Characteristics: Cross Categorical (4)
  • ED 358 – Methods & Curriculum: Cross Categorical (4)
  • ED 361 – Language Acquisition & Development (3)
  • ED 364 – Consultation, Collaboration & Family Engagement: Special Education (1)
  • ED 367 – Transition/Career Education (2)
  • ED 370 – Assessment & Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
  • ED 381 – Health & Safety Issues in a School Setting (1)
  • ED 386 – Advanced Elementary Practicum (2-3)
  • ED 419 – Managing the Learning Environment (3)
  • ED 494 – Final Clinical Experience Seminar 2)
  • ED 495 – Final Clinical Experience (10)
  • ED 499 – Education Capstone (1)
  • GG 101 – World Geography (3)
  • PS 120 – American National Government (3)

Be Prepared for Your Career

Avila students have completed hands-on learning experiences in the MO/KS School Districts. Some of these include

  • Blue Springs R-4 District
  • Blue Valley School District (KS)
  • Center School District (MO)
  • Grandview C-4 School District (MO
  • Independence School District (MO)
  • Lee’s Summit R-7 School District (MO)
  • Raymore Peculiar School District (MO)

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.

Contact

School of Education.
11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City

Angela Danley, Ed.D., Interim Chair and Director of Clinical & Field-Based Experiences
P: 816.501.3663 / E: angela.danley


Transferring to Avila?

Did you know that you can get college credit for work history? Learn more about the Prior Learning Assessment Transfer hours!


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