Confirm your calling
“We get them in the schools early and provide them with support and mentorship. We prepare students to become highly effective teachers and they get jobs.”
Education department
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, you probably want to make a difference in the world. Our nationally-accredited program, supportive professors and experience in a classroom during your very first semester allows you to do just that.
Learn more about Bluffton’s program from faculty and students.
Through Bluffton's Educator Preparation Programs, you will be prepared to create communities of learning and respect in your classroom. Bluffton graduates are among the best qualified in the nation, as reflected in student rankings on the Ohio Educator Preparation Performance Report and in the reputation our graduates enjoy once they enter the teaching profession.
Education majors and minors
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Licensure programs
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Specialized program Endorsements Minors |
Education professors helped with the Bluffton mascot Big Reveal. Pictured from left: Tim Byers, Robert McMullen-Ruppert, IS major; Grace Zachrich,
IS/elementary ed double major; Diane Neal, Paul Neufeld Weaver, Jarod Siekman, mathematics
AYA; Cara Hamilton, IS/elementary ed double major; and Gayle Trollinger.
More about the performers behind J. Denny and Jenny >
Elementary education
The elementary education license prepares you to teach both typically developing children as well as children with mild-moderate disabilities, with a particular focus on teaching reading to children in pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
Early childhood education major Makayla Noble ’19 found meaningful community on campus through her involvement in Bluffton Education Organization (BEO).
"I just felt God was calling me to be that person that cares and helps lead kids.” Makayla's story >
More about elementary education
Complete a bachelors with an elementary education major and a Masters of Arts in Education with reading endorsement in just four years through Bluffton's 3+1 program.
Middle childhood education
A license for teaching in the middle grades (4-9) can be achieved by completing a middle childhood education major.
Nathan Otto ’18, a middle childhood education graduate, spent a semester exploring the urban educational setting while completing his student teaching in Chicago.
“I knew this was an opportunity I might not have again, and I wanted to get out of
the area and experience something totally new.”
Nathan's story >
>>> middle childhood education occupational outlook
Explore the courses required for a
Major in middle childhood education
Middle childhood generalist endorsement
Four-year plan
Complete the middle childhood education major in four years, for students beginning fall 2019 and after.
Adolescent/Young Adult (AYA)
Ages 12-21, Grades 7-12
At Bluffton, you may choose a licensure program in one of three academic areas - language arts, mathematics and social studies - to teach in grades 7-12.
After studying abroad in Guatemala for a semester, Jarod Siekman returned to Bluffton with a new understanding of numbers that crossed cultures and opened up ideas about mathematical concepts.
“I think there’s a lot of cool math ideas that you can teach students even if it doesn’t
really apply to the curriculum. Even if it’s just to get them more excited and interested
in math.”
Jarod’s story >
An AYA teaching license requires completing a major in a content area, licensure requirements for that area and professional education courses. The areas in which an adolescent/young adult license may be earned at Bluffton include:
Explore courses for
- AYA licensure in integrated language arts
- AYA licensure in integrated mathematics
- AYA licensure in integrated social studies
Four-year plans
Follow a guideline for course selection to complete your degree in four years, for students beginning fall 2019 and after.
Multi-age
Ages 3-21, Grades Pre-k - 12
Students may choose a teaching licensure program in specific areas, which permits teaching across a broader age range in either music or visual arts.
Multi-age licensure programs are offered in:
Music education major
Visual arts major with multi-age licensure
Area elementary students are introduced to musical instruments by members of Bluffton's chapter of Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association during the annual Instrument Petting Zoo.
Explore courses for
Music education major
Visual arts with multi-age licensure
Four-year plans
Follow a guideline for course selection to complete your degree in four years, for students beginning fall 2019 and after.
Intervention specialist
Mild to moderate needs
Ages 5-21, Grades K-12
While nothing can “truly prepare” you for the transition into an actual classroom, there are lessons that stick out.
“There are numerous times when I hear Mr. Byers’s voice in the back of my head about
how to approach certain situations. His teaching has helped me with real-life application.”
Leslie’s story >
The intervention specialist major provides preparation to teach children with mild/moderate
needs, including those with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities and
emotional/behavioral disabilities, with emphasis on inclusive practice.
>>>occupational outlook for special education teachers
A special education minor is offered for students who are interested in working with people with disabilities whether in their major field or as a service.
Complete a bachelors for intervention specialist and a Masters of Arts in Education with reading endorsement in just four years through Bluffton's 3+1 program.
Explore courses for a:
Major in intervention specialist
Minor in special education
Three and four year plans
Follow these guidelines to complete your degree in either three or four years, for students beginning fall 2019 and after.
Child development
Amryn Dover ’21 knew from an early age she wanted to work with kids. Dover’s ultimate dream is to open a facility that brings together neurotypical children with children on the Autism spectrum.
“Being the oldest child, I watched my siblings grow. It really influenced me to pursue
this major. I always loved helping them learn new things.”
>>> Amryn's story
The child development major provides opportunities to study young children in a variety of settings. Coursework includes developmental curriculum, preschool classrooms and nutrition and opportunities to gain experience in various infant/toddler/early childhood environments.
Students also gain knowledge about working with young children outside the traditional classroom setting, such as day care, Head Start and other child development centers.
While the major does not lead to licensure, one possibility would be to add a minor
in business administration to learn to manage a small business.
>>>occupational outlook for preschool and childcare center directors
Explore the courses required for a
Major in child development
Four year plan
Complete the child development major in four years by following these guildlines, for students beginning fall 2019 and after.
Minors
Students with majors outside the education department may minor in education studies or special education.
The education studies minor fulfills requirements for the first step of the Alternative Pathway to Licensure for Bluffton students interested in teaching a high school subject other than history, English, mathematics, visual arts, music or as an intervention specialist.
As Bluffton doesn’t offer a direct licensure to become a science teacher. Ethan Zaerr is instead taking part in Ohio’s alternative licensure program that allows him to major in his field and become endorsed to pursue a teaching career.
“I’ve been really supported at Bluffton, considering that there’s not really a chemistry
and physics education licensure here.”
Ethan's story >
Courses in the education studies minor fulfil requirements for the Alternate Pathway to Licensure Intensive Pedagogical Program.
With completion this program, a person may teach for four years while working toward professional teaching
licensure.
Students who plan to work in settings where there are educational opportunities (e.g.
training, tutoring, program development, religious education, etc.) may also benefit
from an education studies minor.
>>> course requirements
For students who are interested in working with people with disabilities whether in
their major field or as a service.
>>> course requirements
To contact the education department:
Email: education@bluffton.edu
Phone: 419-358-3331
Fax: 419-358-3074
Find your greater purpose
Apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Programs in the Introduction to Teaching course.
Additional information about Bluffton's Educator Preparation Programs is available in the Educator Preparation handbook.
Master of Arts in Education
Bluffton's graduate program in education provides an affordable and accessible experience with classes one day a week through Zoom Technology, or self-paced and fully on-line.