Bluffton teacher education

First-year field experience

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 Colleges of Distinction

Accredited by CAEP

Teach the Bluffton way

Create communities of learning and respect



Remember the teacher who made you believe in yourself? Who opened your eyes to the possibilities? Who gave advice when you struggled?

Be that person for someone else with a Bluffton education degree.

 

Education licensure majors

Reviewed and approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and included in the CAEP Accreditation Review

Prepare to teach with these majors:


Education programs

Minors, endorsements and a non-licensure major:

  • Education studies minor This minor fulfills initial Alternative Pathway to Licensure course requirements. Students interested in teaching a high school subject other than history, English, mathematics, visual arts, music or as an intervention specialist may obtain a teaching license through the Alternative Pathway to Licensure.
  • Special education minor For students interested in working with people with disabilities whether in their major field or as a service. 
  • TESOL endorsement Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Pre-K special needs endorsement Add this endorsement to an intervention specialist or Primary P-5 licensure.
  • Child development majorGain knowledge about working with young children outside the traditional classroom setting.

Education Degree-Teacher preparation classroom

The Primary P-5 license prepares you to teach both typically developing children as well as children with mild-moderate disabilities. A particular focus on teaching reading to children in pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

More about Bluffton’s Primary P-5 program >

Ella Wiley

“Being a teacher comes with a lot of sacrifice. I knew that from my dad being a teacher. I learned that even though you can’t see the impact you make every single day. You are making an impact without even thinking about it.” - Ella Wiley

Making an impact

 

A license for teaching in the middle grades (4-9) can be achieved by completing a middle childhood education major. 

Edward Hardaway
 
"Especially being African American, the kids need you. People with backgrounds similar to you need you because yours is a face that's not common in the teaching profession." – Edward Hardaway
 

Middle childhood education majors must select at least two areas of concentration:
You may earn a middle childhood generalist endorsement by completing additional coursework
  >>> middle childhood education occupational outlook

 

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. 

Education Degree-Riley Garmatter

"I am double majoring in Primary P-5 and Intervention Specialist with endorsements in TESOL and Pre-K Special Needs." "I chose my major because I wanted to help people. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to make a difference in peoples’ lives." - Riley Garmatter

An AYA teaching license requires completing a major in a content area, licensure requirements for that area and professional education courses. Areas in which an adolescent/young adult license may be earned at Bluffton include:

 

Ages 3-21, Grades Pre-k - 12

Students may choose a teaching licensure program 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 

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:

Intervention specialist

Intervention Specialist

What is an intervention specialist >

Mild to moderate needs 
Ages 5-21, Grades K-12
(Initial and advanced programs)

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. 

Bluffton's 3+1 program allows students to complete a bachelor's and a Master of Arts in Education with reading endorsement.

Ella Meyers


“I wasn’t sure about going to college, but my mom said, ‘I think intervention specialist is your thing. Working with people with disabilities may be your calling,’ and she was right.”  – Ella Meyers ’26

Helping others succeed

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.

 

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. Visiting places such as day care, Head Start and other child development centers.

Explore the courses required for a
   Major in child development

Four year plan
Complete the child development major in four years by following these guidelines.

 

The education studies minor fulfills initial course requirements for the Alternative Pathway to Licensure.

Providing students interested in teaching a high school subject other than history, English, mathematics, visual arts, music, or an intervention specialist.

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.

With completion of the education minor, and additional requirements. A person may teach for four years while working toward professional teaching licensure.

Requirements for the Alternative Pathway to Licensure >

Course requirements >

 

Markers of excellence

Bluffton graduates are among the best qualified in the nation. Reflected in the Ohio Educator Preparation Performance Report and in the reputation our graduates enjoy once they enter the teaching profession.

Bluffton received a 10-year national accreditation in 2018. This recognition of excellence is awarded for meeting rigorous standards.

Education Degree takes on zoom

Master of Arts in Education


Bluffton's graduate program in education provides an affordable and accessible online experience. 

To contact the education department:
Email:  education@bluffton.edu
Phone:  419-358-3331
Fax:  419-358-3074

Request information

Admissions application

First-year field experience

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.”

Top