University of Mary Washington

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Teacher Education and Professional Development with Specific Levels and Methods combines a strong liberal‑arts core with focused professional coursework and sustained clinical experiences. You study foundational topics such as educational psychology, child and adolescent development, classroom management, curriculum design, assessment and differentiated instruction. Core methods courses focus on pedagogy for particular grade bands and subject areas (for example elementary literacy and mathematics methods, middle and secondary content methods in English, mathematics, science or social studies), and include specialised modules on literacy instruction, bilingual/ESL strategies, and adapting instruction for diverse learners.

Practical elements are central: early field experiences and progressively longer student‑teaching placements in partnered local schools allow you to apply theory to practice under mentor supervision. Additional coursework typically covers educational technology, analysis of instructional data, special education foundations, legal/ethical issues in schooling, and professional development models for in‑service teachers. The programme culminates in a capstone or seminar that integrates classroom practice, reflective inquiry and an action research or portfolio project tied to professional growth.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university's general admissions standards. Typical programme expectations include a competitive secondary‑school academic record with strength in the subject area you intend to teach, and satisfactory performance in required preparatory coursework where applicable. Admission into the professional sequence often requires a separate application after initial years of study, demonstrating a minimum GPA, successful background check, evidence of supervised classroom observation or volunteer experience, and faculty or school references.

Because licensure pathways vary by state and subject, candidates should be prepared to complete any additional content prerequisites, state‑required assessments, health and immunisation requirements, and fingerprinting or child‑safety clearances as part of the certification process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared primarily for classroom teaching positions at elementary, middle and secondary levels in public and private schools and typically pursue initial teacher licensure. Beyond classroom roles, alumni move into careers such as curriculum developer, instructional coach, literacy specialist, special education coordinator, or school‑based professional development lead. With further study or experience, graduates may progress into school administration, educational consultancy, teacher training, or roles in non‑profit and governmental education organisations. The programme’s emphasis on evidence‑based practice and professional learning also supports careers in instructional design and informal learning settings.

Why study at University of Mary Washington

University of Mary Washington combines a liberal‑arts education with a hands‑on approach to teacher preparation, emphasising small classes, close faculty mentoring and sustained partnerships with regional schools. The teacher education programme integrates supervised classroom placements across a range of settings so students gain experience with diverse learners and school communities. Faculty are practising educators and teacher‑scholars who support reflective practice, action research and professional growth, and the department offers advising to align subject‑area preparation with licensure requirements. For students seeking a programme that balances strong content knowledge, practical experience and ongoing professional development, this programme provides a clear pathway into the teaching profession and related education careers.