Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

This programme combines a content major in a specific subject area with coursework in pedagogy, development and assessment. Typical components include foundational liberal‑arts courses, subject‑specific methods (for example secondary mathematics methods, science methods, English methods or social studies methods), child and adolescent development, classroom management, curriculum design, assessment and differentiation, and the use of educational technology.

Students complete a sequence of practicum experiences in partner schools, culminating in an extended student‑teaching placement under the supervision of a university supervisor and a mentor teacher. Professional development seminars emphasise reflective practice and the development of an electronic portfolio that documents meeting licensure standards and professional growth. There is also an emphasis on teaching diverse learners, inclusive pedagogy, culturally responsive instruction, and legal/ethical responsibilities in education.

• Content-area coursework in the chosen subject (secondary or elementary concentration)
• Foundations of education and educational psychology
• Instructional planning, assessment and differentiated instruction
• Classroom management and positive behaviour supports
• Instructional technology and digital pedagogy
• Methods courses specific to the subject area
• Sequential school‑based clinical experiences and full‑time student teaching
• Professional development seminars and a reflective licensure portfolio

Typical subject-area options

• Elementary Education (P–6)
• Secondary English (6–12)
• Secondary Mathematics (6–12)
• Secondary Biology or General Science (6–12)
• Secondary Social Studies/History (6–12)
• Special Education and inclusive practice
• TESOL/ESL (where available as endorsement or concentration)

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary‑school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement of purpose, and references that speak to the applicant’s suitability for teaching. Candidates will usually need to demonstrate subject‑area competence for secondary licensure through coursework, major selection or state content testing as required by the Virginia Department of Education.

As part of progression through the programme, students must meet professional dispositions expectations and satisfy standard background checks and health requirements for school placements (for example immunisation or TB screening where required). Prospective transfer students should provide transcripts for evaluation; some professional prerequisites or GPA benchmarks are commonly expected for entry into the teacher‑education sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher licensure and classroom roles in public and private schools, typically as elementary or secondary teachers in their chosen subject area. Many alumni also pursue roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional coach, special‑education teacher, ESL/TESOL instructor, or districtwide professional development coordinator. With additional credentials or graduate study, graduates may move into school leadership, curriculum design, higher‑education roles, or nonprofit and community education positions.

Because the programme emphasises reflective practice and ongoing professional learning, graduates are also well placed to take on roles in teacher mentoring, continuing professional development, education consulting, and curriculum implementation projects.

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University offers a small‑scale, community‑centred learning environment with close faculty mentoring and strong school partnerships for clinical experiences. The programme integrates a liberal‑arts perspective with practical classroom preparation and emphasises social justice, service, and ethical practice in education. Students benefit from individualized advising, cohort‑style professional sequences in some areas, and support for building a robust licensure portfolio.

The teacher‑education programmes are designed to meet state licensure expectations and to prepare teachers who can work effectively with diverse learners in a variety of school settings. The university’s focus on reflective practice, community engagement and sustained professional development helps graduates enter the profession with both subject expertise and a commitment to ongoing growth.