Education
Teach with COMPASSION • Lead with COMPETENCE • Grow with COMMUNITY • COMMIT to transforming the world
Make a Lasting Difference in the Lives of Others. Teaching is among the most critically important occupations, and educators are responsible for shaping positive learning experiences for their students. At Mount Mary University, we’ve been educating women to become teachers since 1913. Our undergraduate education program prepares you to meet the challenges of today’s elementary, middle and high school classrooms, and is created for both pre-service and in-service teachers.
Our program outcomes were developed from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Ten Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure, and the demands of the state-mandated assessment requirements. We provide you with practical experience for success every step of the way!
Our programs include early childhood (birth to grade 3), elementary/middle school (kindergarten through grade 9), English and language arts (grades 4-12), mathematics (grades 4-12), science (grades 4-12), social studies (grades 4-12), art (kindergarten to grade 12), Cross-Categorical Special Education (kindergarten through grade 12), English as a Second Language (kindergarten through grade 12), Spanish (kindergarten through grade 12) and certification in bilingual education.
A concentration in Educational Studies is also offered, which provides a background in educational topics but does not prepare students for a teaching license.
Mount Mary offers the following Education majors to prepare you for licensure in a variety of areas:
Early Childhood Education: A license in this area allows you to work with children from birth through 3rd Grade in all subject areas.
Kindergarten through Grade 12: This certification allows you to teach art, Spanish, English as a second language, or Cross-Categorical Special Education.
Middle/High School: General coursework combined with specialization in a chosen discipline prepares you to work with students in middle and high school (grades 4-12). For licensure in this area, you must complete the degree requirements of the education program, including the requirements for the subject area of your specialization.
Licensure is available in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies. Note: Religious studies education is a major at Mount Mary, but the state of Wisconsin does not offer a license for this major.
View a sample program plan to see what courses you'll take in our Education program.
Learn MoreEducation
Teach with COMPASSION • Lead with COMPETENCE • Grow with COMMUNITY • COMMIT to transforming the world
Make a Lasting Difference in the Lives of Others. Teaching is among the most critically important occupations, and educators are responsible for shaping positive learning experiences for their students. At Mount Mary University, we’ve been educating women to become teachers since 1913. Our undergraduate education program prepares you to meet the challenges of today’s elementary, middle and high school classrooms, and is created for both pre-service and in-service teachers.
Our program outcomes were developed from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Ten Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure, and the demands of the state-mandated assessment requirements. We provide you with practical experience for success every step of the way!
Our programs include early childhood (birth to grade 3), elementary/middle school (kindergarten through grade 9), English and language arts (grades 4-12), mathematics (grades 4-12), science (grades 4-12), social studies (grades 4-12), art (kindergarten to grade 12), Cross-Categorical Special Education (kindergarten through grade 12), English as a Second Language (kindergarten through grade 12), Spanish (kindergarten through grade 12) and certification in bilingual education.
A concentration in Educational Studies is also offered, which provides a background in educational topics but does not prepare students for a teaching license.
Mount Mary offers the following Education majors to prepare you for licensure in a variety of areas:
Early Childhood Education: A license in this area allows you to work with children from birth through 3rd Grade in all subject areas.
Kindergarten through Grade 12: This certification allows you to teach art, Spanish, English as a second language, or Cross-Categorical Special Education.
Middle/High School: General coursework combined with specialization in a chosen discipline prepares you to work with students in middle and high school (grades 4-12). For licensure in this area, you must complete the degree requirements of the education program, including the requirements for the subject area of your specialization.
Licensure is available in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies. Note: Religious studies education is a major at Mount Mary, but the state of Wisconsin does not offer a license for this major.
View a sample program plan to see what courses you'll take in our Education program.
In your senior year, you will take part in a full-time student teaching experience. Before that, you need to complete about 100 hours of approved clinical experience. This includes working in different types of classrooms. You must also pass a criminal background check before you can work in classrooms or begin student teaching.
Mount Mary University helps prepare you to become a successful teacher. You will take important classes and get hands-on experience working with children of different ages and in different subjects. You will also use modern tools for presentations and research.
In your final semester, you will complete your student teaching. This means teaching children all day, every day, for the entire semester.
Our programs are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI), the state agency that gives teaching licenses. To qualify for a license, you must have a total GPA of at least 2.75.
If you want a license in Early Childhood, Elementary/Middle School Education, or Special Education, you must pass the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT). If you want a license in Spanish or bilingual education, you must pass the ACTFL speaking and writing exams. If you keep a B average or higher in your major, you will not need to take any other tests.
The programs are reviewed every year. Teachers meet often with a WDPI representative and other state groups to stay up to date with changes in teaching requirements.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. If you successfully finish one of the programs, you can be recommended for a teaching license in Wisconsin in your chosen area. If you plan to teach in another state, you should check Wisconsin’s rules about how teaching licenses transfer to other states. Go to: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s License Portability information.
Debra Dosemagen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
Phone: (414) 930-3160
Email: dosemagd@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Mathematics education, teacher research
Vanessa Varela, M.A in Ed, M.A. in F.L.L.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3105
Email: varelav@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Second Language Acquisition and Social Justice, Multilingual Learners, Multicultural Children's Literature
The demand for qualified teachers has never been greater—and it continues to rise. Across the country, school districts are facing staffing shortages and, in some cases, are recruiting educators from outside their regions to meet classroom needs. Teachers are essential in a wide range of educational settings, including public and private schools, early childhood centers, special education programs, and adult learning environments. Earning a degree in education prepares individuals to inspire, lead, and make a lasting impact on students and communities.
According to 2024 data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for teachers ranges from $63,210 - $64,580.
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Ready to do more than earn a degree? At Mount Mary, you'll gain the confidence and skills to create a meaningful life and drive real change. Take the first step—apply today and start shaping your future with purpose!
FINANCIAL AID
Worried about tuition costs? Financial aid is simpler than you think and within reach! Mount Mary a variety of scholarships available for students with additional opportunities for state and federal assistance. Take the first step today!
As a former student of Mount Mary University and an Early Childhood Elementary Education major, I am truly grateful to have been part of such a supportive community and to continue being part of it today. It feels like I never left.
3rd Grade Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools
As a former student of Mount Mary University and an Early Childhood Elementary Education major, I am truly grateful to have been part of such a supportive community and to continue being part of it today. It feels like I never left.