Manchester University’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meets four key accountability measures:

• Measure 1: Completer Effectiveness and P–12 Student Learning Observation and survey data show that Manchester graduates demonstrate instructional effectiveness and contribute to student growth.
• Measure 2: Employer Satisfaction and Stakeholder Involvement Employers express strong satisfaction with graduates’ preparedness. Feedback from school leaders informs ongoing program development.
• Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Completion High graduation rates and licensure exam success reflect the academic strength and teaching readiness of program completers.
• Measure 4: Ability to Be Hired in Area of Licensure 96% of recent graduates secure employment in their licensed teaching field within six months of graduation.

Manchester’s education faculty are seasoned educators committed to mentoring and supporting each student. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll receive personalized academic advising, licensure guidance, and support throughout your student teaching journey. Faculty also collaborate with local school districts to help students find meaningful placements and professional connections.

Students in the Teacher Education Program can participate in a variety of co-curricular and leadership groups that promote community and professional development:

• Student Education Association (SEA): Join future educators across majors in this professional organization that hosts guest speakers, service projects, and networking events.
• Kappa Delta Pi (KDP): Manchester hosts a chapter of this international honor society in education, recognizing academic excellence and leadership among future teachers.
• Education Advisory Boards & Committees: Students may be invited to serve on advisory panels or assist with accreditation reviews and recruitment efforts.

These groups enhance your experience outside the classroom and support your development as an educator.

Manchester’s Secondary Education curriculum is carefully aligned with state licensure requirements, ensuring you graduate eligible and well-prepared to teach grades 5–12. Courses emphasize content mastery in mathematics while integrating pedagogical training, adolescent development, assessment methods, and classroom management. The final semester includes student teaching, where you’ll gain full-time teaching experience under the guidance of a licensed mentor teacher. Manchester also provides test preparation support for Indiana’s licensing exams.

Manchester University boasts a 96% placement rate within six months of graduation. Career and Professional Development services assist education majors with résumé writing, mock interviews, job search strategies, and access to statewide job fairs. Many alumni go on to become department heads, coaches, or district leaders, with support continuing well after graduation. This lifelong network is a hallmark of the MU experience.

Yes, students in the education program have the option to pursue a minor alongside their bachelor’s degree. Many future teachers choose this path to strengthen their knowledge and open doors to related fields. The minor typically includes courses which deepen your understanding while complementing your education coursework. Adding a minor enhances your qualifications when applying for positions as teachers or for advanced degree programs such as a master’s degree in art therapy or curriculum development. The flexibility of this dual approach helps you prepare for diverse roles, from teaching in public schools to potentially working in curriculum design or tutoring services. Completing the minor also reinforces content knowledge, ensuring you can confidently teach across a wide range of secondary courses and support students with varying learning styles and needs.

Graduates of Manchester University’s education program qualify for an Indiana education teaching license K–12. This credential allows you to work as a middle school or high school teacher throughout the state. Because the program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), your teacher certification can often be transferred to other states, though specific requirements may vary. This level of accreditation reflects the quality of educator preparation and coursework delivered through the program. The curriculum includes training in English learning, classroom instruction, adolescent development, and assessment practices which are key components of effective teacher certification. Students graduate with more than just content knowledge; they also leave with strong pedagogical training and classroom experience. These qualifications make our graduates competitive candidates in the job market and ensure they’re fully prepared for long-term success in teaching.

Field experience begins in your first year at Manchester University, setting the program apart from many others. From your first semester, you’ll observe real classrooms, assist teachers, and gradually take on instructional responsibilities. This progressive model gives students more than 100 hours of practical experience before entering the final student teaching semester. These field placements occur in diverse educational environments including urban, rural, and suburban, exposing you to a variety of classroom management styles and student needs. The goal is to ensure that education students develop confidence and competence in teaching long before graduation. You’ll work alongside mentor teachers and faculty advisors who guide you through lesson planning, classroom observation, and student engagement strategies. This approach supports deep learning and prepares graduates to teach visual arts with confidence in real-world school settings.

Yes, students in the education program at Manchester University can pursue specializations in areas such as English Learners or Mild Intervention. These optional licensure areas provide additional teaching skills and broaden your qualifications to support a more diverse student population. Specializing in English Learners helps you address the language and academic needs of multilingual students, while Mild Intervention prepares you to support students with learning differences or special education needs. These add-on credentials enhance your resume and allow you to reach more learners in both inclusive and specialized classrooms. The coursework for these licensure areas aligns with the university’s commitment to strong educator preparation, combining theory with hands-on instruction strategies. Adding one of these specialties makes you more competitive as a secondary teacher and gives you tools to adapt lessons for students with various academic and language backgrounds, improving overall learning and fostering equity in the classroom.

Manchester University’s education program boasts a 96% placement rate for graduates entering the teaching field within six months of graduation. This success is supported by a comprehensive suite of career development services tailored to education majors. Students receive help with résumé writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. The university also hosts annual education job fairs, where students can connect directly with school districts seeking qualified high school teachers and other educators. Faculty members and placement coordinators maintain strong partnerships with regional schools, helping you secure student teaching assignments and full-time employment upon graduation. Additionally, alumni often return to mentor current students, creating a robust network of support. Whether you plan to teach in Indiana or out of state, Manchester’s career services help ensure you’re prepared for every step – from licensure to classroom leadership. This commitment to long-term success reflects the university’s focus on real-world results and educator preparation excellence.