Elementary education MEd and teaching license, dual language immersion focus
This program has been recommended for closure and is no longer accepting applications. To explore a similar academic program and professional path, we encourage you to check out the Elementary education MEd and teaching license (Minnesota Grow Your Own Teachers pathway)
This hybrid online and in-person two-year program prepares you to teach elementary education content to students in both dual language/immersion classrooms and those where English is the language of instruction. You will earn a master’s of education (MEd) degree and qualify for a teaching license in K-6 classrooms. The program is grounded by the three goals of dual language education 1.) Promotion of bilingualism and biliteracy 2.) Grade-level academic achievement in two languages 3.) Intercultural consciousness and positive bilingual identities.
Dual language immersion expertise is a high needs area in Minnesota. The Minnesota Advocates for Immersion Network estimates that more than 15,000 students in Minnesota learn their subject matter in a language other than English.
About the program
Masters of education
Combining an MEd with your teaching license offers the following advantages:
- Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org]
- Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the payscale.
- Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon their graduate training.
Timeline
Classes are held one to two weeknights per week (synchronous online and asynchronous online) and on Saturdays (synchronous online and asynchronous online; once a month in-person on campus). Students may need to take time off to work to complete 100 hours of field experiences and the 14 weeks of student teaching.
Summer 2026: 6 credits
Fall 2026: 6 credits
Spring 2027: 6 credits, 50 hour field experience in a Dual Language or Immersion school
Summer 2027: 6 credits, 50 hour field experience in a diverse context (may be a DLI school)
Fall of 2027: 6 credits, Student Teaching in a Dual Language or Immersion school (14 continuous weeks)
Spring 2028: 6 credits, May graduation; apply for MN teaching license *the program plan for field experience and student teaching may vary for Tier 2 teachers
Program experience
Our program is unique and offers the following core experiences:
- A teacher cohort studying together for two years
- Face-to-face and online coursework
- Candidates can complete the program while continuing to work
- Innovative and equity-driven curriculum
- University coursework concurrent with school-based experiences
In addition to learning the K-6 content and pedagogy, the program infuses dual language and immersion-specific topics including:
- Biliteracy development
- Language-focused teaching strategies
- Teaching English-language learners
- Culturally-responsive pedagogies
Prerequisites
You must have completed courses in at least three of the following areas before beginning the program. Remaining prerequisite coursework may be completed during the program, but must be finished before applying for a Tier 3 license.
- College-level algebra (or higher)
- Science (biological, earth, or physical sciences)
- Social science
- Literature