UMM offers all students the opportunity to study education and its role in society. Courses with the “Ed” designator meet general education requirements, and enrollment in these courses is open and not limited to students pursuing teaching licensure.

The Division of Education offers a major and teaching licensure in elementary education (K–6) with specialty licensures in preprimary (age 3–grade 3); and middle level (grade 5–8) communication arts and literature, mathematics, science, and social studies; and K–12 world languages. Licensure of secondary school teachers is offered in chemistry (9–12), communication arts and literature (5–12), dance and theatre arts (K–12), earth and space science (9–12), French (K–12), general science (5–8), German (K–12), instrumental music (K–12), life science (9–12), mathematics (5–12), physics (9–12), social studies (5–12), Spanish (K–12), visual arts (K–12), and vocal music (K–12). Students may elect to complete coursework leading to endorsement for head varsity coaches in Minnesota.

Teacher education at UMM is part of the lifelong development of an effective teacher that includes the study of liberal arts disciplines and pedagogy, teaching, and other life experiences. UMM's teacher education program is based on a belief that a successful teacher is one who reflects on teaching and makes instructional decisions that ensure student learning and reflection.

Teacher education at UMM uses personalized instruction and offers opportunities for regional and international student teaching. Teacher candidates are prepared to employ human, technological, and other resources in the effective instruction of diverse populations of learners. The program introduces prospective teachers to the teaching profession and prepares them to demonstrate:

1. Knowledge of themselves and of learners; liberal arts disciplines; diverse cultures, social organizations, and societies; human growth and development; communication and language; problem solving; and effective teaching and learning;


2. Skill in all aspects of teaching including setting goals and objectives; selecting appropriate content, activities, and materials; implementing effective lessons; assessing student learning; and evaluating oneself with the goal of continuous improvement;


3. Dispositions associated with effective teaching, including enthusiasm and openness; efficacy; equity; and ethics and collaboration;


4. Leadership when addressing educational issues.