Department of Teacher Education
The Teacher Education Department at Southern Utah University prepares teachers and leaders to succeed in creating just, safe, and supportive schools for all students. We provide our graduates with research-based knowledge and experiences that help them improve schools, communities, and themselves wherever they serve.
Professional values associated with this Mission include:
Knowledge of Learners and Learning - Expert teachers have a practical understanding of learning theories, and know that no two individuals develop in exactly the same way. Our learners understand how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students, taking into account their socio-cultural backgrounds and prior experiences.
Experiential-Learning - Experience is the fundamental building block of learning. Our learners experience the intersection of curriculum, pedagogy and hands-on experiences that transform them into highly competent, critically reflective teachers and leaders.
Relationships and Communities of Practice - Learning is grounded in relationships. Our learners embrace developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the community. We model professional learning communities through faculty collaboration and student relationships, and in the institutional relationships with our community and partner schools. These communities highlight the need for integrity, honesty, and trust in our dealings with others.
Education for All - Schools are a place of learning for everyone. We develop and nurture professional educators who value all people wherever they serve. Such educators will act as agents of change, advocate for their schools and communities, and will embolden students to do the same.
Professional Growth and Wellbeing - The autonomy to make moral and ethical decisions that benefit students and themselves is the heart of good teaching. Teacher longevity, creativity, and effectiveness is undermined by overemphasis on measurable student outcomes and performance. We strive to help teachers find a healthy balance among the resources and challenges they will face in their work.
Elementary/Secondary Education
What's Your Why? Check out the video below to see what some of our students and faculty are saying about why they decided teaching was their calling!
The goals of the department are to develop teachers/educators who:
- Are academically competent in subjects they are to teach
- Have a broad background of general education and appreciate the value of both liberal arts and science in modern society
Have a working knowledge of the historical and philosophical foundations of education- Have a sincere belief in the dignity of the individual and have compassion and empathy
- Have a working knowledge of effective classroom management and the skills of teaching
- Realize that teaching is both an art and a science
- Realize that America is a culturally diverse society and have a commitment to multiculturalism and pluralism
- Provide students with action based, experience rich learning opportunities
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Accolades
SUU wins 8th place for the Most Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees in 2026
OnlineU has once again recognized SUU’s online elementary education degree as among the most affordable online elementary education programs in the nation. This year’s rankings were based on several factors, including data from SUU’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) profile and student reviews. SUU’s online elementary education program offers students a flexible and affordable option while at the same time emphasizing rigorous, experiential learning in elementary classrooms.
SUU Education Programs Recognized with USBE Award for Excellence in Science of Reading
The Utah State Board of Education recognized SUU’s Elementary and Special Education programs’ literacy instruction during the Spring 2026 semester. Educator preparation programs achieving or surpassing a 75% pass rate on the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment received this year’s distinction. SUU’s Elementary and Special Education programs achieved a 92% pass rate.
SUU Awarded “Level Up” Scholarship Funding to Prepare Special Education Teachers
The Department of Teacher Education received additional funding during the Fall 2025 term for the “Level Up” in Special Education Project. The project provides scholarship assistance for students interested in learning professional educator licensure in special education. To date, SUU has received more than $200,000 in scholarship funding for the project. SUU offers both undergraduate and graduate-level programs leading to special education professional educator licensure.