Students applying to On Campus Teacher Education programs must meet the following admission criteria:

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated using the Teacher Education Admission Rubric (Campus Version).

Students must be accepted to BSU prior to applying for a Teacher Education program: Apply to BSU here

1. Cumulative GPA 2.5
   Students must earn a C- or above in all major coursework. Additionally, students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to remain in the program.
2. Complete 30 Semester Credits (AA degree for DLiTE students)
   The department of Teacher Education recommends completion of all/most Liberal Education courses prior to starting Teacher Education coursework.
3. Recommendation Form for Teacher Education (Campus Version)
   
   • The completed Recommendation Form may be uploaded with your application packet or the recommender may send it directly to the Advising Coordinator: Teacher.Education@bemidjistate.edu
4. Address Four Writing Prompts
   • All responses should: be organized, clearly respond to the provided prompt, and demonstrate a strong desire to be an effective teacher.
   • Candidates are encouraged to write approximately one page, double-spaced, per prompt. Candidates are also encouraged to meet with BSU’s Writing Resource Center for writing assistance.
   • Responses will be reviewed and evaluated using the
     Teacher Education Admission Rubric (Campus Version)
   • Writing Prompts:
     • Communication (Teamwork) – Describe a time when you needed to work as part of a team. What was your role on the team and what actions did you take to contribute to the team’s goals? Be sure to demonstrate a strong desire to be an effective teacher.
     • Critical Thinking (Time Management) – Describe a time when you had to work on multiple projects at once. How did you manage your time? Be sure to demonstrate a strong desire to be an effective teacher.
     • Leadership – Describe a leadership opportunity you had. What did you learn about yourself from that experience? Be sure to demonstrate a strong desire to be an effective teacher.
     • Human Interaction (Conflict Resolution) – Describe a time when you were faced with a difficult interpersonal situation. How did you resolve the conflict? Be sure to demonstrate a strong desire to be an effective teacher.
5. Complete the ONLINE Application for Admission to Teacher Education. Applications may be submitted at any time. However, priority will be given to students who submit applications by the following dates:

• Fall Admission – February 15th
• Spring Admission – October 1st

Applications are reviewed after the “Priority Deadlines” listed above and then approximately every 2 weeks after. Students will be notified by email of their acceptance status.

Important Program Information

1. Students will not be allowed to register for Education (ED) or Special Education (SPED) courses until they have been formally admitted to the Teacher Education program.
2. Field experiences and student teaching require school district criminal background checks. If you think you may have an issue, you may want to initiate a background check yourself before you seek admission. Applicants with any prior conviction(s) may be unable to complete a program of study in Education.
3. Your disposition for the role of professional educator will be assessed throughout the program. This includes things such as attendance, reliability, and communication skills.

Transfer Student Information

1. BSU may consider a transfer of courses from other institutions if a syllabus is provided and the course is found to meet 100% of the required state standards assigned to the BSU course being substituted. If field experience is a requirement of the BSU course, the external course must contain an equivalent field experience and documentation must be provided for review.
2. Please Note: All coursework required for licensure must be completed for credit (no auditing). This includes ED and major/content coursework.

Each term the Office of Teacher Education will admit the top 64 students into the campus-based programs based on the above criteria.

To schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director for Student Success, Dr. Aspen Easterling:

Contact Undergraduate Admissions to apply to Bemidji State University or to arrange a visit to campus.