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
- 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.