Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

This programme blends foundations of education with level‑and‑subject specific methods, assessment literacy and extensive clinical practice. Core study areas include curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, classroom management, principles of assessment, and diversity and inclusion in education. Candidates take specialised methods courses targeted to their chosen level and content area—examples include Early Childhood Methods, Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary Content Methods (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies), and Special Education Methods.

Typical modules and experiences you can expect:

• Foundations of Education: history and philosophy of education, legal and ethical issues, professionalism.
• Child and Adolescent Development: developmental psychology, learning theories and differentiated instruction.
• Assessment and Data Use: formative and summative assessment, data‑driven instruction, performance assessment.
• Methods and Curriculum: level‑specific pedagogy and curriculum design for early childhood, elementary or secondary settings.
• Literacy and Content Area Instruction: reading methods, content literacy strategies across disciplines.
• Inclusive Practices: strategies for teaching students with diverse learning needs, co‑teaching models and Individualised Education Plans (IEPs).
• Technology in Education: instructional technology integration, digital resources and classroom management tools.
• Clinical Practice and Student Teaching: supervised school placements progressing from early practicum to a full‑time student teaching capstone in a partner school.

Throughout the degree you will complete structured field experiences in local schools and a culminating student teaching placement supervised by university faculty and PK–12 mentors. Coursework and practicum are designed to align with state licensure standards and professional teaching competencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or recognised equivalent and submit official transcripts. Admission to the teacher education programme often requires meeting the university's general undergraduate entry standards and additional departmental criteria such as a minimum cumulative GPA, satisfactory scores on standardised tests if requested, and completion of prerequisite coursework (commonly English and mathematics).

Other standard requirements for entry to the professional sequence may include:

• Successful completion of introductory education courses and a background check for school placements.
• Demonstrated communication skills, often assessed via an interview, writing sample, or portfolio of work.
• Proof of immunisations and any health documentation required for K–12 school practicum.

Because certification requirements are set by state authorities, applicants intending to pursue teacher licensure should consult the university’s education department for details about required exams, fingerprinting, and specific endorsement pathways for different grade levels and content areas.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to seek initial teacher certification and employment in public and private K–12 schools. Typical roles include elementary classroom teacher, middle or secondary subject teacher, and special education teacher when appropriate endorsements are added. Beyond classroom positions, alumni often move into roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, assessment coordinator, educational consultant, or programme coordinator in out‑of‑school settings.

Many graduates also pursue graduate study to specialise further (for example in educational leadership, school counselling, literacy, or special education) or to obtain advanced certification and leadership positions within schools and districts.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a teacher education programme with small class sizes, close mentorship from faculty who have PK–12 experience, and strong ties to local school districts for practicum and student teaching placements. The programme emphasises practical, hands‑on preparation and aligns coursework with state educator standards to support licensure pathways.

Students benefit from accessible support services for teacher candidates, opportunities for off‑campus clinical experiences in diverse school settings across the region, and options to take evening or hybrid courses to accommodate working students. The university’s focus on community engagement and partnership with Montgomery area schools helps students build professional networks and gain relevant classroom experience before graduation.