University of Memphis

What you'll study

This programme combines professional education courses, subject-specific methodology, and sustained clinical experiences. Core studies cover child and adolescent development, classroom management, educational psychology, assessment and differentiated instruction. Method courses focus on planning standards-based lessons, subject-specific pedagogy (for example elementary methods, secondary content methods or special education approaches) and the use of instructional technology.

Sequence elements typically include:

• Foundations of education, ethics and diversity in schools
• Instructional design and assessment strategies, including formative and summative assessment
• Specific methods courses aligned to the level and subject you choose (elementary, middle, secondary or special subject areas)
• Classroom management and positive behaviour support
• Practicum placements at increasing levels of responsibility leading to a full-time student teaching internship
• Courses on family and community engagement, law and policy affecting schools
• Options for elective study in areas such as English language learners, gifted education, educational technology or reading instruction

The programme emphasises applied learning: observation, co-teaching, lesson planning and reflective practice. Successful completion fulfils the professional knowledge and field experience components required for recommendation for K–12 teacher licensure in the relevant subject/level.

Entry requirements

Admission requires first meeting the University of Memphis undergraduate entry standards: a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent, submission of transcripts and any required application materials. Entry into the teacher education programme typically requires additional criteria such as a minimum cumulative academic standing, completion of prerequisite general education courses, satisfactory scores on any required assessments, and a background check or clearances as mandated by state policy.

Prospective students should expect to provide evidence of readiness to work with children and adolescents, which may include reference statements, an interview with the educator preparation office and demonstration of communication skills. Transfer students must meet both university transfer criteria and the educator preparation programme's transfer guidelines.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared primarily for state teacher certification and employment as classroom teachers across grade levels and subject areas aligned with their methods focus. Common career destinations include:

• Elementary, middle and secondary classroom teacher roles
• Special education teacher and inclusion support roles
• Instructional coach, curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator in school districts
• Positions in educational non-profits, after-school programmes and community education
• Pathways to postgraduate study leading to school leadership, counselling, higher education or educational research

Many graduates begin teaching in local district schools and may progress into leadership, curriculum development or teacher professional development positions, or pursue advanced certification and graduate degrees to expand career options.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a teacher preparation programme embedded in an urban setting with long-standing partnerships across local school districts, providing diverse clinical placements and real-world classroom experience. The College of Education and Human Development emphasises practical, research-informed practice and supports students through advising, field-placement coordination and mentor teachers.

Students benefit from access to campus resources such as education technology labs, specialised clinics for reading and speech-language support, and opportunities to engage in community outreach and collaborative projects with partner schools. The programme is structured to align with state licensure requirements and to prepare graduates to meet the needs of diverse learners in a range of school settings.