The educational studies department at the College has two main goals: to promote the study of educational processes, institutions and thought; and to prepare highly qualified teachers for elementary and secondary classrooms. Courses and programs examine education as an essential and complex social process that occurs in formal and informal teaching-learning situations. While the department is dedicated to the preparation of effective teachers, we invite and encourage other students to take courses to develop greater understanding of educational issues and concerns.
The secondary education major, along with a minor or licensure path listed in the requirements, leads to teacher licensure in the middle and high school content areas (grades 4-12) of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies. The educational studies department also offers PK-12 certification programs in art, foreign language (French and Spanish), music, physical education, physical education and health, and theatre (pending program approval).
You can learn more in the Teacher Education Handbook. Ripon College also offers a major in elementary education for those interested in teaching regular education in kindergarten through ninth grade.
Advising
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers. Our collaboration with Student Support Services provides tutoring and additional academic and skill development, as well as tools to help with note-taking, exam preparation, goal-setting and time management. Likewise, Mentors in the Franzen Center provide in-depth, one-on-one or group mentoring for students about class projects and college-level writing, and can share problem-solving strategies to overcome academic obstacles.
Advising at RiponRequirements
Requirements for Secondary Education Major: This major, along with a minor or licensure path listed below, leads to teacher licensure in the middle and high school content areas (grades 4-12) in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies. Students take the following educational studies courses: EDU 190, 250, 260, 270, 311, 316, 320, 344, 451, 461, 571*. PSC 242 is encouraged. *EDU 512 may replace EDU 451, 461, 571 as the capstone experience for this major for students not seeking teaching licensure. Students will also need to complete a program of study that will lead to teaching licensure in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies:
English Language Arts licensure requirements include: an English major (ENG 101, 450, 530, 251 or 255, 246 or 250, four credits of creative writing, eight credits of 300-level electives and four credits of electives must satisfy the department’s Diversity, Equity and Justice requirement), ENG 402, CMM 215 or THE 248. The following courses are recommended: LIN 332 or LAT 111.
Mathematics licensure requirements include: a mathematics major ( MTH 206, 224, 248 or 305, 501/502 and at least 16 credits of mathematics courses numbered above 206 at least eight of which are at the 400 level. MTH 361, either 120 or 220 or 432, and 401). EDU 150 is required and EDU 338 is recommended for this licensure.
Science Education licensure requirements include: a major or minor in biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental studies and the following courses: BIO 122*, 123*, 211, CHM 111, 112, ENV 120, PHY 131,152, and EDU 337.
Social Studies Education licensure requirements include: a history major or minor including 8 credits of World History, 8 credits of American History, and at least 8 credits at the 300 level or above and HIS 295; The following courses to ENV 120, PSC 110, POL 220, POL 235, ECO 211 or 212, ANT 110 or SOC 110, and EDU 323.
This major is required for students wishing to license in art education, French, or Spanish.
Requirements for K-12 licensure in art education: Students must complete general education requirements for licensure, the requirements for a major in studio art (see notes on the major in the art section of the catalog). Students must work with the education advisors to arrange to take teaching methods course work (ART 354 and 356) and clinical experiences (Sec. Ed. 366) through the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In addition, each student must complete the secondary education major.
Requirements for K-12 licensure in physical education and health: Students must complete general education requirements for licensure, and the requirements for a physical education and health major. In addition, students must complete EDU 320 and a semester of student teaching (EDU 431* and 571). *EDU 512 may replace EDU 451, 461, 571 as the capstone experience for this major for students not seeking teaching licensure.
Requirements K-12 licensure in Spanish or French: In addition to an approved major/minor in Spanish or French, each student must complete the secondary education major. Students seeking licensure to teach Spanish or French must earn ratings of intermediate-high on the appropriate ACTFL Oral Proficiency interview (OPI) and Written Proficiency Test (WPT). Information concerning these exams is available from educational studies advisors and through Language Testing International (languagetesting.com)
Requirements for K-12 licensure in music education: Students must complete general education requirements for licensure, and the requirements Music Education major. In addition, students must complete EDU 320 and a semester of student teaching (EDU 421* and 571).
Requirements for licensure in English as a Second Language (ESL): In addition to an approved major, each student must complete a licensure program; and EDU 329, 330, 331 and LIN 332. In addition, one of the two student-teaching placements must be completed in an ESL setting.
Requirements for Educational Studies Minor: This minor is designed for students who are interested in educational issues or working with children. Students will take 20 credits including the following courses EDU 190, 250, 260, 270, 412 and an additional elective course. This minor does not lead to teacher licensure.
Be a Teacher
While it certainly is true that good teachers are always in demand, it also is true that changes in the economy, government funding for education, regional population shifts and family lifestyles affect employment trends for teachers. Ripon graduates have success finding teaching jobs, in part, because faculty work closely with students to help them plan programs and conduct job searches geared toward current employment trends.
Some Ripon graduates with teacher certification have elected to take advantage of opportunities for work abroad in the Peace Corps. Others are using their teaching skills in service and business settings. An increasing number of agencies and institutions seek teachers to staff their educational programs.
An additional career route for certified teachers is graduate school. Master’s degree-level programs enable students to add areas of certification such as special education, early childhood education and bilingual/bicultural education. Such specialized expertise often opens new opportunities for securing a teaching position.