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School of Education

a student teacher from SEMO works in a classroom looking at a book using a magnifying glass next to a young boy doing the same

Find your fearless as an educator, leader, and advocate for the next generation.

Since 1873, SEMO has prepared future teachers to inspire students and strengthen communities. Today, the School of Education continues that tradition with experience-driven programs that combine innovative teaching methods with meaningful classroom practice. You'll explore emerging technologies, gain hands-on experience in spaces like the EDvolution® Center, and graduate ready to lead with confidence from your very first classroom.

No matter where your path in education takes you, you'll learn in a supportive environment that challenges you to grow as a teacher and a leader. At SEMO, you'll develop the knowledge and confidence to help students succeed while making a meaningful difference in schools and communities.

Find Your Program

  • a SEMO student teacher reads a book to a toddler

    Early Childhood

    Prepare to teach and support children from birth through age eight during the most important years of development. Gain the knowledge and hands on experience to help young learners build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

  • a SEMO exceptional child major student teacher plays with a boy at the autism center

    Exceptional Child Education

    Help students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential. Choose from pathways in early childhood or mild/moderate cross categorical education and prepare to make a meaningful impact in special education settings.

  • a SEMO elementary education major stands at the front of a classroom full of elementary students

    Elementary Education

    Want to teach grades 1-6? A degree in elementary education will prepare you for a teaching career with these students. You can choose from options that include general education courses, language arts, math, science, and social science.  

  • a SEMO middle school education student teacher works with a pupil in a middle school classroom

    Middle School Education

    Guide students through a critical stage of growth and discovery in grades 5 through 9. You can choose from options in math, science, language arts, and social studies. Learn how to engage, challenge, and support middle school learners.  

Secondary Education Programs

Math Education
Biology Education
Agriculture Education
English Education
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Vocal Music Education
Instrumental Music Education
Physical Education
Chemistry Education
Physics Education
Social Studies Education

Graduate Degrees: Take the Next Step in Your Career

Our programs are designed to support your continued growth in education. You may want to specialize further or take the next step into administration. We offer certificates, master’s degrees, and graduate programs with several concentrations. These programs are designed to prepare educators and provide the tools and skillset needed to thrive in their careers.
Explore Graduate Programs
a SEMO student teacher works in a classroom with actual high school students

Autism Studies

If you want to be an educator with a special focus on autism studies, you have the option of adding an autism studies certificate or minor to your degree program.
Explore Autism Options
a semo student teacher candidate hugs a child

Specialize in Math or Reading

We offer opportunities to expand your education and teaching skills by obtaining specialized teaching certificates in math or reading.
Explore Reading Specialist License Explore Math Specialist License
a SEMO student teacher gives a math lesson to students

Fearless Learning

  • During their student teaching experience, a Southeast student interacts with students at a picnic table at Jefferson Elementary

    Multi-level Diverse Field Experience

    At SEMO, we offer a multi-level diverse field experience that includes local student teaching, international student teaching, a triad seminar and experiences with new education technology. These experiences prepare you for your future career in education and give you early classroom engagement throughout your program.

  • Professor Trudy Giasi presents a lecture with the use of a large tv in the Jean Ann Whitaker Model Classroom, located in the EDvolution Center.

    Integration Tech with Education - EDvolution®

    A major goal of the Teacher Preparation Program is to develop teacher candidates who become leaders in the use of current and emerging technology through EDvolution®. As technology has become an essential part of the classroom, you learn how to effectively use these tools to support instruction and strengthen learning.

  • A Jefferson Elementary student talks to the Southeast student teacher.

    Student Teaching

    The preparation of teachers is field based with a minimum of 225 hours of pre-student teaching experience in an area school classroom with a properly certificated and experienced teacher. This hands on experience prepares you to become a competent professional educator.

  • A student teacher teaches a lesson to a class during study abroad.

    International Student Teaching

    SEMO offers student teaching abroad at Eagles College in Iquique, Chile. This experience allows you to teach and learn in a different cultural setting, explore new instructional approaches, and gain global classroom experience.

Apply for Student Teaching

To move forward with student teaching, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and complete the required application steps by the posted deadlines. Review full requirements, documents, and placement details to understand what is needed before you apply.
How To Apply for Education Programs
a SEMO student teaching candidate builds a robot with his pupils

Accreditations

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Apple Distinguished School logo
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Take the Next Step

School of Education

Contact Us

Location

Office

Scully 238

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 5675
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701