The Classical Lutheran Educator program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of Lutheran non-traditional educational settings that do not require state licensure. Settings include classical schools, home-school consortiums, and educational institutions beyond the United States. The program does not lead to state licensure as a teacher.
Program requirements include observation and field experience as part of the Classical Pedagogy Minor and EDU-4900 Office of the Lutheran Teacher. A supervised internship of 8-16 weeks full-time is required in a school that is an accredited member of a recognized classical professional association (e.g. CCLE, ACCS, SCL).
- Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all college-level coursework.
- Students must earn a minimum grade of C for all courses applied to a major or minor in the Classical Lutheran Educator Program; the Pass/Fail option is not allowed for major or minor courses.
- Students desiring certification as a Minister of Religion--Commissioned in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod:
- Must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all prescribed Theology requirements and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the Classical Pedagogy minor.
- Successfully meet or exceed all program requirements and the internship.
- Successfully complete an exit interview with the Program Lead and a faculty member from the Division of Theology.
- Must complete all requirements of CUC’s Synodical Placement Office.
The Synodical Placement Director will oversee and coordinate the process whereby a Classical Lutheran Educator receives certification and placement.
Admission to the Classical Lutheran Educator Program
- By March 1, normally in sophomore year, the student will apply for formal admission to the Classical Lutheran Educator Program and sit for an interview with the Program Leader and faculty member from the Division of Theology. Required components for admission and interview include:
- Required GPA standards are met
- At least 9 hours in Theology
- Recommendations from four people:
- Home pastor,
- a CUC professor,
- An individual for whom the applicant has worked,
- An adult (not family or friend) who has observed the applicant in leadership or service
- Clean criminal fingerprint background check administered within the last year
- Essay and interview exhibiting the student’s commitment to Christ and ministry in the Church, capacity to serve and lead in an LCMS context, willingness to learn, and dedication to adorn the Gospel with a godly life. Characteristics befitting a Lutheran educator should be evident.
Requirements:
Students will complete one of the following tracks, based on the age level and major is preferred. Latin or Greek is required as part of the Liberal Studies Major and Minor. The student should consult with the Program Leader to make appropriate choices.
Track 1: Primary/Elementary
- 37-38 hours General Education Honors Program (strongly recommended)
- 36 hours Major: Classical Liberal Studies (degree will be BA in Classical Liberal Studies)
- 18 hours Minor: Classical Pedagogy
- 18 (12) hours Minor: Church Professional Theology minor (18 hours of which 6 hours count in General Education)
- And below courses
Course List Code Title Hours EDUC-4900 Lutheran Teacher: Vocation and Methods 3 CLS-4990 Classical Pedagogy Internship 6-12
Recommended:
- 18 hours Additional Minor in a Content area (eg. Math, English, History, Philosophy, Theology, Interdisciplinary)
Track 2: Upper Elementary/High School
- General Education Honors Program (strongly recommended)
- 36 hours Major: Content area (eg. Math, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theology, Interdisciplinary; degree will be a BA in that area)
- 18 hours Minor: Classical Pedagogy (18 hours)
- 18 (12) hours Minor: Church Professional Theology Minor (18 hours of which 6 hours count in General Education)
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Course List Code Title Hours EDUC-4900 Lutheran Teacher: Vocation and Methods 3 CLS-4990 Classical Pedagogy Internship 6-12
Recommended:
- 18 hours Additional Minor: Classical Liberal Studies