Teacher Education (BA)
Join the profession that helps children realize their potential!
Join the profession that helps children realize their potential!
The Madonna University elementary and secondary teacher preparation programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The University recommends students for both Provisional (initial) certification and the Professional Education certificate, as well as for additional endorsements to existing certificates.
The University also recommends students for the Interim Occupational Certificate (formerly called the Temporary Vocational Authorization) to teach in State-reimbursed vocational classrooms, grades 9-12.
Students planning to pursue a program in teacher education take the following steps:
Elementary Majors |
|---|
| Language Arts |
| Social Studies |
| Science |
| Mathematics |
| Comprehensive Elementary & Early Childhood |
Secondary Majors |
|---|
| Biology |
| Chemistry |
| English |
| Family and Consumer Science |
| Integrated Science |
| Mathematics |
| Social Studies |
| Career Technical Education |
K-12 (All Grades) |
|---|
| Art Education |
| ASL Education |
| Music Education |
| Physical Education |
| Spanish |
Secondary Minors |
|---|
| History |
| Physics |
| Political Science |
| Speech Communication |
With an increased focus on STEM (science, technology, math, engineering) fields, there is a high need for elementary and secondary science teachers.
Our schools need quality math educators to help students make make sense of data, statistics, and financial literacy.
As the world becomes more globalized and connected, the need for students to become fluent in more than one language is crucial for success. Madonna offers certfication in Spanish education and American Sign Language.
"I loved being a part of the College of Education family at Madonna University. The coursework was challenging but set me up perfectly for my career as an educator. The faculty would do anything to help their students be successful.
The learning community is very accommodating to all types of student learners. I am so blessed to have gone through this program!"
The Early Childhood Education major prepares pre-service teachers to become knowledgeable and skilled educators and advocates for young children from birth to age eight, by coupling theories of child development and practical experience.
The Children and Families builds a strong foundational framework for understanding child development birth through age eight, as well as family and community contexts that promote learning and development.
If you've dreamed of having fun while working, major in Sport Management, where you can expect hands-on and challenging assignments that expose you to the inner workings of the industry.
B.S. Eastern Michigan University
M.A. Wayne State University
Ed.S. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Wayne State University
734-432-5651, 2228G
Leading to inspire learning, growth, and service! Experienced professor and superintendent with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education and the education management industry. Strong organizational professional skilled in Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Talent Development and Performance Improvement, Program Evaluation, Instructional Design, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking. Experienced professor with demonstrated history of developing and facilitating adult learning and scholarship in both online and face-to-face settings.
B.S. Wayne State University
M.A. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Wayne State University
734-432-5648, 2230D
Karen L. Obsniuk, Ph.D., is the Dean of the College of Education. She joined the faculty of Madonna University in 1996. Previously, she was an adjunct faculty, while working in K-12 schools as a teacher and school administrator. She completed her doctoral degree in Administration and Supervision, with a cognate in curriculum, and her M.A. in English Literature, at Wayne State University. She teaches in the areas of educational practice and action research
Her interests include educational change, K-12 student behavior, literacy intervention with at-risk students, and quality of work life issues for teachers. Her research has been mixed methods research primarily with pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, and EL learners. She is actively engaged in the field of education through her work at the State and local levels, serving on State committees and a local board.
Department Chair, Teacher Education
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University
M.Ed., Southern Methodist University
B.S., Western Michigan University
734-432-5855, 2228
Kate Rollert French is Chair of Teacher Education and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Human Development. Her work, broadly speaking, focuses on teacher development and educational equity by examining how policies, processes, and sociocultural context shape teacher learning and practice. Kate received her dual Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Educational Administration from Michigan State University.
Dr. French is actively engaged in research that expands the discipline of teacher education by challenging assumptions of teacher autonomy and pushing boundaries on what we presently understand as the culmination of teacher learning. As a critical theorist, Kate studies educational equity in teacher education by interrogating intersections of power, privilege, and oppression as a part of teacher development. Dr. French has recently published her scholarship in Urban Education, Educational Policy, and Education and Urban Society. She has also authored recent book chapters that explore how existing sociocultural factors shape and influence teacher identity.
B.A. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
M.A. Walden University
M.A. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University
734-432-5790, 2230F
Scott Meyer-Kukan, Ph.D. is the Coordinator of Directed Teaching and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. He joined the full time faculty of Madonna University in 2022. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. His research interests include teaching language arts literacy, teacher evaluation, and classroom management strategies. He also serves as the President for the Board of Directors for the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society.
B.S. University of Michigan – Flint
M.S. Oakland University
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ph.D. Oakland University
sasharma@madonna.edu
734-432-5785, 2230G
Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Literacy in the College of Education at Madonna University. She is passionate about preparing teachers to meet the diverse needs of learners and developing instructional literacy leaders. Dr. Sharma is a literacy advocate and has served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force. Dr. Sharma is the past president of the Michigan Reading Association, and also holds appointments on the Michigan Reading Association's Board of Directors and Michigan Reading Journal Review Board.
Ph.D., University of Michigan
M.Ed., University of Sheffield, U.K.
B.Ed., Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln (University of Nottingham, U.K.)
734-432-5645, Room 2230H
Stewart Wood is the Associate Dean for University Assessment, Professor of Education, and Chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee. Stewart joined the full-time faculty at Madonna University in 1994. He teaches Educational Research and Practice in the HEA program, drawing on his expertise in teaching and learning theory, educational psychology, lifelong learning, achievement motivation, and assessment.
Dr. Wood is an active member of the American Educational Research Association and serves as a reviewer for the Lilly Conferences on College Teaching. Dr. Wood has served on numerous advisory boards and published articles in Phi Delta Kappan and the Journal of Early Adolescence. Stewart earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan and M.Ed. from the University of Sheffield, U.K.
