A Northwestern education professor lectures during class.

Teacher as servant. That’s the philosophy of Northwestern’s education program, where you’ll learn in student-centered courses. You’ll also get experience in area classrooms as you earn your degree—beginning with your first year of college until your final test: student-teaching.

Academic programs

Education is one of the 3 largest programs at Northwestern and offers majors in elementary and secondary education as well as Master of Education degrees. Explore undergraduate programs


Education accreditation

Northwestern's education department is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education. In addition, our elementary education program has earned national recognition from the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). That means our program meets high standards for both its coursework and field experiences. Our education program emphasizes performance-based outcomes, ensuring you have every opportunity to become an effective teacher.

Lydia Wissink

Empowered instruction

The many field experiences Lydia has had as a secondary education major have helped her feel prepared for the day she’ll have her own classroom.

Lydia's story

Levi Letsche

Prepared for excellence

With the encouragement and support of Northwestern’s dedicated staff, Levi learned how to excel both in his field of study and in his faith.

Levi's story

Courtney Van Beek-Stekl

Sharing God's love

Courtney gained lifelong friendships and invaluable teaching experience as an elementary education major.

Courtney's story

Christian Korver

Leading by example

The opportunities NWC provided for real-world experience in education and leadership equipped Christian to be a stand-out teacher and role model for his students.

Christian's story

Becca Bindert

Perfect fit

Becca’s commitment to physical fitness and her love for working with children and teens led her to change her major and to pursue a career path that emphasizes both.

Becca's story

Sarah deVries

Back in business

Despite changing her major halfway through college, practicum hours empowered Sarah to lead a classroom of her own.

Sarah's story

Alison Ter Horst

Model teacher

For her innovative instructional strategies, passion for teaching, and compassionate heart, Alison was selected as one of 40 national recipients of the prestigious Milken Educator Award in 2019–20.

Alison's story

Victor Mena

Growth mindset

A high school language arts teacher, Victor teaches a variety of English and writing courses.

Victor's story

Stephan Sanford

Making connections

At Northwestern, Stephan found a connection to youth he didn't know he had. With the help of professors, he became a teacher and coach who shapes the next generation of students and athletes.

Stephan's story

Krissa Hetletvedt

Serving students

Krissa’s classroom passion for students and their learning earned her recognition as Rookie of the Year from the Omaha Education Association.

Krissa's story

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