Overview
In the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, students in our Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies) degree learn to become highly skilled educators through hands-on, practical experiences. With five concentrations, our students are prepared to become teachers of children from birth through grade 12. Our reputation is nationally renowned for preparing responsive and engaged professionals who teach, lead, and serve.
Why Study to Become a Teacher at Radford?
- Prepare for your career in public schools or agencies in classes that are hands-on, collaborative, and that engage you in the work of the profession.
- Practice your growing teaching skills in authentic education settings from freshman year through graduation.
- Take part in professional events and activities alongside your professors.
- Select classes across the university in fields directly connected to your degree concentration area.
- You’ll have a licensure or non-licensure program option.
Careers and Internships
Internship Experience:
All IDS (Education) majors are required to complete internship experiences in their concentration. The College of Education and Human Development Office of Field Experience coordinates the these experiences. Internships take place in public-school classrooms and state-approved agencies and typically require 20 hours per week each semester in which they are required. For students seeking teacher licensure, a semester-long, full-time student teaching experience is also required.
Graduates of our program are recognized for their:
- Understanding the importance of multiple perspectives in a multicultural world
- Ability to use the backward design process in creating learning environments to meet the needs of diverse student populations
- Commitment to intellectual curiosity and ongoing professional development
- Advocacy of technology as a tool to enhance learning in the classroom
- Expertise in implementing research-based practices across curriculum
- Ability to develop connections among parents, school, and the community
Educator Career Outlook:
Graduates of our program have a near 100% job placement rate within 6 months of completion.
Starting pay varies by region. $48,000 is the common average salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree in the first year of their career.
This degree also prepares you to enter graduate programs to become literacy specialists, educational leaders, or curriculum specialists.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program varies by concentration. Refer to the course catalog for concentration-specific requirements.
Opportunities for Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies) students at Radford
Students planning to become teachers can be part of the Schoolhouse Living and Learning Community as early as freshman year, join the Student Virginia Educator’s Association, and be inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society.
Mentorship program built into your degree
While studying the fundamentals of teaching, you’ll apply your learning in a variety of teaching contexts—from after-school tutoring and reading programs to formal internship and student teaching experiences. You will assist in a classroom for about 20 hours per week during formal internships and your final semester will culminate with full-time student teaching.
