The Expansion of Christian Education at Weimar University
Weimar University and its Christian Education program faculty are excited to announce a new secondary track option for its current Christian Education degree. At Weimar University, we recognize a great need for committed and talented Christian educators sharing the love of Jesus and the message of His soon return in Adventist schools within the United States and abroad. Hence, we are excited to expand our elementary track to include instruction in teaching methods for high school and middle school teachers.
Over the last few years, the education department has recorded steady growth in enrolled students annually, and this semester, we recorded the highest number of students enrolling in education. Our new secondary track has students working toward earning a degree in Christian education with a secondary teaching certification with the Pacific Union Conference of the Adventist Church. Secondary track students at Weimar University will earn a Christian Education degree and a minor in the content area of their choice, preparing them to teach middle and high school students. Weimar University is offering students a minor in English, religion, science, or music and is working toward developing a minor in history and mathematics.
Structure of the Secondary Track Program
Students in the secondary track will be required to complete 44 semester credits of general education courses and 17 semester credits of specialized coursework that prepare them to instruct students in middle and high school settings. Students in the secondary track will also complete 15-21 credits within a selected minor. Additionally, students will complete 54 credits of general education coursework required for graduation. With careful planning, students in the secondary track can complete their Christian education degree, including their student teaching capstone, within four years of full-time attendance.
Curriculum and Course Offerings
The Christian education department is focused on integrating modern teaching methodologies, technology, and educational theories with a focus on best practices. We blend these ideas closely with Ellen White’s counsel and biblical principles on teaching. The education-focused courses for all Christian education majors include Introduction to Teaching, Classroom Management and Discipline, Multicultural Education, Philosophy of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, Strategies for Exceptional and Diverse Learners, Assessment and Evaluation and Optimize Your Brain, a class on how to develop high emotional intelligence for the education major themselves and their future students. Foundational to Weimar’s mission, Optimize Your Brain helps each student to know how to develop high emotional intelligence which can help prevent and even treat mental illness. Students of the secondary track will also take several specialized courses that allow them to learn and practice teaching pedagogy in the chosen content area. Students will have rich opportunities for hands-on experiences as they spend many hours observing and practicing teaching skills in various middle and high school classrooms.
Teaching methodology courses unique to the secondary track include a course in incorporating reading and writing instruction in a specific content area and a course in teaching religion. Along with content area teaching, many secondary teachers will be called upon to teach a Bible class for their students. Secondary track students will also take middle school and secondary methodology courses to prepare them for lesson design, instruction, and assessment. Each course provides a fieldwork opportunity where students gain practical experience in the classroom setting by observing, assisting, and, eventually, instructing students. This hands on, face to face, practical training occurs throughout the 4 year curriculum. One of the unique aspects of the Weimar Education degree, whether primary or secondary, is the four years of classroom experience gained by the time of graduation, compared to just one semester like most education programs. During the last semester of attendance at Weimar University, each student enrolls in a capstone project called student teaching. The student spends the entire semester working as a full-time teacher (under a mentor teacher) in the classroom. During this semester, the student eventually takes over their mentor teacher’s full daily teaching responsibilities.
Practical Teaching Experience and Fieldwork
We believe strongly in the practical nature of our education courses and emphasize practical teaching experience through internships, student teaching, and fieldwork. Each student spends as much time as possible actively watching, reflecting upon, and participating in high-quality teaching. Students gradually become more independent in their work in the classroom, beginning with observations and eventually working towards designing and teaching lessons independently. Students are encouraged to assess their mentor teacher’s teaching as well as their own.
The work education program at Weimar University also allows students to gain additional practical experience in teaching. Christian education students are assigned to six hours per week participating in work education, which offers an opportunity to gain further teaching experience. Students actively assist teachers in the elementary, middle, and high schools on campus during this time. Eventually, some of our students take over the regular teaching responsibilities in these classrooms, even before their capstone semester.
Career Opportunities and Success Rate
Students from the Christian Education department at Weimar University have experienced a 100% hire rate. With a shortage of teachers in Adventist schools, teachers are in high demand, with many conferences seeking new teachers each year. Thus, our teachers are actively sought after in many conferences.
There are many advancement opportunities for teachers in Adventist education. Teachers hired by the Adventist school system are encouraged to continue their education and are offered free courses yearly. Many Adventist teachers are able to earn a master’s degree for free. Some of our graduates also go on to further their education and work as physical, speech, or occupational therapists, school counselors, and school chaplains.
The Vision of Weimar’s Christian Education Program
The vision of our Christian Education program at Weimar University is to send biblical, truth filled, and Christ-centered teachers out into the world who would participate in the work of helping students know God better and learn in a healthy, balanced way. Our teaching is based upon the instruction found in God’s word and the writings of Ellen White. Since Christ was most commonly called “Teacher” by His followers, we believe that the teaching ministry is vital and is a high calling. As educators, we aim to bring each of our students into an active and close relationship with God. We do this daily in each subject and believe that as we teach our students to know God better, they will be drawn into a deep and loving relationship with Him. Our aim in all we do with students is to model God’s love and His principles through His three-fold ministry described in Matthew 9:35 proclaiming the gospel through teaching and healing so each student can reach their full potential in God’s calling for their lives.