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The School of Teacher Education


Inspire Every Student

Become a Teacher with WKU's School of Teacher Education

Empowering tomorrow’s teachers with hands-on experience, multidisciplinary expertise, and a passion for lifelong learning, so every student can thrive.

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A young male teacher sitting in a bright and colorful elementary school classroom wearing a red WKU zip-up jeacket.

Shape Your Future in Education at WKU

Start your journey to becoming an impactful teacher. At WKU's School of Teacher Education, we provide a direct path to a successful and rewarding career. Our programs are designed to get you into real P-12 classrooms, learning by doing.

Gain Hands-On Experience From the Start

At WKU, you won’t just learn how to teach, you’ll start teaching right away. From your first courses, you'll engage in clinical field experiences in local P-12 schools, culminating in a full-time student teaching semester.

Learn From Expert, Supportive Faculty

Our faculty are dedicated mentors with deep expertise in areas like classroom management and student diversity. You'll receive personalized guidance every step of the way through a structured advising system to help you achieve your goals.

Earn a Nationally Accredited Degree

Your WKU degree signals excellence to employers nationwide. Our school is nationally accredited, meaning our programs meet the highest standards and provide a clear, respected pathway to teacher certification.

Explore Your Path to the Classroom

WKU's School of Teacher Education offers a comprehensive range of nationally accredited programs to launch your teaching career or advance your qualifications. Whether you need some guidance or you're ready to browse on your own, we have a pathway for you.

I need some guidance

Not sure where to begin? Answer a few simple questions, and we’ll help you discover the perfect teaching program for your career goals.

Get Help Finding Your Path

I'm ready to explore on my own

View a complete list of our undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates to see all available WKU pathways.

Undergraduate Degrees & Certificates

Graduate Degrees & Certificates

Affording Your Degree: Tuition Funding & Discounts

At WKU's School of Teacher Education, we believe financial barriers shouldn't stand between you and the classroom. Explore our stackable aid options, state scholarships, and educator discounts.

Future Teachers

Stackable Teacher Funding

Graduate With Zero Tuition Debt

Learn how future teachers combine federal aid, KHEAA scholarships, and WKU awards to cover up to 100% of tuition and fees.

  • Estimate your funding stack with real student examples
  • Step-by-step guide to maximum aid
Directory

Scholarships & Grants

Explore All Available Awards

A comprehensive guide to federal TEACH grants, state loan forgiveness (TRLP), student teacher stipends, and WKU TopDollar awards.

  • Federal & Kentucky state teacher grants
  • Student teaching stipends & application fee waivers
Current Educators

$350/hr Graduate Educator Discount

Advance Your Rank & Master's Degree

Current licensed teachers in Kentucky and seven border states qualify for a reduced graduate tuition rate of $350 per credit hour.

  • Applicable to master's, certificates, and endorsements
  • Simple verification with your state educator license

Experience WKU's School of Teacher Education

What's it really like to study Education at WKU? This video offers a personal look, showcasing the rewarding one-on-one classroom experiences, the strong sense of community and family connection, and how students balance academics with campus life. Discover the passion that drives our students and their aspirations to lead and inspire. Watch now to see the WKU difference.

WKU senior serves as classroom teacher for local elementary school Video Preview

Hilltopper Stories

Dive into the vibrant experiences and inspiring journeys of our Hilltopper community through firsthand accounts and testimonials, showcasing the unparalleled student life and success stories.

Mikayla Gambrel

Mikayla Gambrel

"I want to be a teacher because teaching is a wonderful way to make an impact on children, and I hope to be that positive influence our next generation needs. I chose ELA because reading and writing is a great way to understand the world and let the world understand you, and I want to share my love for literature with students."

Jayla Sharp

"I want to be a teacher because I find so much joy in building meaningful relationships with students from so many different backgrounds. I want to help all students that I come across grow academically and personally in an environment that is comfortable and safe, so that these students feel supported and loved. My goal is to make a lasting positive impact on so many young lives."

Jayla Sharp

Career Outcomes

Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Education

Graduates of WKU’s Education programs go on to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the region.

9.4%

Data for Projected Growth sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.

  • Warren County Schools
  • Daviess County Schools
  • Bowling Green Independent Schools
  • Jefferson County Public Schools
  • Fayette County Public Schools

Data for Top Employers sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.

The Talley Family Counseling Center

Have Questions? Text Us!

Need more information about our program or have specific questions? Text The School of Teacher Education directly! We’re here to help you with everything from admissions to program details.

Text Us At: 270-721-8539

Please note, this number cannot receive phone calls.


The School of Teacher Education

Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030


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 Last Modified 8/24/26