This program is offered in both a licensure and non-licensure option. 

Wisconsin licensure option

Through a blend of the social sciences, history, and humanities, you’ll learn to guide your students through a myriad of perspectives and social structures, and be able to adapt such lessons for the next generation of thinkers.  Perhaps most importantly, you’ll understand how to help your students discover how people relate to each other, how we interact as groups, and how we organize our thoughts, religions, and governments. With a foundation in social studies, your students will be able to understand the world around them, and their place in it.

You can make a difference in the lives of children; you can become a teacher by earning your bachelor's in secondary education and teaching license online. The Accelerated Secondary Education - Social Studies licensure program is a fully online bachelor's in education leading to a Wisconsin license to teach grades 4 through 12. The accelerated courses can be scheduled to complete this program in 3 years or at the pace you prefer.

Non-licensure option

Students in this option will not obtain a teaching license from the state of Wisconsin. This program is specifically designed for candidates residing outside of Wisconsin who wish to pursue a Concordia education in teaching but do not intend to obtain a Wisconsin teaching license. This option may be particularly appealing to those who are not Wisconsin residents but are interested in earning the Lutheran Teacher Diploma, which would make them eligible to receive a Call from a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod school to serve as a church worker. This adaptation aligns with federal Department of Education regulations, which restrict out-of-state learners from enrolling in licensure programs outside their home state.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences (Human Relations, Pedagogical Knowledge) 

2. Learning Differences : The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (Human Relations, Pedagogical Knowledge) 

3. Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. (Teaching Practice, Human Relations)

4. Content Knowledge: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (Content Knowledge)

5. Application of Content:  The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

6. Assessment Strategies: The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (Content Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge)

7. Planning for Instruction: The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (Content Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge)

8. Instructional Strategies: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. (Pedagogical Knowledge, Communication Skills, Teaching Practice)

9. Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

10. Leadership and Collaboration: The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

11.  Character/Faith Development: All teachers model a value system which emphasizes moral and ethical character. Teachers in Christian schools integrate faith and learning while modeling Christian mission and service with a biblical worldview. Lutheran teachers adhere to the doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. (Human Relations, Professional Dispositions, Content Knowledge)

Curriculum 

Core Curriculum - 44 - 47 Credits

Concordia Common Core

Social Studies Education Curriculum - 70 - 76 credits

¹

Course Requires Upper Division Status.

²

"The Block" classes are taken during the same semester.

Curriculum 

Core Curriculum - 44 - 47 Credits

Concordia Common Core

Social Studies Education Curriculum - 70 - 76 credits

¹

Course Requires Upper Division Status.

²

"The Block" classes are taken during the same semester.

Course options and schedule are subject to change.