Where Teachers Become Leaders
The School of Education
The Future of Education Prepares Here
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the School of Education is a launchpad for Minnesota's next wave of teachers and leaders. To ensure they are prepared, our students are exposed to real-world problems, solutions and given the opportunity to develop critical skills across disciplines.
Dedicated attention, skill building and meaningful relationships are core to the student experience in the School of Education. Students at St. Thomas learn from educators who impart a balance of practical, professional knowledge grounded in theory, with ideas that are easily applied to career goals.
Our accredited programs reach a wide range of students from undergrads straight out of high school, to individuals interested in a career change, to experienced teachers looking to take the new step in their education journey. Regardless of what brings you here, the St. Thomas network of caring faculty, staff, students and alumni will help you achieve your goals.
The Four Cornerstones of the School of Education
Promoting Excellence
Promises are meant to be kept. And we deliver on our promise of excellence through advancing the common good. It's well known that we offer educators the best preparation out there-our students exceed the minimum hours of field experience and student teaching weeks that are required. Since 2000, we have had 8 alumni named Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, we uphold excellence by offering 6 special education shortage license areas as well as math and science licenses that are designated shortage areas.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Meeting the challenges of today's diverse learner needs is no small task. But we've been doing it for 55+ years—and we look forward to doing it for many more. We continue to prepare our future educators with evidence-based practices, social justice pedagogy and intercultural development to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the classroom and beyond.
Connecting with Communities
We prepare teachers and educational leaders to help students reach their full potential. We do this by connecting with diverse communities. Through collaborative programming and partnerships we work to ensure the success of our graduates and the students, schools and communities where they serve. As a charter school authorizer, the School of Education oversees 14 Twin Cities schools serving 6,000 students.
Inspiring Change
Change is good. Especially when it inspires the transformation of schools and students' lives. That's why we've partnered with the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts through a “grow you own” accelerated degree program to prepare highly effective and diverse teachers. Programs like our Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color Scholarship and our Work and Learn Partnership with local districts both strengthen our efforts to increase teacher diversity throughout Minnesota.
Promoting Excellence
Promises are meant to be kept. And we deliver on our promise of excellence through advancing the common good. It's well known that we offer educators the best preparation out there-our students exceed the minimum hours of field experience and student teaching weeks that are required. Since 2000, we have had 8 alumni named Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, we uphold excellence by offering 6 special education shortage license areas as well as math and science licenses that are designated shortage areas.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Meeting the challenges of today's diverse learner needs is no small task. But we've been doing it for 55+ years—and we look forward to doing it for many more. We continue to prepare our future educators with evidence-based practices, social justice pedagogy and intercultural development to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the classroom and beyond.
Connecting with Communities
We prepare teachers and educational leaders to help students reach their full potential. We do this by connecting with diverse communities. Through collaborative programming and partnerships we work to ensure the success of our graduates and the students, schools and communities where they serve. As a charter school authorizer, the School of Education oversees 14 Twin Cities schools serving 6,000 students.
Inspiring Change
Change is good. Especially when it inspires the transformation of schools and students' lives. That's why we've partnered with the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts through a “grow you own” accelerated degree program to prepare highly effective and diverse teachers. Programs like our Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color Scholarship and our Work and Learn Partnership with local districts both strengthen our efforts to increase teacher diversity throughout Minnesota.
“The faculty and staff in the School of Education saw me, supported me and invested in my growth as an educational leader. I had such a liberating experience and I am exceptionally fortunate to pay it forward and liberate others!”
Dean
Dr. Amy Smith
Dr. Amy F. Smith (she/her) was appointed dean of the School of Education in March 2024. She has been a member of the University of St. Thomas faculty since 2001, when she joined the university as an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education and previously served as department chair.
Our Faculty, Staff and Departments
The School of Education is home to 3 departments focused on preparing teachers and leaders to positively transform students' lives. Learn more about the people supporting our degree offerings in Educational Leadership, Special Education and Teacher Education.