Called to Teach: The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy
Earn Your Degree. Pursue Your Vocation. Become a Licensed Teacher.
The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy is a partnership between Drexel Catholic Schools and the University of St. Thomas designed to help aspiring educators answer their call to teach.
Through this innovative pathway, you'll earn a Bachelor of Science degree and Minnesota Elementary (K–6) teaching license while gaining paid classroom experience in a Catholic school. The program combines generous financial support, hands-on learning and personalized guidance to help you become a licensed teacher serving Catholic schools in our community.
Approximately 90% of tuition and fees are covered through scholarships and grants, and participants receive a living stipend while completing the program.
Ready to Learn More?
The first cohort is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
Are you interested? Learn more about filling out and submitting this survey. A University of St. Thomas advisor will reach out to discuss your educational background, transfer credits and next steps.
Contact
Kelsie Edwards
Who is this for?
The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy is designed for people who feel called to teaching and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. This program may be a good fit if you are:
- A parish member interested in becoming a teacher
- A Catholic school employee ready to take the next step in your career
- A paraprofessional, instructional aide or support staff member interested in licensure
- An adult learner seeking a pathway into Catholic school teaching
- Someone committed to serving students, families and communities through education
Program Structure
The Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy is designed to help you learn on the job while growing into your role as an educator.
Year One
- Three days each week in an elementary Catholic school classroom
- Two days each week in St. Thomas coursework
- Ongoing coaching and support
Year Two
- Four days each week in the classroom
- One day each week in coursework
- Continued mentoring and professional development
All courses and field experiences are offered during the day. No nights or weekends are required.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if you:
- Have completed an associate degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)
- Are within four to five courses of completing an associate degree
- Have earned at least 24 college-level credits and are interested in completing an associate degree pathway
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher
Additional admission requirements include:
- Completion of the FAFSA
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Background check
- Virtus training before working with students
Commitment to Teach in a Catholic School
Graduates of the Drexel Catholic Teacher Academy commit to teaching in a Drexel Catholic School for a minimum of three years following program completion.
Why Choose the Drexel Catholic Teaching Academy?
Earn While You Learn
Earn a salary and build real classroom experience while completing your degree and licensure requirements. This work and learn model is designed to help keep students employed while earning their degree.
Significant Financial Support
Participants receive scholarships, grants and a living stipend to reduce financial barriers and cover 90% of tuition.
A Clear, Two-Year Pathway to Licensure
We want to help you turn existing college credits into a Bachelor of Science degree and Minnesota Elementary (K–6) teaching license in approximately two years.
At the beginning of the process, the University of St. Thomas will provide transcript review and MnTC assessment assistance at no cost to make sure you're eligible and prepared for the program.
Personalized Support
To ensure your success, you will receive guidance from St. Thomas faculty, mentor teachers at your placement school and additional teaching coaches throughout the program. You will learn alongside experience Catholic educators throughout the process.
A Cohort Community
Earn While You Learn
Earn a salary and build real classroom experience while completing your degree and licensure requirements. This work and learn model is designed to help keep students employed while earning their degree.
Significant Financial Support
Participants receive scholarships, grants and a living stipend to reduce financial barriers and cover 90% of tuition.
A Clear, Two-Year Pathway to Licensure
We want to help you turn existing college credits into a Bachelor of Science degree and Minnesota Elementary (K–6) teaching license in approximately two years.
At the beginning of the process, the University of St. Thomas will provide transcript review and MnTC assessment assistance at no cost to make sure you're eligible and prepared for the program.
Personalized Support
To ensure your success, you will receive guidance from St. Thomas faculty, mentor teachers at your placement school and additional teaching coaches throughout the program. You will learn alongside experience Catholic educators throughout the process.
A Cohort Community
With Gratitude
GHR Foundation
In May 2026, GHR Foundation awarded the School of Education a grant to launch the Catholic School Teacher Pathway, a program designed to support the Drexel Mission Schools network of Catholic K-8 schools in the Twin Cities.
This unique partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the GHR Foundation aims to bolster the pipeline of future Catholic school teachers by creating pathways for aspiring educators to complete their bachelor’s degrees and obtain teaching licensures.
Many of the future leaders of Catholic education are already working inside our schools today as classroom aides, support staff, and trusted members of their communities. The University of St. Thomas is helping unlock that potential through a residency-based model that supports educators while they continue serving students.