Learn the Knowledge and Skills to Contribute

In the Community and Place-Based Education program, students will learn the knowledge and skills to contribute to the traditional and non-traditional educational profession. They will understand the concepts of place-based and experiential education, understand Alaska Native and rural culture, and develop outdoor skills and ethics needed to run place-based educational programs in Alaska.

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Teacher Apprenticeship

APU’s Alaska Competency-Based Apprenticeship for Teacher Education (ACATE) offers an alternative pathway to K-8 teacher certification through the BA in Community and Place-based Education. This program is a collaboration between APU and participating school districts, providing an apprenticeship model for teacher preparation. Candidates are selected by their school district and paired with a Field Expert Teacher, gaining valuable mentorship and hands-on experience. ACATE integrates K-8 education coursework with Indigenous studies and education, equipping students with the skills to lead cultural and place-based experiential learning. Through a combination of coursework and on-the-job learning, apprentices develop the practical expertise needed to deliver meaningful, community-centered education.

ACATE is open to students who work in a participating school district and who have have been selected by their district through an apprentice-selection process. Apprentices work in the school during their education and are mentored by their Field Expert Teacher in applying what they learn through projects and reflection. Apprentices document on-the-job hours as part of a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program as well as earn the degree needed for a K-8 teacher certificate. Throughout their program, students are assessed on set competencies for effective teaching.

Apprentices learn through synchronous online classes enhanced with an in-person intensive each semester and projects coordinated between APU’s instructors and the Field Expert Teacher.

Students with experience in classrooms and prior college credits may start with an advanced standing in the Apprenticeship program, reducing time to completion. ACATE is a great option for students who want to remain in their home community and earn their teaching degree while working in the school. ACATE is a great partnership option for school districts that want to grow their own teachers from within their communities.

Apprentices are ideally prepared stay to with their school district after completion and work as a certified teacher in a K-8 classroom.

May continue on to Master’s degree programs
Successful attainment of Alaska licensure
K-6 Elementary and 6-8 Middle School teacher job placement

Selected by School District as an Apprentice
APU Application
Official Final High School Transcript*
Official College Transcript(s)

*If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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K-8 Teaching Certificate

Gain hands-on teaching experience in elementary and middle school classrooms across the State of Alaska as you learn about real-world topics from APU faculty.

Develop a supportive cohort of students, alumni, and educators in Alaska with whom you will collaborate regarding topics such as classroom environment, curriculum, place-based education and teaching through culture.

The Teacher Education K-8 Certificate emphasizes the practical coursework that educational administrators value most, while ensuring you have the opportunity to develop your own educational passions. This 33-credit track is designed for future teachers who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Approved nationally and by the Alaska Department of Education, the Teacher Education K-8 Certificate at APU develops highly qualified teachers based on Alaska requirements. Our graduates compete successfully for classroom placement in Anchorage, statewide and beyond. Once licensed in Alaska, teachers may apply for licensure reciprocity in 46 other states based on the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

Educators interested in learning more about resources available for developing curriculum using place-based research, with an emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), use the ‘guest log on’ and visit the PREPARES website.

Preparing Responsive Educators using Place-based Authentic Research in Earth Systems is a grant funded by the National Science Foundation and hosted by APU.

Successful attainment of Alaska licensure
K-6 Elementary and 6-8 Middle School teacher job placement
Continue on to Master’s degree programs
A-CATE Teacher Apprenticeship will Earn their K8 Teacher Education Certificate to apply for their Teaching License with the Department of Education and Early Development.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Educational Foundations & Classroom Environment

Examines historical theories and practices about education, focusing also on current trends and school policies.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Accountability

Discusses how the home, community, and society are interconnected with teaching and learning within educational institutions.

Early Literacy

Evaluates how early learning theory and practice provide a framework in which children become successful readers and writers.

MSOEE plus Certificate

You love the outdoors. You love teaching. You will love this.

Students pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental and Outdoor Education (MSOEE) have the option to pursue a Teacher Education K-8 Certificate at APU. Students will dual-enroll in the Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) and the Teacher Education K-8 Certificate, enabling them to obtain both the MSOEE and teacher certification in Alaska that will give you thorough preparation for teaching in public and charter schools with an emphasis in environmental and outdoor education. Your first year of the program will be spent taking classes primarily at APU’s 900 acre Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska. The second year is spent at APU’s Anchorage campus preparing for and completing your student teaching.

This degree option gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of careers, including positions in public, private or charter schools, interpretive and education specialist jobs in land management agencies and positions in non-governmental organizations and businesses such as conservation organizations and camps.

Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Official PRAXIS CASE or CORE (Core Academic Skills for Educators) or other Basic Competency State approved qualifying exam

FLYER

Community and Place-Based Education

Bachelor of Arts

This program is ideal for students who are interested in teaching, whether in K-8 public schools or in non-profit organizations and public agencies.

Students will learn the knowledge and skills to contribute to the traditional and non-traditional educational profession. They will understand the concepts of Place Based and Experiential Education, understand Alaska Native and rural culture, and develop outdoor skills and ethics needed to run place based educational programs in Alaska.

The B.A. in Community and Place-Based Education will combine on-campus, distance education, and field-based classes emphasizing hands on, experiential learning. Education courses are at the 300 and 400 level and include extensive practicum hours in K-8 classrooms.

Students have the option of applying for APU’s graduate level Teacher Education K-8 Certificate program during their senior year.

Upon completing the B.A. in Community and Place-Based Education students can pursue careers in a variety of areas. Examples include:

Non profits: Alaska Geographic, Anchorage Zoo, Trailside Discovery Camps, Eagle River Nature Center, Denali Outdoor Education Center, and Campfire
Government Agencies: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, Alaska Office of Boating Safety, and the Alaska State Parks Department of Interpretation and Education
Private education

K-8 Public and Charter Schools: During their senior year, Students have the option of applying for APU’s Teacher Education K-8 Certificate program and if accepted can complete their student teaching in one semester and be eligible for their K-8 Alaska Teaching certificate.

Core Competencies

Effective Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural & Historical Perspective
Scientific Inquiry
Ethical Engagement

Foundational Studies

Written Communication (4)
Presentation & Media Literacy (3-4)
Critical Thinking (3-4)
Computation (3-4)
Intellectual Traditions (4)
Creative Endeavors (4)
Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings (3-4)
Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry (4)
Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry (3-4)
Social Responsibility (2)
Personal Responsibility (1-2)

Major Studies

Experimental Program Design (4)
Risk Management for Outdoor Professionals (4)
Expedition in Teaching Science, Culture, &
Community (4)
Outdoor Education (4)
Math Concepts (3)
Indigenous Knowledges & the Sciences (4)
Indigenous Well-Being & Education (3)
Research Methods (4)
Physical or Biological Science (4)
Senior Project Proposal (2)
Senior Project (6-10)

Self-Determined Studies

Students are encouraged to concentrate in either:

Indigenous languages
Outdoor/Physical Education skills

Obtaining Licensure to Teach:
During their senior year, Students have the option of applying for APU’s Teacher Education K-8 Certificate program and if accepted can complete their student teaching in one semester and be eligible for their K-8 Alaska Teaching certificate. This certificate allows students to be eligible for K-6 Elementary and 6-8 Middle School teacher job placement.

Degree Completion

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self-determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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Master of Science Outdoor & Environmental Education

Join a cohort of peers while pursuing your interest in outdoor, environmental, and wilderness education in a place of unparalleled beauty.

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Environmental Public Health

Prepare to be an environmental health professional, investigating, reporting, and addressing environmental hazards in the built and natural environment.

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Marine & Environmental Sciences

Interested in marine biology, fisheries, ecology, climate change, applied mathematics, aquarium and animal
husbandry science, or environmental policy? This degree is for you.

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Outdoor Studies

Prepare for a meaningful life and career working with people in the outdoors through expedition and active learning. The program leads to relevant practicum and employment opportunities.

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Liberal Studies

Experience an interdisciplinary program in the liberal arts and sciences, or concentrate on Writing, Pre-Law, Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Pre-Med. Faculty works closely with students to develop unique interests.

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Master of Arts Program

Self-directed learners seeking an advanced degree centered on career or personal goals find the perfect fit in APU’s low residency Master of Arts Program (MAP).

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Master of Science Outdoor & Environmental Education

Join a cohort of peers while pursuing your interest in outdoor, environmental, adventure and wilderness education in a place of unparalleled beauty.

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Education Scholarships

Supporting Alaska Native educators

University partner Sealaska Heritage has multiple scholarships for Alaska Native students enrolled in an education certificate or degree program, so head over to see the options!

Sealaska SCHOLARSHIPS

Community Based Education News

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Student Research

APU Advance a One Health Approach to Microplastics Research in Alaska

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Senior Spotlight

From Glacier to Graduation: Aubrey Palmer’s Path in Environmental Science

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Student research

Alaska Space Grant Program: Impact

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Accreditation

The APU Teacher Education K-8 Certification program is approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Alaska State Department of Education & Early Development (DEED). The APU Education program provides the Institutional Recommendation for initial teacher certification; certification is issued by DEED.

CAEP Annual Measures 2026 CAEP Annual Measures 2025