Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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Certificate Option for Teachers K-8Graduate Certificate

Overview

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 management, curriculum, and cultural knowledge.

Complete a self-designed capstone project in which you will research and explore the education-related topics of your choosing.

Degree Fit

educationThe K-8 Certification Only Option Program (CO-OP) emphasizes the practical coursework that educational administrators value most, while ensuring you have the opportunity to develop your own educational passions. This 27-credit track is designed for future teachers who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Approved nationally and by the Alaska Department of Education, CO-OP at APU develops highly qualified teachers based on Alaska requirements. Our graduates compete successfully for classroom placement in Anchorage, statewide and beyond.

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), 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.

Career Outcomes

Co-op degree roadmap

  • Successful attainment of Alaska licensure
  • Elementary school teacher job placement
  • Continue on to Master’s degree programs

Degree Roadmap

Educational Foundations & Classroom Management

examines historical theories and practice about education, focusing also on current trends and school policies.

Early Literacy

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

Partnerships & Accountability

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

Concentrations

MSOEE plus Certificate.

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

concentrations

Students pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental and Outdoor Education (MSOEE) have the option to pursue a K-8 Teaching Certificate with APU’s Certificate Only Option Program (CO-OP). Students will dual-enroll in the Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) and the CO-OP, 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.

Scholarships

Barney and Rachel Gottstein Scholarship*

Alaska Native students who intend to teach in rural Alaska

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Andrew J. Crow and Cora C. Crow Memorial Scholarship*

Full-time students nominated by a Methodist church who has graduated within three years prior to admission from a high school within the Panhandle of Texas, or female students pursuing a degree in business or education

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Institute & Program Area

APU’s Institute of Culture & Environment promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Liberal Studies, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Outdoor Studies. Honoring Alaska’s cultural and geographic diversity, the Institute prepares students to address and engage our region’s complex and unique challenges.

Moving ideas! When you want to combine creative thinking with practical skills, choose any of the Liberal Studies programs and put your talent to work. Whether your outlet is in music, poetry or media and communications– whether you aim to improve the planet or enhance well-being one person at a time – our programs provide meaningful pathways to meet your goals.

Liberal Studies Institutes

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