The School of Education provides comprehensive programs for both aspiring educators and seasoned professionals, offering a blend of initial teacher preparation courses and advanced degree programs. Our curriculum is designed to empower graduates to excel as teachers, principals, and educational leaders, positively impacting the lives of individuals they encounter along their educational and professional journeys.
School of Education
About Us
In the realm of professional education, roles span a diverse spectrum, ranging from teachers, specialists, and coaches to organizational administrators, curriculum designers, and education technologists, among others. Recognizing this multifaceted landscape, the School of Education (SOE) was established to harmonize and optimize the array of learning opportunities and career paths available to our students.
At SOE, we offer comprehensive degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. By fostering collaboration between faculty expertise and student interests and forging partnerships with districts and schools across the region, we aim to synergize efforts and spearhead innovative initiatives that impact organizations locally and around the world.
Explore the School of Education
Experiential Learning
Undergraduate Opportunities
Each of our teacher education programs offers immersive field experiences integral to your learning. From classroom observations to student teaching placements, our undergraduate programs provide hands-on opportunities at various stages of your journey. Explore how these field experiences enrich your skills and prepare you for success in the world of education and learn how to prepare for these awesome opportunities!
Graduate Opportunities
Discover invaluable pre-professional experiences within our College Student Affairs Administration program. Our graduate assistantships offer compensated positions across various university departments, enhancing your resume and enriching your academic journey. CSAA students participate in meaningful internships, where you'll gain hands-on experience in areas like admissions, student accessibility resources, and more. Explore the possibilities and unlock doors to a rewarding future in student affairs administration.
Para to Teacher Support Program
Attention Florida paraprofessionals! Are you eager to transition into teaching students with disabilities? Discover how the Para to Teacher Support Program can turn your aspirations into reality. This initiative offers financial aid to paraprofessionals in Florida public schools pursuing degrees in special education, deaf education, or visual disabilities. Learn more about this 'Grow Your Own' opportunity and take the first step towards becoming a certified teacher in Florida's public school system.
Teach to Avatar Program
Learn about Teach to Avatar
Dive into the future of teacher training with the IUSE Teach-to-Avatar projects! Designed for pre-service educators in STEM fields, this innovative program offers hands-on skill development in a virtual reality setting. Experience firsthand the power of questioning techniques, dynamic discussions, and culturally inclusive STEM teaching methods. Join us on a journey where virtual simulations transform theory into practice, preparing you to excel as a confident and effective educator.
First-Place Award-Winning 'Teach-to-Avatar' Project
The 'Teach-to-Avatar' project (Grant #2020972) received the first-place Emerging Learning Technology Award from the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) in 2023. AECT is a reputable academic and professional organization dedicated to advancing the educational use of technology. Our project was recognized for its innovative application of virtual simulation technology in developing preservice teachers' teaching skills.
UWF-Teach
Your journey to become a certified middle or high school teacher starts here! The UWF-Teach program offers hands-on experience teaching students in various settings, guided by experienced mentors. Whether you're passionate about science, math, or education, UWF-Teach provides a platform to share your skills and explore the rewarding world of teaching. Join us in our mission to cultivate highly qualified STEM educators and expand our learning community. For more details, check out the RISE NOYCE Outcome Report.
All initial teacher certification programs are accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards through Spring 2025. CAEP is the only CHEA-recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
The University of West Florida is a member institution of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). This selective membership includes colleges and universities committed to undertaking a critical examination on the education doctorate through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback, and evaluation.
School of Education
11000 University Parkway
Building 85, Room 196
Pensacola, FL 32514