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Eriksson College
of Education

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Learn to teach at Austin Peay.

Our diverse program offerings bring your career as an educator even closer from our Pre-K – 12 programs through our Doctor of Education. From initial licensure to preparing you to lead as a school administrator, we equip you to succeed.

Austin Peay's education programs will give you the tools you need to be a world-class educator.

Our departments of Teaching and Learning and Educational Specialties offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that will give you the training you need to be successful in our classroom and in yours. Our various Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs provide multiple avenues for career changers and college graduates in other disciplines to prepare themselves to become teachers. The Doctor of Education will prepare you for a variety of positions from state and district leadership roles to educational research and higher education careers.


Academic Departments

Joanna Zimmerle teaches students in Ready2Teach classroom
Educational Specialties

The Department of Educational Specialties offers advanced degree programs in both licensure and non-licensure areas. The mission of the department of Educational Specialties is to prepare and support educational professionals in their development as effective practitioners.

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Teaching and Learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers degrees in initial licensure programs. As you pursue your potential career as a professional educator, please explore what the Department of Teaching and Learning has to offer in support of your career goal.


Scholarship Opportunities

There are several scholarship opportunities available now. Click the button below to learn more and download applications. 

Explore Scholarships

Sarah Dugger
Sarah Dugger
('21) Doctor of Education

It’s been a great program. A lot of really practical course work, things I’ve been able to implement over the last three years.
Sibyl Brush
Sibyl Brush
('24) Pre-K - 3rd Grade Education

The professors and students in this department are some of the most inclusive, progressive and kind people I’ve ever met.
Emmanuel Méjeun
Emmanuel Méjeun
('17) Music Performance and Education

Everything about my story is tied to music: it’s my passion, it’s my love, it’s going to be my job — It’s everything to me.
Susannah White
Susannah White
Elementary Education

Without Austin Peay's programs, I wouldn't have found my passion for teaching children, or seen the joy a child experiences when they learn how to sing or play an instrument.

News Feed

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april-2024-teacher-externship
Austin Peay's Teacher Externship program forges academic-industry partnerships

Austin Peay State University's Jack Hunt STEM Center has launched an innovative teacher externship program, connecting local educators with community partners to bring real-world experience to the classroom.

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Transfer student Megan Schneck finds purpose, community at Austin Peay
Transfer student Megan Schneck finds purpose, community at Austin Peay

Megan Schneck, a transfer student from Nashville State Community College, found her calling as an educator at Austin Peay State University. Through service learning and campus involvement, she discovered her passion for inspiring others and plans to pursue a master's degree.

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march-2024-ed-tech-ribbon-cutting
Austin Peay State University unveils cutting-edge Furniture Connection EdTech Studio

The immersive capabilities of virtual reality -- once thought to be just for gamers -- are making their way into classrooms nationwide. Thanks to a generous gift from Furniture Connection, these technological innovations are now available for college students at Austin Peay State University.

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march-2024-barnes
APSU-funded study reveals socioeconomic status impacts elementary science achievement

A new study led by Dr. Zachary Barnes, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University, revealed that U.S. students from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families are more likely to score higher in science than their lower-income peers.

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march-2024-tecta
APSU's TECTA program breaks down barriers to support early childhood educators

The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) program at Austin Peay State University is helping child care professionals advance their careers through affordable education and training. Available resources include tuition assistance, textbook loans, tutoring and more.

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Tracy Bettencourt teaching a student in a class
Tracy Bettencourt

"APSU has amazing technology I can't afford at home like book scanners or screen readers. This University gave me the same opportunity to succeed as any other student, and I wouldn't change my experience for anything in the world."

Allison Oliver
Allison Oliver

"I believe great institutions and effective educators are humble enough to know that progress comes from shared learning experiences and that we can learn from each other."

Joanne Philhower
Joanne Philhower

“I look forward to learning from and with my students just as much as they learn from me. I'm excited about getting to know them as people and not just as students.”