The Future of Online Learning is at MSU-Northern [images of students]

MSU-Northern’s Elementary Education (K-8) program is going online – with a twist - in Fall 2024!  We know that there is more than one way to be online. Here at Northern, you can experience a fully online program, or one that is more personalized – it’s up to you! 

This program:

  • Offers the flexibility of online learning
  • Cultivates a sense of community among students
  • Provides personalized, one-on-one support for learners
  • Offers integrated, in-person learning experiences for those wanting a more personal connection
  • Utilizes innovative Proficiency-Based Education curriculum
  • Provides pathways for traditional and apprenticeship-based clinical experiences

Join Us! 

Our Elementary Education program empowers your success by raising the bar for digitized education. We invite you to learn even more about our program. Please contact Jennifer Anderson, Education Advisor, for more information. She can be reached at jennifer.anderson32@msun.edu or 406-265-3757.

What to Expect

The Education faculty at Northern believe that for education to transform lives, it should be: 1) accessible enough to support the diversity of students in our program, and 2) flexible enough to allow students to customize their schedules around their personal and professional needs. With this in mind, we constructed innovative learning experiences and resources that can be accessed according to preference. These experiences include

  • EdExcellence Forums. Faculty will expand the online class experience in these required forums, created to go beyond the bounds of traditional topics. Faculty will lead discussions and activities on “Using AI for Lesson Planning” among other topics that are of interest to students. Faculty will bring the classroom to students three times each semester as they travel to forums on the Havre Campus, Great Falls Community College MSU Campus and Fort Peck Community College. Students are welcome to join in person or virtually.  
  • The Teachers’ Lounge. Located on the Havre Campus, this staffed curriculum lab and community learning space is a place where teachers-in-training can check in with faculty, go over homework, network and build community with other students, engage in professional development, or just reset after a busy day. Faculty will also use this space to facilitate in-depth discussion on classroom topics or content found to be particularly tricky that week. The lounge can be accessed in person or virtually.
  • Proficiency-Based Education (PBE) System. This approach to the clinical component of the program ensures that aspiring teachers gain practical, hands-on experience in real classroom settings, where their progress is assessed based on demonstrated skills and competencies rather than traditional metrics. Pre-service teachers complete three immersive teaching practicums prior to student teaching, working closely with mentor teachers and receiving personalized feedback to refine skills necessary to be effective teachers.
  • Apprenticeship Option. This pathway allows individuals to teach full-time during their student teaching experience.

We can’t wait to meet you where you are by, quite literally, bringing the classroom to you!