Department of Teaching and Learning

Education that builds opportunity

You're invited to engage in the study of how people learn, and how educators design impactful, inclusive experiences that help learners thrive. If you’re passionate about equity and community, curious about child development, and driven to help others grow, this is a path that could lead to a rewarding career for you! 

With a degree in Teaching and Learning, you can pursue roles like teacher, instructional coach, literacy specialist, curriculum designer, or educational leader, and work in schools, community organizations, nonprofits, or education-focused agencies. 

Why study Teaching and Learning at NAU

Personalization, collaboration, and flexibility are what set the Department of Teaching and Learning apart. You’ll immediately feel known, supported, and challenged to grow as both an educator and professional at NAU. 

Choose a program that prepares you to support the learners you want to serve. The Department of Teaching and Learning offers paths in early childhood development from birth through third grade, teaching in K-8 classrooms, and working with diverse communities, including Indigenous populations. In your first weeks of study, you’ll be learning in real classrooms, building confidence through practicum experiences and student teaching while learning alongside a supportive cohort of peers.  

At the graduate level, master’s programs are designed to strengthen teaching practice and develop advanced skills in literacy, curriculum design, and leadership. If you’re drawn to research and higher-level leadership, the Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. path offers rigorous training and scholarship opportunities across Teaching and Learning, STEM Education, and Educational Specialties degree programs. 

Learning outcomes

As a Teaching and Learning major at NAU, you will: 

• develop goals for learning that intentionally describe the integration of skills and knowledge that students will accumulate upon completion of their program. 
• identify why students are learning what they are learning in a manner that intentionally identifies the purpose of learning disciplinary skills and knowledge. 
• provide a mechanism for students to organize new knowledge and skills in ways that guide the retrieval and application of new knowledge. 

Student clubs and organizations

Join the Aspiring Educators at NAU to connect with peers who share your passion for shaping the future of education. Members meet weekly, host campus events, and engage in outreach that connect learning with action. 

Learning beyond the classroom

Teaching and Learning extends far beyond campus to help you grow as a global citizen and reflective educator. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in experiences that will prepare you not only to lead, but to innovate and lead.

Intern to Scholar program

If you’re eager to expand your learning through research, the Intern to Scholar program offers paid opportunities to collaborate directly with faculty. You’ll contribute to education research, collecting and analyzing data, presenting findings, and co-authoring publications. You’ll be broadening your perspective and positioning yourself as a forward-thinking educator. 

Dedicated support

At NAU, you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive environment with small class sizes and personalized advising. The Department of Teaching and Learning is especially supportive of first-generation students, those changing careers, and those returning to school, showing its commitment to meeting you where you are.

Scholarships and financial support

NAU is committed to providing affordable and accessible education. The College of Education doubles down on this commitment and awards more than $400,000 in scholarships each year. You could also receive funding through the Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA), if you’re eligible, which covers tuition and mandatory fees in exchange for a commitment to teach in an Arizona public school after graduation. Plus, additional funding is available for conference travel, study abroad opportunities, and faculty-led research. Each year, the department also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships and tuition waivers for qualifying students (application deadline is March 15). Bottom line? We don’t want money to stand in the way of you achieving your goals to shape the future of education. 

Career readiness

Our 98% job placement rate speaks for itself; you'll be in high demand. From your first semester, you’ll gain classroom experience through practicum placements that can progress into student teaching and can even lead directly to employment. Along the way, faculty mentors will help you adapt and develop your own teaching style, making you even more marketable to employers. 

You’ll build professional networks through employer panels, first-year roundtables, the annual There’s a Reason I’m a Teacher (TARIAT) Conference, and career fairs that attract more than 100 schools to campus. Mock interviews and licensure preparation will ensure you graduate with CAEP0accredited credentials and the confidence to lead learning in any classroom.