Interview Questions for Aspiring Principals (With Model Responses)
As you’re pursuing a principal career, you’ll need to prepare for interviews with school districts. At Saint Mary’s University of... Read More
Transform lives through the power of education.
Answer the call to become a teacher or work in the evolving world of education with a degree that makes a difference in the lives of students.
The School of Education offers programs for new and experienced teachers, school administration, and those seeking an advanced degree. From programs on our undergraduate campus in Winona, to online and in-person master’s and doctoral degrees, there’s a program that is tailored to your passion and your purpose as a teacher or educator. Here, you’ll discover the power to empower.
Start your teaching career
Choose the path that fits where you are whether you’re starting college or pursuing licensure after earning your bachelor’s degree. Take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career.
Catholic Education (Undergraduate) ›
Prepare to teach in Catholic schools through a faith-based undergraduate program on our Winona campus.
Elementary Education (Undergraduate) ›
Build the foundation to teach in K–6 classrooms on our Winona campus.
Secondary Education (Undergraduate) ›
Teach your subject area at the middle or high school level on our Winona campus.
B.S. in Special Education ›
Prepare to support diverse learners and meet high-demand needs in schools with this online program.
M.A. in Teaching (MAT) ›
Become a licensed teacher in Minnesota with a flexible, online, graduate-level pathway. This program is for people with a bachelor’s degree in any field.
Grow your impact in the classroom
Designed for licensed teachers, these programs help you expand your skills, meet evolving requirements, and step into specialized roles. In many districts, these credentials move you into higher pay lanes.
K–12 Reading Licensure ›
Prepare for licensure and roles in literacy leadership aligned with Minnesota’s READ Act which often leads to expanded responsibilities and additional compensation opportunities.
M.A. in Education (MAED) ›
Advance your teaching practice with flexible, career-relevant coursework while positioning yourself for advancement and higher pay lanes in many school districts. Customize your path with focused study in areas like mental health and curriculum.
Salary advancement varies by district; we encourage you to review your district’s pay scale.
Become a school leader
Step into leadership roles that shape schools and communities. Saint Mary’s prepares experienced educators for licensure as a principal, director of special education, or superintendent—through flexible programs designed for working professionals.
Principal Licensure ›
Prepare to lead a school community as a K–12 principal.
Director of Special Education Licensure ›
Advance into student services leadership supporting diverse learners.
Superintendent Licensure ›
Prepare to lead at the district level, overseeing strategy, operations, and community engagement.
Explore leadership without licensure
Not every path to leadership starts with licensure. This program is designed for educators who want to grow their influence, explore leadership, or prepare for future advancement without committing to a licensure track today.
M.A. Educational Leadership ›
Build core leadership skills in organizational leadership, communication, and decision-making. This degree can stand alone or serve as a step toward future licensure pathways.
Lead at the system level
Designed for experienced leaders, Saint Mary’s online doctoral programs prepare you to drive change across organizations, systems, and communities. Develop the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to influence policy, practice, and outcomes at scale.
Doctor of Education: Leadership (Ed.D.) ›
Advance your ability to lead complex organizations and drive meaningful change.
Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership (Ed.D) ›
A cohort-based experience for senior leaders seeking to expand their impact while balancing professional responsibilities.
Catholic educator pathway
Prepare to serve in Catholic schools through programs grounded in faith, community, and academic excellence. Whether you’re beginning your teaching journey or stepping into leadership, Saint Mary’s offers pathways aligned to the needs of Catholic education.
Catholic Education (Undergraduate) ›
Begin your teaching journey on the Winona campus with undergraduate preparation for Catholic school settings.
Catholic School Educator Graduate Certificate ›
A one-year, fully online pathway for those called to teach in Catholic schools. While this program requires a bachelor degree, no prior teaching license is required.
Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate ›
For people with a bachelor’s degree in any field, develop the skills to lead as a principal, administrator, or system-level leader in Catholic education.
Specialize your impact
Deepen your expertise in high-need areas and bring new skills back to your classroom, school, or district. These focused programs are designed for educators looking to expand their impact without pursuing licensure.
M.A. in Special Education ›
Prepare to better serve diverse learners with advanced skills in inclusive instruction, assessment, and intervention while unlocking lane change opportunities and career growth within your district.
Charter School Leadership ›
Develop the skills to lead charter schools, including governance, operations, and mission-driven leadership.
Make an impact on the world.
Saint Mary’s is an innovator in adult education, dedicated to supporting the unique needs of each learner. The School of Education provides personalized support to ensure every individual thrives and succeeds. With the challenges facing education today, there’s no better time to begin your journey at Saint Mary’s — and make a difference in classrooms, districts, and beyond.
News and Information from the
School of Education
Ed.S. Careers Beyond Principal and Superintendent
An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a post-master’s degree designed for experienced educators who want to advance their careers. Many... Read More
Education Specialist Degrees for Teacher Leaders: Capstone Ideas
The capstone project is the high point of an education specialist (Ed.S.) program. This project is designed to demonstrate your... Read More