Become a Teacher

A statue of John Purdue seated on a bench outdoors.

A small college family in a Big Ten university.

A small-college vibe with access to the energy and resources of a Big Ten university: That’s what Purdue’s College of Education provides for students. With more than 20 licensure areas that guide students toward teacher licensure in Indiana (and most other states) and hands-on experience in actual P-12 classrooms every semester until graduation, Purdue’s COE is leading the way in preparing tomorrow’s teachers.

Top 10

Public University in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2022

Best Value School in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2022

Most Trusted Public University in the U.S. Morning Consult, 2022

Interested in becoming a teacher?

Learn about all that Purdue University has to offer to prepare you for your own classroom at Become a Teacher Day!

Student Experience

Why did you choose the College of Education to help you become a teacher?

Mason Atha,
Math Education

“I’m very passionate about helping kids to learn.”

Kat Mueller,
Social Studies Education

“What I like about student teaching is the excitement of my students every day when I come into the classroom.”

Hayden Peffer,
Elementary Education

“I want to be a role model and a source of inspiration for the young people in my classroom that may not get a positive male role model outside of the school system.”

College of Education Undergraduate Majors & Programs

A male teacher points to a letter in the alphabet on the whiteboard.

Elementary Education, BA

Students work on a group project in the library

English Education, BA

Three students work on a project on a large table, coffee cups, papers and sticky notes are strewn across the table

General Education – Curriculum and Instruction, BA

An Asian student looks at another student while going through some books

General Education – Educational Studies, BA

A student talks to other students during a project, different world flags are shown in the foreground

Social Studies Education, BA

A male teacher works with a special education student on a project

Special Education Mild and Intense Intervention P-12, BA

A teacher works with special education students on an art project

Special Education/ Elementary Education Dual Licensure, BA

Explore Teacher Education Majors in Our Partner Colleges

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Teacher Education and Licensure

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates who want to teach in Indiana must also be licensed. The College of Education’s Office of Teacher Education Licensure exists to help you navigate this process.

Alternative Pathways to Licensure

An undergraduate education student helping two elementary students with their homework.

Homegrown Teacher Initiative

A teacher leans over a desk talking with students

Transition to Teaching

A male teacher leaning over the desk of three students.

Boilermaker Track to Teaching

Meet Your Teacher Education Recruiter

Ryan Farrell is the Teacher Education Recruiter for the College of Education.

Ryan is here to guide future educators through every step of their admission journey. He connects with prospective students, answers questions about programs and career pathways, and provides personalized support throughout the application and admission process. Whether through campus visits, school outreach, or one-on-one conversations, our Teacher Education Recruiter helps students discover how they can make a difference through their future career as educators.