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Education

Find your calling with a robust slate of offerings in education.

School of Education

The School of Education at UAS provides programs designed to meet the needs of those with a calling to become teachers, and those who are already in the profession. UAS has a strong tradition of preparing educators, principals, and administrators of excellence who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the lives of students. Through undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, UAS is providing high level training and preparation to the next generation of Alaska's teachers.

With available online learning, future teachers can study from anywhere, and at their own pace. Through PITAAS (Preparing Indigenous Teachers & Administrators for Alaska Schools) UAS is creating opportunities for Alaska's Indigenous teachers, guiding them on their mission to provide a culturally significant and multifaceted education to the state's diverse student population.

Education Degrees

Student Experience

Inside the Degree

Start a career in teaching or develop additional skills and abilities in the classroom or school administration. Learn more about School of Education, our programs, and application requirements.

Inside the Degree

Inside the Degree

Which education program is right for me?

The School of Education offers many initial teacher preparation degrees and advanced programs for the practicing educator. Easily identify all the programs that fit your level of experience with Pathways to Teaching.

Find My Program

Pathways to Teaching

Cohort Class Groups

UAS utilizes a cohort model for our education programs, enabling students to learn together and support each other. Students make friends and connections while progressing through the teaching and school administrator programs.
Cohort of education students

PITAAS Scholarship

The PITAAS program (Preparing Indigenous Teachers and Administrators for Alaska’s Schools) is designed to meet the need for Indigenous teachers in Alaska. The PITAAS program offers scholarships to offset expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board.

Teacher working with young elementary students in classroom

Learning Environments

On-site Student Teaching

UAS teacher education programs are designed to allow students to study from their own communities. Students gain experience in the classroom with on-site student teaching opportunities in their home school district.

Elementary school classroom

Learning On-Campus

Attending classes on-campus provides ready access to professors and on-campus resources like the learning centers, libraries, student services, and more. Traditional classrooms and specialty classrooms with a range of technologies create vital spaces to connect and learn from each other.
Two student walking down classroom building hallway

“I was able to complete my student teaching in my hometown where I will be working and beginning my career.”

Program Faculty

Susan M. Andrews, M.Ed.

Susan M. Andrews, M.Ed.

Assistant Professor of Education

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Heather L. Batchelder, Ph.D.

Heather L. Batchelder, Ph.D.

Professor of Education, Program Coordinator: Special Education

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Elizabeth A. Hartley, Ph.D.

Elizabeth A. Hartley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Education and Program Coordinator: Elementary Education MAT, K-8 Graduate Certificate and Endorsement

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Jeffrey Lofthus, Ph.D.

Jeffrey Lofthus, Ph.D.

Professor of Education

Professor Lofthus serves as the Coordinator of the Distance Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education Program, teaching classes and supervising student teachers.

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Kevin Spink, Ph.D.

Kevin Spink, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Elementary Education

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Lisa K. Richardson, Ph.D.

Lisa K. Richardson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Program Coordinator: Reading Specialist

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Mary Wegner, Ed.D. (she/her)

Mary Wegner, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor

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Emily Smith, Ed.D. (she/her)

Emily Smith, Ed.D.

Associate Professor

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