Lauren Reuteler/Winonan

The College Database recently ranked Winona State University sixth in Minnesota for best education program among public schools.

This specific ranking for best education programs was based primarily on the number of Winona State graduates in 2012, which was 380. Ranked above Winona State was University of St. Thomas, MSU-Mankato, St. Cloud State University, St. Mary’s University and in first place University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with 991 graduates.

Jan Sherman, dean of  the Winona State College of Education, said, “We consider the rating a compliment.”

In order to apply to Winona State’s education program, students must meet the minimum requirements, such as a GPA of 2.75 or higher, passing specific state required tests and obtaining 30 or more credits. Regardless of completion of those requirements, it doesn’t always suggest automatic admission.

Each semester 120 students are admitted into Winona State’s education program. All teacher programs at Winona State are Teach21 programs.

“Teach 21 is the term we use for our transformation efforts in teacher education,” Sherman said.

The program has been revised to include more focus on clinical experiences as well as hands-on activities.

The Teach21 program was made possible by a large grant from the Bush Foundation. Winona State is one of 14 institutions in the tri-state area that has received funds to transform teacher education.

Through the strong partnerships Winona State has with Winona public schools, students are spending significantly more time out in the field prior to student teaching.

“Through the College of Education we do more than prepare teachers. We prepare counselors and education leaders,” Sherman said.

Because of this, Winona State’s education program is ranked well not only by The College Database but by students as well.

Anna Deeg, senior in the education program, said, “My favorite part of the education program is being able to work with students one-on-one and create my own lesson plans.”

Sophomore Sonja Muus said, “I feel like professors really challenge you to dive right into field experience, even when it’s scary, while giving us concrete tools to prepare us for the classroom.”

Sophomore Logan Mithuen was admitted to the education program last semester and said he already feels as though the program is doing a great job of preparing her for the real world.

“I already have so many options of lessons and activities to chose from to teach my future students,” Mithuen said.

Winona State Career Services has studied students 6-12 months after graduation, finding that roughly 80 percent of graduates have a career in their suggested fields.

Sherman said, “The university continues to focus on the preparation of the teachers and realizes that that is the key to the future of citizens in Minnesota and other places as well.”

The only way to raise Winona State’s ranking from this agency would be to increase the number of students and faculty, thus making one on one instruction more difficult, Sherman said.

Contact Lauren at [email protected]