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Office of Professional Educator Services


Inspire Every Student

Become a Teacher with WKU's Office of Professional Educator Services

The Office of Professional Educator Services empowers tomorrow’s teachers by providing expert guidance through hands-on experience, student teaching, and certification, so every student can thrive.

Your Path to Becoming a Teacher

A step-by-step guide for students in the Office of Professional Educator Services.

Step 1: Admission to Professional Education

This is your official entry into the teacher education program. It shows you have the academic foundation to become a successful educator.

Learn more about Teacher Admissions

Step 2: Gain Field Experience

Get 200 hours of hands-on experience in diverse K-12 classrooms. You'll observe, participate, and connect theory with practice.

Explore Field Experience opportunities

Step 3: Complete Student Teaching

Apply your skills during a full-semester, immersive experience. You'll work with a mentor teacher to plan lessons and manage a classroom.

Prepare for your Student Teaching semester

Step 4: Teacher Certification

After graduating, apply for your official state teaching license. Our office will guide you through the final process and exams.

Get started on Teacher Certification

Hilltopper Stories

Dive into the vibrant experiences and inspiring journeys of our Hilltopper community through firsthand accounts and testimonials, showcasing the unparalleled student life and success stories.

Mikayla Gambrel

Mikayla Gambrel

"I want to be a teacher because teaching is a wonderful way to make an impact on children, and I hope to be that positive influence our next generation needs. I chose ELA because reading and writing is a great way to understand the world and let the world understand you, and I want to share my love for literature with students."

Jayla Sharp

"I want to be a teacher because I find so much joy in building meaningful relationships with students from so many different backgrounds. I want to help all students that I come across grow academically and personally in an environment that is comfortable and safe, so that these students feel supported and loved. My goal is to make a lasting positive impact on so many young lives."

Jayla Sharp

THE OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR SERVICES

Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1092

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030


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 Last Modified 10/23/25