Education is a calling — and teaching is a vital ministry of service to children, their families, and our communities.
Teachers and Educators as Servant Leaders
Schools across Mississippi and around the country need caring teachers and administrators who value competence and character.
Answer that call at Belhaven University. Your degree in education will open doors. Our programs emphasize academic rigor, professional knowledge, character development, and leadership opportunities.
You’ll transform lives as you apply the integration of faith and learning based on biblical principles.
High Demand
The need for competent, inspiring teachers has never been greater. Let Belhaven professors guide and encourage your growth as an educator.
Leadership Growth
Belhaven classes give you the space and the challenge to grow as a leader. Expand your expertise and advance your career with a graduate degree.
Unmatched Expertise
Our highly qualified faculty members all hold doctorates in education and have many years of experience in K-12 classrooms. Learn from those who know, believe, and do.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
Making an Impact on Education in MS and Beyond
Undergraduate Programs: Learning to Teach, Teaching to Serve
Graduate Programs: Learning to Lead, Leading to Serve
"The small class sizes here at Belhaven really let us get more hands-on experience, which makes the teacher prep classes super fun. Having a smaller student-to-teacher ratio also means we get to know each other better and build a real connection with our professors. As teacher candidates, we all feel really supported and cared for by our professors."
"Because of my degree from Belhaven, I will be well equipped to enter the teaching field. I will have the tools necessary to become an effective teacher, and the foundation needed to live a life that glorifies Christ."
"I have always wanted to be an elementary school teacher for as long as I can remember. I have also had a passion to work for inner-city and underprivileged students. Belhaven has enabled me with the confidence, knowledge, resources and passion that I need to succeed."
"Belhaven has everything to offer. As a student-athlete, I needed a college with a strong academic and athletic program. The opportunities are endless at Belhaven, and I have grown spiritually during my time here. My relationship with Christ has meant more to me than ever before."
"I came to Belhaven because I had several friends who attended here and spoke highly of their experience. The smaller class sizes has been a great fit for my personality and learning style. The School of Education has prepared me to be a mentor as well as an educator."
"Teaching has always been a passion of mine. Belhaven helped me gain teacher certification through its Master of Arts in Teaching program and I was recently named Teacher of the Month in my very first year of teaching."
"When I think of the Belhaven School of Education, the professors will be the first thing that comes to mind. They are some of the most dedicated people I have ever met, and their care for the teacher candidates shines through everything that they do. I greatly value the education I receive here at the University because I know that I am surrounded by people who are striving to help me become the best person and future teacher I can be."
"I appreciate how our professors teach from a Christian worldview. Whether weaving Scripture into the course content, asking how they can pray for us, or showing grace in difficult times, my professors here have shown me what it looks like to be a Christian educator."
"Belhaven is helping me fulfill a dream of becoming a teacher. There is not a doubt in my mind that God brought me to Belhaven for a reason. I have loved meeting people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and how close I have become to my classmates and teammates on the softball team."
"I chose Belhaven to increase my knowledge of curriculum and instruction in the teaching field. I asked my friends with master’s degrees what they thought about local programs, and I heard overwhelmingly positive feedback about Belhaven. The Belhaven staff is extremely supportive and gives you many ways to get in touch with them."
"Belhaven University has a warm and inviting atmosphere. During my first visit to the School of Education, I was impressed by the welcoming environment. Belhaven's commitment to centering everything on Christ, imparting that knowledge, and incorporating a Christian worldview into every aspect of life is truly remarkable."
"My experience at Belhaven University has been truly remarkable. The dedicated professors at this Christian institution have been instrumental in guiding me through my transition from community college. Belhaven's School of Education has put in significant effort to equip me for my future career as a professional educator."
"Belhaven has been a wonderful experience. My professors have always gone above and beyond to help me when needed. The Christian emphasis that is placed on the curriculum and in each class has been an amazing experience that comes with being at Belhaven."
“My journey at Belhaven University taught me that with God's guidance and discipline, I can achieve anything. Completing my master's in teaching was a test of dedication, but the support of my professors and the Christian environment strengthened my faith. Balancing teaching, online school, and life itself was tough, but I've learned that perseverance leads to growth. This journey has been a testament to resilience and support.”
"I chose to attend Belhaven because of the reputation they have of wanting their students to excel academically, professionally and spiritually."
“My experience at Belhaven has truly been life changing. Throughout my four years, I have been blessed with supportive, passionate, and dedicated professors who have provided me with the tools and resources to excel academically and have also encouraged me in my spiritual walk with the Lord. My time at Belhaven has taught me that if I wholeheartedly trust in the Lord with my future and live a life of surrender to His will, He will grant me far more than what I can imagine.”
"It has always been a goal of mine to get a Master's degree. My experience at Belhaven has been wonderful. I would recommend anyone interested in pursuing a college degree to consider Belhaven."
“My professors were incredibly supportive and always available to help with any challenges I encountered. I was so pleased with my experience that I decided to further my education by pursuing another master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Without a doubt, I can say that Belhaven University stands out as one of the top online institutions in the state.”
“This is an exciting time in the academic life of Belhaven University.”
8
Degrees Offered
1600+
Students Enrolled
142
Years of Education Expertise
“Administrators throughout the state routinely call our department requesting that we post their job announcements.”
Top Honors
Colleges of Distinction (COD) has awarded top honors to Belhaven University’s School of Education for its quality programs and focus on student success.
Following a comprehensive vetting process, schools are selected based on accreditation, quality of programs, multidisciplinary exposure, practical experience, high-impact practices, networking, and a track record for success.
School of Education Information
The goal of the School of Education is to prepare competent teachers, administrators, and other educational leaders who can demonstrate academic excellence, professional dispositions, and in-depth knowledge and skills based on best practices while providing distinctive Christian leadership and service to those they will serve in the learning community.
Our six core values are grounded in our Christian worldview:
- Knowledge of Content
- Professional Growth
- Assessment
- Instructional Methods
- Learning Environments
- Professional Disposition
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.
The School of Education is approved by the Mississippi Board of Education to offer teacher education programs. The programs are reviewed annually by the State Department of Education (MDE) to ensure state standards are met in accordance with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and MDE State Partnership protocol for continuing accreditation.
The School of Education is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), having received full accreditation in Fall 2023 for all initial teacher educator licensure and advanced administrator licensure programs.
The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) requires annual reporting of four accountability metrics by the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP-School of Education). These metrics showcase the accountability and performance of both the Initial Traditional Teacher Licensure and the Initial Master of Arts in Teaching Alternate Route Licensure programs, as well as the Advanced-Graduate School Leadership and Administration Licensure program.
Belhaven University School of Education CAEP Accountability Measures Report 2024
The Belhaven School of Education, serving as the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP), is grounded in a conceptual framework integrated throughout our undergraduate and graduate educator preparation programs.
This framework is the result of collaborative efforts between the faculty, administration, partner schools, and professional education community to reflect the knowledge base, current research, best practices, and state and national standards.
The Belhaven University Educator Licensure Preparation Programs are in compliance with Federal Regulations: 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) and 34 CFR 668.43 (c), requiring disclosures by institutions regarding educational requirements for programs leading to professional licensure or certification regardless of modality. The Belhaven University School of Education has made a determination as to whether Belhaven’s Educator Preparation Programs and curriculum meet other state educational requirements for educator licensure other than those educator licensure programs approved by the state of Mississippi. Please review the state-specific public licensure disclosure located at School of ED Licensure Disclosure. All of the Belhaven University School of Education educator preparation degree programs leading to educator licensure have been approved by the Mississippi Department of Education. The Belhaven University School of Education’s Educator Preparation Licensure Programs do not automatically qualify candidates for an educator licensure, certification upgrade, endorsement, or pay increase within their state of residence or state of their employment. For individuals seeking clarity on whether the teacher educator programs offered by the Belhaven University School of Education align with licensure requirements in their potential employment or licensure state, the following resources can assist in locating the appropriate state agency responsible for licensure: Teaching Certification Website or the Professional Licensure Directory. Additional licensure information can be found at School of ED Licensure Disclosure.
Teaching Certification Website
Professional Licensure Directory
Quote from the Dean
"At its core, the Christian Worldview infused into all coursework is what sets our department’s future teachers and educators apart from other universities.”
Education News
Meet Our Faculty
Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Program
Tammie Brown
Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Program
Assistant Professor of Education
Stacey Donaldson
Assistant Professor of Education
Associate Professor of Graduate Education and Director of ED Doctoral Studies
Tracey Gregory
Associate Professor of Graduate Education and Director of ED Doctoral Studies
Dean of the School of Education
David Hand
Dean of the School of Education
Professor of Education; Director of the Master of Arts in Education Program
Rebekah Mincey
Professor of Education; Director of the Master of Arts in Education Program
Associate Professor of Education/ Chair of Graduate Education
Mariella Simons
Associate Professor of Education/ Chair of Graduate Education
Assistant Professor of Education
Brittany Singleton
Assistant Professor of Education
Assistant Professor of Education and Undergraduate Education Chair
Tammy Smith
Assistant Professor of Education and Undergraduate Education Chair
Dean of Online Studies and Professor of Education
Cynthia Wilkins
Dean of Online Studies and Professor of Education
Assistant Professor; Dean of Doctoral Studies
James Young
Assistant Professor; Dean of Doctoral Studies
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5