Education Studies – Culture, Context, and Policy Concentration

Shaping education beyond the traditional classroom

Education Studies - Culture, Context, and Policy Concentration major

Interested in making an impact in education and beyond the traditional classroom? At Simpson, our Education Studies – Culture, Context, and Policy Concentration combines a strong liberal arts foundation with an understanding of the content, contexts, and policies that shape education. This non-licensure concentration prepares you for a wide range of education-related careers and provides a strong foundation for graduate study. With close faculty mentorship and a focus on reflective, inclusive, and socially responsible practice, you’ll graduate prepared to pursue your goals. Simpson’s education programs have also been recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for building the next generation of exceptional teachers.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success while gaining hands-on experience through practicum, classroom observations, tutoring, and opportunities to practice teaching in classroom settings. These experiences help you connect theory to practice, develop your communication and critical-thinking skills, and better understand the diverse settings in which education takes place. You’ll build the knowledge, experience, and perspective needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners and communities.

View major course requirements

Why Simpson College for Teacher Education?

A Team-Based Approach To Teacher Education

Education Studies Majors with a Culture, Context, and Policy Concentration are encouraged to double major in another discipline. They will work with an education advisor to tailor the Education Studies Major to their unique interests.

The Simpson College Teacher Education Program nurtures empowered educational leaders who think critically, reflectively, and creatively, compassionately practice inclusive, equitable, and transformative education, and are continuously engaged in professional growth to build a socially just and enlightened society. Simpson College prepares students to serve in public and accredited private schools at all levels and in many endorsement areas.

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

Ankeny Community School District
Carlisle Community School District
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
Des Moines Public Schools
Indianola Community School District
Johnston Community School District
Keokuk Community School District
Pleasantville Community School District

Celebrated by the Iowa Department of Education

Simpson College’s educator preparation program was recently featured by the Iowa Department of Education for its work preparing the next generation of exceptional teachers. The feature highlights Simpson’s hands-on approach to educator preparation, including classroom observations, tutoring, practicums, mentoring, and opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings.

At Simpson, we’re committed to preparing educators who are confident, knowledgeable, and ready to make a difference from their very first day in the classroom.

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

Education Club

The purpose of the Education Club is to provide education majors with a chance to learn more about the field that they have chosen for their career. The Education Club has many events throughout the school year. We have speakers come in to talk to the members about various topics dealing with education. The goal of the Education Club is to create a safe and fun environment for education majors, minors, and others interested in becoming a part of it in order to grow, develop, and learn more about education, as well as provide outreach opportunities and workshops to better prepare education students for the real world. The purpose of this organization is consistent with the mission of Simpson College.