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Approximately 75 percent of faculty positions in the United States are at institutions where the importance of teaching and professional service is equal to or greater than the emphasis on research. The Minor in College Teaching (MICT), available to all MU graduate degree-seeking students, demonstrates your preparation as an effective teacher to potential employers.

Why Choose the MICT?

  • Practical Experience: Gain hands-on teaching experience through a mentored practicum.
  • Expanded Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of learning, pedagogy, and curriculum design.
  • Professional Development: Reflect on your teaching philosophy and develop a professional teaching portfolio.
  • Career Opportunities: Broaden your job prospects in academia and other teaching-focused careers.

Program Requirements

  1. Course Completion: Complete one core course and 3–6 credit hours of elective courses.
  2. Teaching Practicum: Participate in a practicum, either embedded in a course or arranged as a standalone experience.
  3. Teaching Portfolio: Develop and submit a teaching portfolio showcasing your teaching work.
  4. Meeting with MICT Program Coordinator: Meet with the MICT Program coordinator to review your progress and finalize requirements.

Steps to Completion

Plan and Complete Coursework

Work with your advisor to fulfill the course requirements and submit a Graduate Minor Plan of Study.

  • Complete one core course (choose one).
  • 3–6 credit hours of elective courses (which may include the teaching practicum).
View MICT Core & Elective Course Options.

Fulfill the Teaching Practicum

Practicum Structure

The practicum must be completed under the supervision of a faculty member at MU and can follow one of the following structures:

  1. Faculty-Led Course:
    • The faculty member serves as the instructor of record, and the practicum student teaches specific sections or units of the course.
    • The faculty member provides mentorship, guidance, and feedback on teaching responsibilities.
  2. Student-Led Course:
    • The practicum student is the primary instructor for the course, responsible for all aspects of course delivery.
    • The supervising faculty member offers mentorship, oversight, and feedback throughout the practicum experience.

In either case, students must document evidence of in-class instruction and supervisory and reflective experiences. The practicum experience must meet MU’s academic standards for graduate credit. Students should consult the MICT coordinator before starting their practicum to ensure alignment with program requirements.

Students may also enroll in an approved practicum course to fulfill Minor in College Teaching requirements. These courses count toward elective hours for the minor, but all practicum components must still be met. Refer to the MICT Core & Elective Course Options for a list of approved practicum courses.

Program Requirements

  1. Minimum Teaching Hours
    • Must include at least 15 hours of face-to-face
    • Hours should be structured to provide diverse teaching experiences.
    • Preparation hours are not included in the total.
  2. Teaching Observations:
    • The practicum student must be observed teaching at least two class sessions for classes with a minimum of five students.
    • Observations should be conducted by the faculty supervisor. If the supervisor is unavailable, another faculty member may conduct one or more observations.
View MICT Practicum Requirements.

Complete the Teaching Portfolio

As part of the practicum, students must develop a teaching portfolio that includes:

  • A description of the teaching practicum.
  • A teaching philosophy statement.
  • A copy of the course syllabus.
  • A sample lesson plan.
  • Examples of student work.
  • Evaluations by students of the practicum student’s teaching.
  • Pre-observation appraisal reports.
  • Supervisor/observer’s classroom observation reports.
  • A reflective journal documenting the practicum experience.
View MICT Teaching Portfolio Requirements.

Meet with the MICT Coordinator

After completing your teaching portfolio, email the MICT coordinator to schedule a meeting. Include the following in your email:

In the email, request an appointment to review your teaching portfolio and discuss your coursework and practicum experiences.

Note: Please allow at least two weeks between submitting your materials and your requested meeting date.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance, contact the MICT Program Coordinator:

Heather Hoffman, Ph.D.
Email: hoffmanh@missouri.edu
Office: 210 Jesse Hall
Phone: 573-882-8629