• Provide a culturally responsive education for SEAT students training to become classroom teachers. Concordia faculty will use curricular and delivery options that meet the needs of minority students, particularly those of Southeast Asian background.
• Provide half of student's tuition, a voucher to purchase textbooks from the Concordia University, St. Paul Bookstore, and the use of a laptop.
• Provide the academic and academic cultural support for students to be successful in the program.
• Assist students in preparing for the Pre-Professional Skills Test.
• Provide training, mentoring and support for students in making the shift from paraprofessional or unlicensed teacher to teacher.
• Provide mentoring for SEAT graduates who are first-year teachers through the Circle of Support Program Mentoring Program.
• Work with the school districts to recruit students and to assist in hiring and placement of SEAT graduates as classroom teachers.
• Provide opportunities for the university community to improve the multicultural environment and teaching through events focused at cross-cultural communication.
• Enable students to be involved in service learning and leadership roles in the Concordia community.

Individuals interested in the Southeast Asian Teacher Licensure Program must be admitted as a student at Concordia University. Class rank, ACT scores and Grade Point Average (GPA) will be reviewed according to University procedure.

To be considered for SEAT, the applicant must:

• Be currently employed as a paraprofessional or non-licensed teacher in a Minnesota School District.
• Be able to successfully complete 12 credits each semester
• Submit two letters of recommendation: 1) from the principal in the school where currently employed; and 2) from the teacher/mentor with whom they work
• Provide transcripts of college courses previously taken (individuals with a significant number of previous college credits will be given priority consideration.)
• Review of other applicants will be made for possible admittance.

Once admitted to SEAT, the cohort participant will: 

• Meet with an interview team to determine if further assessment is needed in oral or written communication skills
• Meet with the program coordinator or designee to establish an Academic Plan. 

The plan will include an individualized course of study for the participant. General education courses, professional education classes, field experiences, program seminars and intensive instruction in oral and written communication skills as well as support service for making progress toward meeting licensure requirements will be discussed. Training on a laptop computer will be designed to facilitate electronic journaling, email and related technical skills.

The mentor teacher/supervisor and principal at the school where the student is employed will be involved in the assessment of academic, professional and personal skills.

Southeast Asian Teacher (SEAT) Licensure Program Application (PDF)

Submit completed applications to Concordia University:

by mail:
Concordia University, St. Paul 
Office of Admissions
275 Syndicate Street North 
St. Paul, MN 55104

by email: admissions@csp.edu

by fax: 651-603-6320

As part of your application, you will need to submit a letter of recommendation from both a teacher/mentor and your principal. Please print the below forms and return the completed recommendations with your application for admission.

• Principal Letter of Recommendation (PDF)
• Teacher/Mentor Letter of Recommendation (PDF)