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Southeast Asian Teacher Licensure Program

Southeast Asian Teacher Licensure Program – SEAT

The Southeast Asian Teacher (SEAT) Program at Concordia University, St. Paul has enabled students of color with financial needs the opportunity to pursue and complete their teacher licensure for over 20 years. The program is open to persons of color looking to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in teaching.

Qualified applicants should be a Minnesota resident seeking an advanced degree with financial need.

About the SEAT Program

  • The program began in 1998 when the Minnesota State Licensure appropriated funds to assist in the preparing of under-represented populations, with a focus on Southeast Asians. The initiative was prompted by the scarcity of fully licensed Southeast Asian educators in Minnesota schools and the program has grown to prepare teachers to work in urban and urban-like settings, and has retained its initial name while welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

    It provides academic and personal advising, tutoring, evening classes, technical assistance, books, and financial support for students whose faces reflect those of the diverse students in urban and urban-like schools. As a public-private partnership between the state and the university, SEAT provides an investment in each student’s future, expanding their potential, skills, talents and intellect while providing them with a circle of support from entrance to the program through their first years of teaching. All requirements of the university general education and education major must be met.

    • Provide a culturally responsive education for students seeking 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 up to half of student’s tuition and a voucher to purchase textbooks from the Concordia University, St. Paul Bookstore.
    • Provide the academic and academic cultural support for students to be successful in the program.
    • Assist students in preparing for required licensure tests.
    • 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.

SEAT Qualification Requirements

1. Must be admitted to Concordia University
2. Must be a Minnesota resident
3. Must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
4. Must complete the SEAT application requirements

After you are accepted to the University, you may apply to the SEAT program.

Questions?

Contact Lonn Maly: [email protected] or 651-641-8203.

SEAT Application Requirements

  • Your first step is to complete the admissions process and be accepted to Concordia University. Once you have been accepted, you will then apply for Financial Aid and to the SEAT program.

    Qualifying programs:

    • Traditional undergraduate education programs seeking licensure
    • Online graduate students seeking the Master of Arts in Teaching program seeking K-6 licensure
  • Upon acceptance to CSP, your admissions counselor will provide you a link to the SEAT program application.

  • Applicants will be contacted for an interview with the SEAT Program Director for consideration of admittance.

Admitted SEAT Students

Once admitted to the SEAT program, you must:

  • Meet regularly with an Academic Advisor to ensure academic success
  • Maintain regular communication with the Director of the SEAT program
    • The Director of SEAT will provide opportunities for additional co-curricular activities on and off campus to build teaching skills and enhance your classroom learning. It will be important to take advantage of these opportunities when possible.