Teacher Education Degree Programs
Join the profession that helps children realize their potential!
Join the profession that helps children realize their potential!
At Madonna University, we believe teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling to ignite curiosity, foster growth, and empower the next generation. Our Teacher Education Program is designed for passionate individuals ready to make a meaningful difference in classrooms, communities, and beyond.
Rooted in a commitment to excellence, our program blends rigorous academic preparation with hands-on, real-world experience. Whether you envision yourself leading a vibrant elementary classroom, guiding adolescents through pivotal learning moments, or specializing in critical areas like special education or STEM, we equip you with the tools to thrive in any educational setting.
Our faculty—experienced educators and mentors—are dedicated to nurturing your unique strengths while challenging you to think creatively, act compassionately, and adapt to the evolving needs of today’s learners. Through immersive field placements, partnerships with local and national schools, and a curriculum built on innovation and inclusivity, you’ll graduate ready to meet students where they are and elevate their potential.
Join a community of future educators who share your dedication to equity, service, and lifelong learning. At Madonna, we don’t just prepare teachers—we cultivate leaders who transform lives, one lesson at a time.
Madonna University's College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Vacancies: Michigan has experienced a high number of unfilled teaching positions and a significant number of teacher vacancies.
Subject Areas and Regions Affected: STEM, Special Education, and other specialized fields face a particular shortage of teachers. Districts, especially in rural and underserved areas, often struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers.
State and District Responses: The state and local districts in Michigan have been working to implement various strategies to recruit new teachers, including offering signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and other incentives. Efforts are being made to improve working conditions, provide increased professional development opportunities, and offer support to help retain existing teachers.
Progress Towards Returning to Pre-Pandemic School Staffing Levels: According to the USED report, for the period of May 2019 - May 2022, Michigan's job recovery in education was the second highest in the nation. Michigan experienced a one-half pecent increase, one of only three states nationally to have a small increase in education staffing during this period.
Improving Teacher Compensation: Michigan's Fiscal Year 2023-24 state School Aid budget signed by Governor Whitmer included a record $9,608 per pupil foundation allowance, with big increases for economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and English learners, as well as $63.8 million for the upcoming school year for local school districts to use to directly increase educator compensations.
MI Future Educator Fellowship: The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers a $10,000 scholarship to up to 2,500 future educators every year who are admitted and enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
Invested in local Michigan school districts to directly increase educator compensation
Madonna University’s Teachers College played a foundational role in shaping me into the educator I am today. From the very beginning, I felt supported and challenged in the best possible ways. The program helped me grow not only academically but also personally and professionally. One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Madonna was the strong connections I formed with my professors. Every instructor I had went above and beyond to create engaging, meaningful lessons that modeled the kind of teaching they wanted us to bring into our own classrooms. They were more than just educators — they were mentors who genuinely cared about our growth.
Another highlight of my experience at Madonna was the wide variety of practicum opportunities we were given. I had the chance to work in several different classrooms ranging from first grade to middle school, and each one offered something new and meaningful. These experiences gave me a solid understanding of different age groups and teaching strategies. But by far, the most impactful part of my journey was my student teaching experience. I was incredibly fortunate to be placed with a cooperating teacher who was nothing short of incredible. Her classroom was a model of warmth, structure, and creativity. She quickly became one of my greatest role models, and I feel so lucky Madonna gave me the opportunity to work with someone so inspiring.
My student teaching experience was also made even more meaningful by the support of my university supervisor, who gave thoughtful feedback and constant encouragement. Between my cooperating teacher and university supervisor, I had a team that believed in me and helped me gain the confidence to lead a classroom of my own. Madonna gave me the hands-on experience and practical tools I needed to step into the classroom with confidence. From lesson planning to classroom management, I felt equipped to handle the challenges of teaching. I graduated feeling fully prepared, supported, and inspired to be the kind of teacher I always dreamed of becoming.
"The thing I found the most valuable from my education program was the several chances to go into classrooms to observe and practice teaching lessons prior to my student teaching. I feel like these opportunities gave me a chance to see how different teachers teach, and help me build confidence.
The biggest thing that helped prepare me for my future career was the student teaching experience! All the classes helped prepare me for the paperwork and planning side of teaching, but I gained so much valuable teaching experience during the student teaching program. Getting to practice teaching and the many responsibilities that go along with it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Student teaching was the biggest highlight for me. It was incredibly rewarding to see students grow and learn. Seeing students have an “Aha!” moment where everything clicked together was one of my favorite moments of my college experience at Madonna."
B.S. University of Michigan – Flint
M.S. Oakland University
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ph.D. Oakland University
734-432-5785, 2230D
Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University. Since joining Madonna University in 2017, she has held progressively advancing leadership roles, serving as Director of Early Childhood Education and Graduate Literacy Programs, Chair of Teacher Education, Interim Dean, and now Dean. Prior to higher education, she held leadership positions in K–12 education at both the school and central office levels. She earned a Ph.D. in Reading Education, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Administration, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University, along with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan–Flint. As Dean, Dr. Sharma provides strategic leadership for academic programs, accreditation, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and partnerships with schools, community organizations, and the Michigan Department of Education. Passionate about educational excellence, she is dedicated to preparing educators and leaders to meet the diverse needs of learners while advancing innovation, scholarship, and student success. Her scholarship and professional interests focus on literacy education, culturally responsive teaching, digital curation, the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, educational technology, and online pedagogy. Most recently, she has led college-wide initiatives and professional learning on the effective and ethical integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, collaborating with faculty and stakeholder committees to promote responsible, innovative educational practices. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Sharma has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, including The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Reading Horizons, and Journal of Media Literacy Education. She has also contributed to national literacy reform initiatives through the International Literacy Association and has served in leadership roles with the Michigan Reading Association, including President, advancing literacy education at the state and national levels.
Director of Student Teaching and MSTEL Program, Assistant Professor
B.S. Northern Michigan University
M.A. Eastern Michigan University
Ed. S. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University
734-432-5334, Room 2230F
Dr. Les Sharon is the Director of Student Teaching and Program Director of the Master of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership at Madonna University. After serving as an adjunct professor, he joined the University full-time as an assistant professor. With more than 33 years of experience in K–12 education, Dr. Sharon has served as a special education teacher, general education teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, building principal, and district curriculum leader. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and holds endorsements in elementary and secondary administration, elementary education, and special education, including Cognitively Impaired and Learning Disabilities. His expertise spans instructional leadership, curriculum development, assessment, and educator preparation, equipping future teachers and educational leaders with practical, evidence-based strategies to improve teaching, learning, and student achievement. Dr. Sharon's research examines the role of status functions and language in curriculum implementation and effective school leadership. He also collaborates internationally with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and Xi'an University to provide professional learning opportunities for school leaders and educators throughout China.
Director of Assessment and ASD Program, Assistant Professor
B.S. Central Michigan University
M.A. University of St. Joseph
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ed.D. Michigan State University
734-432-5651, 2230H
Dr. Anne-Marie Sladewski is the Program Director for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program and Director of Assessment. She is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Madonna University, where she joined the full-time faculty in 2023. She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Teachers of the Emotionally Impaired, Elementary Education, and Music Education. With years of educational leadership experience, Dr. Sladewski has served as an interim superintendent, executive director of special education, principal, assistant principal, and university faculty member. Her expertise spans special education, educational leadership, educator preparation, and preparing future educators and school leaders through practical, evidence-based strategies that promote excellence and inclusive learning environments. Her research interest includes collective responsibility of educational partnerships and improved learner outcomes.
CF and ECE Program Director, Assistant Professor
B.A. University of Michigan - Dearborn
M.Ed. University of Michigan - Dearborn
Ph.D. Oakland University
Dr. Anne Donato is the Program Director for the Early Childhood Education Program. After serving as an adjunct professor for a decade, she joined the University as an assistant professor in 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and holds a Michigan ZA Early Childhood Endorsement, Central Office Administration Certification, and a master's degree in Special Education with a Learning Disabilities endorsement. With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and special education, she has served as a teacher, special education director, university faculty member, and educational leader. Her expertise includes early childhood development, literacy, inclusive education, teacher preparation, and professional learning. Dr. Donato is passionate about preparing future educators to create engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning environments that support the success of every child. Her research and professional interests focus on early childhood literacy, differentiated instruction, inclusive educational practices, teacher preparation, and professional learning that advances equitable outcomes for young learners. Her work also includes curriculum development, educational leadership, and collaborative partnerships at the state, national, and international levels.
B.S. Wayne State University
M.A. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Wayne State University
734-432-5648
Dr. Karen L. Obsniuk is Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University. Since joining the University in 1996, she has served in a variety of leadership and faculty roles, including Dean, professor, and adjunct faculty member. Prior to her career in higher education, she served as both a teacher and school administrator in K–12 education. She earned her Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision, with a cognate in Curriculum, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English Literature, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English, all from Wayne State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Obsniuk has taught courses in educational practice and action research. Her scholarship and professional interests focus on educational change, K–12 student behavior, literacy intervention for at-risk students, teacher quality of work life, and action research. Her research has employed mixed methods to examine educational practices involving pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, and English learners. As Professor Emeritus, Dr. Obsniuk remains actively engaged with the College through her service on the Teacher Education Committee while continuing to advance educator preparation, educational leadership, and school improvement through leadership on state and local educational committees and boards.
