Lutheran Strand for pre-service teachers
ALC does not offer a full teacher education program. However, if you are studying to become a teacher, or intending to do so, ALC offers the opportunity to complete many of the requirements needed for accreditation as a teacher in a Lutheran school in the form of units or topics that you may be able to cross-credit into your Bachelor of Education. This program is called the Lutheran Strand.
The Lutheran Strand program helps to prepare teachers for their role teaching Christian Studies in schools and Early Childhood Services. It provides a valued addition to initial teaching studies which is highly regarded by those who employ teachers in Lutheran and other Christian schools.
Course snapshot available here.
Required components
Both a study component and a practical component make up the Lutheran Strand.
Study
The semester-length units of study increase biblical and theological understanding, knowledge of the ethos and nature of Lutheran schools and capacity to teach Christian Studies. Lutheran Strand units are fully online although students benefit enormously from attending intensives and most choose to do so.
We suggest you discuss how you might cross-credit ALC units into your university degree with your home university course co-ordinator. Units are eligible for FEE-HELP.
Study requirements for undergraduate students
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Education complete the study requirements of the Lutheran Strand via the Diploma in Theology award. Students may also undertake single units from this award if they wish to fill an elective space in their initial teacher qualification.
The standard bachelor level units of study of the Lutheran Strand are:
- BA1001L Old Testament Introduction or BN1002L New Testament Introduction
- CT1002L The Christian Faith
- DE2007L Principles and Context of Lutheran Schooling
- DE3012L The Practice of Lutheran Education
Students generally study these units in the order listed at the rate of one per year, although this can vary depending on the course structure at the home university. Where the home university allows you to cross-credit ALC units, there may be designated elective or general study spaces in the university program.
The last unit, DE3012L The Practice of Lutheran Education, is generally taken in the final year of study. Students’ final professional experience placement occurs in a Lutheran school. Where possible, all Lutheran Strand students are expected to teach Christian Studies as part of this placement.
For further information see the Lutheran Strand undergraduate program FAQ or email us at enquiries@alc.edu.au.
Study requirements for postgraduate students
Students enrolled in a Master of Teaching complete the study requirements of the Lutheran Strand via the award Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education. Students may also undertake single units from this award if they wish to fill an elective space in their initial teacher qualification.
It is expected that Lutheran Strand students will complete their final professional experience placement in a Lutheran school and that they will teach Christian Studies during this placement.
For further information see the Lutheran Strand postgraduate program FAQ or email us at enquiries@alc.edu.au.
Professional experience
Lutheran Strand students generally complete their final professional experience placement in a Lutheran school so they can experience the culture of a Lutheran school, participate in the school worship life and, where possible, teach Christian Studies. Students need to negotiate this with their university’s placement office, though ALC staff can assist if requested.
Accreditation
The Board for Lutheran Education Australia (BLEA) is responsible for accrediting teachers in Lutheran schools. ALC works closely with the BLEA to ensure that our units contribute towards accreditation requirements.
The remainder of the process to be accredited as a teacher of Christian Studies in a Lutheran school or Early Childhood Service generally takes place during the first two years of teaching. This is in the form of a professional development program called Connect. The assessment for this program is undertaken by means of a portfolio of evidence relating to the teaching of Christian Studies. Successful completion of this program will also gain some credit towards further study should you wish.
