How to Join the Education Team

Thank you for taking the time to learn how you can inspire others and become a teacher in the Mid-America Union! Reports show that enrollment in some schools is higher than before the pandemic, but growth is hampered by a lack of certificated Adventist teachers. There are gaps both in the number of Adventist students becoming teachers, as well as teachers who are retiring or leaving the profession. This is a nationwide issue affecting all sectors of education. That’s why we are looking for people like you who are interested in working with youth and might feel a call to serve in the mission field of education. 

Please take a few moments to review some of the ways you can join the field, as well as some of the benefits provided from the Mid-America Union Office of Education. Further benefits and options are available through our six local conferences within the Midwest. 

May the Lord bless you as you prayerfully consider serving our students and families in this much needed area of youth ministry. 

How can you join the Adventist education system as a certificated teacher? There are four different ways  to get involved:

  • Apply for a Designated Subject Certificate: for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in one or more specific areas and who, by experience and training, can provide a valuable contribution to the education program.
  • Apply for a Conditional Teacher Certificate: for applicants who have a baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements for a Basic Teacher Certificate or required endorsement.
  • Apply for an Alternative Teacher Certificate: for teachers who already hold a state teaching certificate and did not complete a teacher education program in an Adventist college/university.
  • Apply to the Teacher Education Program at Union College.

Four Teacher Certification Options Explained:

Designated Subject Certificate (Secondary)

  1. Applicant must be recommended by the local conference Office of Education
  2. General eligibility requirements
    • Member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
    • Conduct (no felony convictions or no conduct—unethical or immoral—that would put children at risk)
  3. Provide verification of a high school diploma or highest degree earned
  4. Provide verification of success and recent experience in area named on the certificate, with a minimum of five years of experience
  5. Be currently teaching in a non-core subject area

Conditional Teaching Certificate

  1. General eligibility requirements
    • Member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
    • Conduct (no felony convictions or no conduct—unethical or immoral—that would put children at risk)
    • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (AAA or regional) college/university
  2. Working toward fulfilling the requirements for a Basic, Standard, or Professional Teaching Certificate and/or a specific endorsement
  3. Conditional Certificates are valid for one year. Renewal requires 6 semester/9 quarter credits of academic credit in areas needed toward fulfilling requirements for Basic, Standard, or Professional Teaching Certificate and/or a specific endorsement.

Alternative Teacher Certificate (Getting Adventist Certification)

  1. General eligibility requirements
    • Member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
    • Conduct (no felony convictions or no conduct—unethical or immoral—that would put children at risk)
    • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (AAA or regional) college/university
  2. Provide a copy of a current state teaching certificate in the level or subject area
  3. Complete the following courses (can be non-academic or academic)
    • Philosophy of Adventist Education
    • Adventist courses in Bible Doctrines, Spirit of Prophecy, Adventist Church History
    • Adventist Health Principles
    • Elementary Religion Methods, if applicable
  4. Complete the Application for Certification Form
  5. Submit official transcripts showing highest degree earned

Obtain a Degree in Education at Union College.

Continuing Education 

MAUC Will Pay for Continuing Education Courses

Free continuing education courses are offered during the summer at Union College and La Sierra University to assist individuals who are working with a Conditional Certificate or Standard Certificate. If you would prefer to attend another school, or another school’s schedule works better for you, the local conference will assist with that cost up to $1,431 per year for a maximum of 8 units of credit. The amount provided by each local conference may differ. 

MAUC Will Pay For Your Masters Through our Extended Campus Program

Mid-America Union and our local conferences will cover the cost of a master’s program in either Administration or Curriculum and Instruction. This can be achieved in five or six summers through a partnership with La Sierra University.

Professional Development

National Conference
The North American Division hosts an educator’s convention every five years. We cover all travel expenses and registration fees to attend the convention. This is offered to all full-time employees.

Secondary Teachers Annual Professional Development
We cover the cost of travel and the local school pays the registration to two yearly subject area conventions. These conventions usually cover two different content areas. The conventions take place over a weekend. Teachers join together for a Sabbath experience that may include attending worship service, lunch, afternoon activity, and meal. Then teachers attend the convention the rest of the time.

Elementary Teachers Annual Professional Development
Every year we sponsor 10 teachers to attend the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Convention (ASCD). We pay for the teachers’ travel expenses and the local conference pays the registration fee for a select number of elementary teachers to attend. Teachers join together for a Sabbath experience which may include a worship service, lunch, afternoon activity, and meal provided by the Mid-America Union.

Music Festival and Secondary Teacher Workshops
Every year Union College hosts a music festival focused on either band or choir. During this time Union College provides workshops for secondary teachers in a specific subject area. The school sends a sponsor who teaches the subject area workshop that is being provided that particular year. This also provides time for secondary and college professors to discover ways to collaborate and better prepare students for the rigor of college. The workshops are provided while students are practicing for the festival.

Competitive Health Benefits

Local conferences (the employer) provide competitive health and retirement benefits.

What is the Pay-range for Adventist teachers?

For those with no teaching certificate or a conditional teaching certificate the range is $33,523 – $49,432.

View Mid-America Union Adventist Education Job Opportunities.