Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development
Inspiring educators and advancing the future of teaching.
At the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development, preparing teachers means more than meeting certification requirements. It means equipping future educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to inspire meaningful learning—from their first day in the classroom to their leadership in shaping the future of education.
An integrated approach to teacher preparation
Albion College’s Teacher Education Program integrates academic study with deep exploration of pedagogical practices, standards, and conditions for learning. Teacher candidates identify connections between theory and practice, develop respectful relationships with a wide range of people who are involved in public education, and practice reflection with purpose. Graduates enter the profession ready to teach—and ready to keep learning.
How the Shurmur Center supports Albion College's teacher candidates
Students do not apply to or enroll in the Shurmur Center. Instead, the Center enhances the experience of teacher candidates already admitted to Albion’s Teacher Education Program. It supplements the professional preparation by providing resources to engage with:
- Distinguished guest speakers in education
- Co-curricular and professional development programming
- Mentorship and guided reflection throughout the preparation journey
- Research or study abroad
- Professional development at conferences or workshops
Providing meaningful partnerships and real-world experience
Through close collaboration with district administrators, school principals, classroom teachers, and the local community, teacher candidates build confidence to serve K-12 children and youth and their families because they are placed in a variety of community and school contexts across the teacher education program.
A commitment to excellence and equity
The Fritz Shurmur Center strengthens Albion’s longstanding dedication to preparing educators who make a difference. National recognition for the Center’s work reflects clear commitment to academic excellence, educational equity, and innovation in teacher preparation. The aim is for every graduate to begin their first year teaching ready to collaborate with colleagues, develop as a professional, communicate with families, and respond to children and youth.
Maemester
The Maemester Boundary Crossing experience allows Albion College education students a unique hands-on opportunity to live the day of a teacher.
During the spring term, junior-year students, all of whom have been admitted into the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development, teach their units over a three-week Maemester period.
Students plan experiential learning and gain experience creating a budget for materials. Students are able to apply theory, research, and pedagogical knowledge that they learned during their seminar to the real world.
MaemesterApply to Albion College
Ready to begin your career as an educator? The first step is applying to Albion College.
Albion College’s teacher education program offerings lead to eligibility for teacher certification in elementary, secondary, and PK-12 education and are authorized by the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Educator Excellence and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).