Butler University’s College of Education has added three new minors that are available to students now.

The minors are mild intervention, English as a new language and reading teacher.

An early childhood minor is still in the works. It is waiting  for state approval after being sent through Butler’s approval process.

The reading teacher minor is for future classroom teachers who want additional classes to helpthem teach their students to become avid readers at any age.

After taking these classes,  Butler students can be qualified to take an external exam and receive an additional teaching license in the area of reading.

The English as a new language minor is in high demand because of the increase of students who speak a language other than English.

Rising expectations that young children experience a meaningful and effective early childhood have given a rise in demand for students with this minor. College of Education students already have the option to focus on  elementary education, but this specialized training can help them benefit the children.

State transitioning to a new licensure pattern requires elementary education majors have a minor. These new minors fulfill this requirement, though they are not limited to only elementary education majors.

“Even though the state has initiated this, it’s still important that we provide this for our students because it just makes them more marketable,” said Debra Lecklider, College of Education associate dean.

Lecklider said students leave Butler with so many opportunities. Many elementary education majors have two or even three minors. She said when employers see this, they are amazed.

“It’s just incredible for our (job) placement rate,” Lecklider said.

Senior Shelbi Burnett is a middle / secondary education major and also has a minor in mild intervention.

Burnett said the mild intervention minor will give her significantly more skills in planning for her classroom, working with students with those kinds of needs and being able to design assessments for them.

“That’s not a skill that everyone who graduates from a college of ed leaves with, from any college of education,” Burnett said. “But those are necessary skills that make a good teacher.”

Sue Stahl, student personnel services director, said the students she sees in the minors are passionate about teaching, education and the fact that all students can learn.

“These minors,” Stahl said, “support it and ignite it.”