Navigating the Path to Secondary Education: Degree Requirements and Beyond

Aspiring to shape the minds of young adults in grades 6-12? A career in secondary education offers a rewarding opportunity to mentor, advocate, and foster learning in an ever-changing classroom environment. But what are the specific degree requirements to embark on this journey? This article delves into the multifaceted requirements for obtaining a degree in secondary education, encompassing various pathways, program components, and essential skills.

Multiple Pathways to Secondary Education

Individuals interested in teaching at the secondary level have several pathways to choose from, each with unique features and requirements.

Dual Major Option

Designed for incoming freshmen or sophomores, the Dual Major option leads to a bachelor's degree with a major in an academic content area plus a second major in secondary education. This path ensures a strong foundation in the subject matter while providing specialized training in pedagogy and classroom management. All secondary majors are required to have an academic content major which satisfies the requirements of the academic department and meets the standards for teacher certification.

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Some institutions, like the University of Virginia (UVA), offer a specific B.S.Ed. program in secondary education. This program focuses on preparing teachers in various subject areas for teaching in middle schools and secondary schools (grades 7-12). Current UVA undergraduates interested in this major must apply to transfer to the School of Education and Human Development from the College of Arts and Sciences. Transfer students from other institutions should refer to the transfer student admission process to determine course requirements needed for your transfer application. This program does not accept applications from current high school students. For high school students interested in pursuing this major, application is first made for regular admission to UVA through the College of Arts and Sciences. Once at UVA, Students can then apply for transfer into this program in their first or second year of study. Explore the Undergraduate Admission page to explore the application process specific to your current academic level.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a content area, post-baccalaureate programs offer an accelerated route to teacher certification. These programs typically involve coursework in education theory and practice, as well as a supervised teaching experience.

Alternative Certification Programs

Some states offer alternative certification programs for individuals with relevant work experience or expertise in a particular subject. These programs often involve a combination of coursework, mentoring, and on-the-job training. Are you a working professional who’s ready to share your knowledge in the classroom? This two-year, state-approved, mostly online program is for students with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ work experience. In the second year of the program, you’ll work as a salaried teacher in a secondary Iowa classroom.

Core Components of a Secondary Education Degree

Regardless of the chosen pathway, a degree in secondary education typically includes the following core components:

Content Studies

Students entering the program must take courses to meet specific content studies requirements. A strong foundation in the subject matter is crucial for effective teaching. Undergraduates admitted to the secondary program in science education must complete a major in their area of specialization. Candidates should consult the respective departments for requirements.

Pre-Professional and Professional Coursework

Secondary education programs include both pre-professional and professional education course work. Placement in courses is determined by admission to the Teacher Education Professional Program. Before undergraduates may enroll in courses identified as part of the professional sequence, they must complete the selective admissions requirements and be fully admitted to the College of Education's Teacher Education program. Admission procedures and criteria are explained in the College of Education entry. Teacher candidates will not be permitted to enroll in professional sequence courses - including the yearlong internship - prior to completion of the selective admissions requirements and full admission to the College of Education.

Methodology Courses

These courses provide specialized training in teaching methods specific to the chosen subject area. For example, aspiring English teachers might take courses in teaching writing, literature, and media literacy.

Field Experiences

Practical experience in real classroom settings is an integral part of secondary education programs. Program OverviewAs a part of Secondary Education expectations, students are required to spend time viewing and analyzing the teaching and learning process that takes place in schools from freshman year through program completion. This also includes observations and assisting teachers in classrooms as well as implementation of student-designed plans in authentic classroom settings.These experiences may include observations, assisting teachers, and implementing student-designed lesson plans. At Penn State, immersive, in-school experiences are never separated from learning on the university campus. Meaningful partnerships with local school districts enable students to spend time teaching in classrooms right away and throughout the school year rather than waiting for limited field experience at the end of a program.

Internship

The culminating experience of the program is the yearlong internship, which takes place in a public Collaborating School (i.e., partner school, PDS - Professional Development School). Also known as “student teaching,” students are placed in a new classroom. Students attend during contract hours every day from the first week of January to the end of April.

Essential Skills and Dispositions

Beyond academic coursework, a successful secondary education teacher needs a range of essential skills and dispositions.

Subject Matter Expertise

Secondary Education teacher candidates have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that they teach as described in professional (e.g., National Council of Teachers of English - NCTE, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - NCTM, etc.); state (MSDE); and, institutional standards.

Instructional Planning and Delivery

Secondary Education teacher candidates can effectively plan classroom-based instruction or activities for their roles as teachers. Candidates' knowledge, skills, and dispositions are applied effectively in practice.

Read also: Exploring Seminary Education

Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making

Secondary Education teacher candidates practice evidence-based decision-making through the use of assessment as well as the critical interpretation of research and inquiry in order to improve educational practice. They accurately assess and analyze student learning, make appropriate adjustments to instruction, monitor student learning, and have a positive effect on learning for all students.

Understanding of Learners and Their Contexts

Secondary Education teacher candidates demonstrate understanding of learners and their social and cultural contexts with a global perspective and intentional sensitivity to other cultures. They are able to work with students, families, and communities in ways that reflect the dispositions expected of professional educators as delineated in professional (e.g., NCTE, NCTM, etc.); state (MSDE); and, institutional standards.

Technology Integration

Secondary Education teacher candidates competently integrate technology in instruction to support student learning and develop data-driven solutions for instructional and school improvement. They demonstrate proficiency in each of the seven Maryland Teacher Technology Standards.

Program Examples

Multiple universities provide programs in secondary education. Here are a few examples:

Commonwealth University (CU)

CU’s degree program in Secondary Education leads to Pennsylvania certification to teach students in grades 7-12. The program culminates with a final year in which students will complete methodology and other pedagogical courses with embedded school experiences followed the next semester by the student teaching experience. Completion of the BSEd in Secondary Education degree at CU leads to your positive recommendation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education when you apply for certification to teach the concentration’s discipline. The Level I certificate qualifies you to teach that discipline in grades 7-12.

University of Northern Iowa (UNI)

At UNI you can:Earn a secondary education degree, which prepares you to teach in middle school through high school (grades 5 to 12). Add a middle level dual major to your elementary or secondary education major, which strengthens your preparation to teach those middle level grades (5-8) Complete teaching degrees in six specialty areas which lead to endorsement options within all levels (K-12). UNI offers more than 20 teaching majors that prepare you to teach at these levels.

University of Alabama

The programs in secondary education lead to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree and the Alabama Class B (grades 6-12) professional certificate in the areas of English language arts, foreign language education (French, German, Latin, and Spanish), mathematics, general science, and general social studies.

Specialization Areas

Within secondary education, teacher candidates can specialize in various subject areas, including:

English Education

The Bachelor of Science Program in English Education is designed to empower future educators with the study of language, literature, culture, and history. These educators will in turn impart their students with varying perspectives as they hone reading, writing, and comprehension skills.Completion of the English Education Program prepares teacher candidates to make effective, proactive and reflective contributions to public education at the secondary level.

Mathematics Education

The Mathematics Education Program is designed to learn and promote transferable problem-solving skills. Future Mathematics educators will develop creative ways to convey basic concepts such as counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing to their students while instilling a passion for math and its usefulness.Completion of the Mathematics Education Program prepares teacher candidates to make effective, proactive and reflective contributions to public education at the secondary level.

Science Education

Science preparation for the Degree in Secondary Education is designed to explore the relationships between the land, ocean, and atmosphere of Earth. These relationships include the cycles and systems that shape, influence, and sustain Earth and its inhabitants. Completion of the Science concentrations in the Secondary Education degree prepares teacher candidates to make effective, proactive and reflective contributions to public education at the secondary level. Teacher candidates may earn credentials in biology, chemistry, geology, physics or agriculture.

Social Studies Education

The Social Studies concentration in Secondary Education degree is designed for future educators to enable their students to participate in, understand, and make informed decisions about the world. Completion of the Social Studies concentration in Secondary Education prepares teacher candidates to make effective, proactive and reflective contributions to public education at the secondary level. A double major for students who complete the BSED in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies is possible with the B.A. in History: Professional Studies.

Licensure and Certification

Upon completion of a secondary education degree program, graduates must obtain licensure or certification to teach in public schools.

State Requirements

Each state has its own requirements for teacher licensure, which typically include passing a standardized test, such as the Praxis II. Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. Teacher candidates who complete a secondary education program at UM meet the Maryland State Department of Education requirements for the Professional Eligibility Certificate.

Pennsylvania Certification

CU’s degree program in Secondary Education leads to Pennsylvania certification to teach students in grades 7-12. Completion of the BSEd in Secondary Education degree at CU leads to your positive recommendation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education when you apply for certification to teach the concentration’s discipline. The Level I certificate qualifies you to teach that discipline in grades 7-12.

Additional Opportunities

Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA)

Each campus has a chapter of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) which is a professional organization devoted to providing professional development and networking opportunities for aspiring educators.

Overseas Student Teaching

Students complete their internships in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas; however, there are also opportunities to student teach abroad through the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) program in countries such as England, Ireland, and South Africa.

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