Secondary Education
About
Secondary education is a major in which University students learn to teach middle and high school students in specific subject areas. Students are prepared for state licensure exams that they must pass to earn teaching positions. Secondary education programs include: biology, chemistry, citizenship with history or political science, communication, English, French, general science, German, Latin, mathematics, physics and Spanish.
It is very powerful to hear from prospective employers how much they desire University of Scranton graduates in their school district, which was the case for me during the interview. From my first semester freshman year to my final days at the University, the Education Department was a "home away from home," - always there when I needed them, and always prepared to challenge me to grow academically, personally, and professionally.
Kevin Steinke
B.S. Secondary Education/Citizenship, Class 2018
Why is Education in demand?
- “Regardless of temporary economic conditions, hiring practices, budget cuts or any other factors that impact the education system, the need for teachers is timeless and universal. Society will always need educators, and in that respect, teaching is one career in which you can be confident you will always have a purpose.” – Teach.com
- “There is always a need for K-12 teachers. Currently, some of the greater needs and more lucrative job opportunities for K-12 teachers are in math, science and bilingual education. However, opportunities for teachers of all subjects are regularly available and usually dependent upon geography.” - Lorenzo and Associates, Education, Research, Writing and Publishing
Is it for me?
Are you:
- Determined and hard working?
- Interested in working with middle and high school students?
- Passionate about and competent in a particular subject area?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Secondary Education
Professors are role models, and classmates are supportive peers in all endeavors of education majors.
Sandra Pesavento, M.Ed.
Faculty Specialist
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You’ll learn how to:
- Teach successfully in your chosen subject area
- Utilize proven teaching methodologies and technology
- Produce lesson plans linked to clear learning goals
- Assess students effectively
- Work with students who possess a range of abilities
- Understand and leverage the distinctive development and challenges of adolescents to help students thrive
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
Secondary education students earn a double major (or the equivalent of a double major) in secondary education and a content area. They take classes in educational psychology, assessment, methods of instruction, and teaching diverse learners, in addition to courses in their content area.
Before progressing beyond 48 credits (usually before the third year of study), students must apply for and earn Teacher Candidate Status.
A significant student-teaching experience rounds out the degree requirements in the student’s senior year. A seminar class, as part of student-teaching, gives education majors an opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges and support one another in the transition to professional work.
Click here to see the curriculum and details about Teacher Candidate Status.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
Students have field experiences in secondary school classrooms during their first year, sophomore and junior years, before their extensive student teaching in senior year. They interact productively with high school students and teach as part of their training.
Throughout their years of study, Scranton education majors learn to teach students of diverse backgrounds and skills. They are well-practiced in bringing an open mind and a compassionate heart to their work with teenagers.
The Education Department at The University of Scranton encompasses the Jesuit value of what it means to be “men and women for others.” The moment you begin your journey with this department, you are taken into a support system that feels more like a family. The faculty and staff are without a doubt some of the most knowledgeable, experienced and caring individuals at this institution. They take bright students and mold them into well-rounded equipped teachers ready to take on the classroom.
Jessica D’Aquila
B.S. Secondary Education/English, Class 2018
Careers
Where will Secondary Education Take Me?
Education graduates are expertly prepared to teach, not only in traditional classroom settings, but also in other settings. Graduates have pursued jobs in cyber schools, in prison education programs, and on military bases, for example.
Here are some examples of job titles of recent graduates:
- Teacher
- Co-teacher
- Para-professional
- Teacher’s Assistant
- Learning Support Aide
- Permanent Substitute Teacher
Leading Employers:
You’ll find Scranton graduates working a wide range of school districts and organizations including:
- Oyster Bay, New York School District
- Quakertown, Pennsylvania School District
- Teach for America
- Abington Height School District
Graduate Schools
Many graduates choose to continue their education in master’s degree programs and have been accepted at leading universities, including:
The University of Scranton
Marywood University
Pennsylvania State University
Montclair State University
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
The significant field experiences that Scranton education students complete prepare them both to teach in the classroom and also to interact in a professional environment. Graduates report that they are exceptionally prepared to put together lesson plans and assessments of student progress and they can “hit the ground running” as teachers.
Close relationships with professors are also a great asset. At Scranton, professors have had the opportunity to get to know students in small classes. They write personalized letters of recommendation based on the talents and experience of each student.
The average median salary for high school teachers is $56,310. (Source: U.S. News and World Report)
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Education Department
Maria J. Oreshkina, Ph.D.
Chair
(570) 941-6244
maria.oreshkina@scranton.edu
Tata Mbugua, Ph.D
Undergraduate Program Director
(570) 941-5884
tata.mbugua@scranton.edu