Secondary Education

Secondary Education

(View Secondary Education in the University Bulletin)

Teachers make collective and individual decisions about life in rooms in order to help students to develop as active, knowledgeable citizens of a multicultural world. These decisions are based on teachers' understandings of themselves, their students, human development and diversity, subject matter, educational theory, curricular design, instructional method, federal, state, and institutional regulations, and political, social, and moral relationships between education and community and world affairs. Teachers develop their understanding continuously through systematic intensive inquiry into these matters involving problem posing, data gathering through educational literature, product analysis, observation and discussion, probing the historical conditions which yielded the present circumstances surrounding these matters, and acting on this new knowledge. That is, teachers demonstrate the power of education for their students and society by constructing reflective practice from the intellectual and practical sides of their responsibilities in and out of schools.

Penn State undergraduate teacher education programs are designed to provide students with experiences necessary to become certified teachers of secondary education. Each program specifies entrance criteria and requires 45 credits of directed general education study to begin the lifelong inquiry into subject area knowledge, followed by professional course work and various field experiences including student teaching. Students gain additional practical experience with children and adolescents through volunteer activities or part-time employment in related areas as well as the required courses. Upon successful completion of all requirements for graduation, students receive a bachelor's of science degree. To be certified to teach, students must also meet any test and clearance requirements as specified by The Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Secondary Education major offers eleven teaching certification options: Biological Science, Chemistry, Citizenship Education, Earth and Space Science, English and Communication, Environmental Education, General Science, Mathematics, Physics and Social Studies. The General Science and the Environmental Science teaching options must be earned in conjunction with one of the other Science teaching options. Professional study includes course work for the major, two short-term practica and a 15-week student teaching experience, and a variable amount of other course credits depending upon the option selected.

Opportunities for employment vary according to geographic region and the size of schools. Graduates with strong academic backgrounds, outstanding practicum experience, and determination have often been successful in securing teaching positions in public and private schools. Because school employers seek top quality teachers, graduates benefit from the excellent reputation of Penn State's teacher education programs.