Locations | A - Z Index | Directory | Calendar  Search Icon

Secondary Education

B.S. Education with emphasis in Secondary Education

» Department of Curriculum & Instruction   » College of Education


  • INTRODUCTION
  • WHAT IT TAKES
  • WHAT PEOPLE DO
  • GET INVOLVED
  • FACULTY
Secondary Education Students

Since the early 1900s, the University of Idaho has been preparing graduates for rewarding careers teaching in both public and private schools. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education gives you the training and credentials you need to teach specific subjects to children in grades 7-12. The program works closely with other University of Idaho colleges to ensure you graduate with a strong educational background in your selected content area, such as English, history, science or math. You'll receive a degree in this specific content area and then become certified to teach through the College of Education.


Secondary education is a challenging, yet rewarding, field. You will learn how to be responsible for teaching specific content area subjects to secondary school students. You will take courses in your specific content area (i.e. English, science, math, etc.), and you also will complete teaching and child development courses offered through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.  

Teacher certification, a requirement for teaching in a public school, varies from state to state. Upon completion of your course work, you will be required to take certification exams by the state in which you will work. You also will complete a one semester internship experience in a classroom environment, where you will learn alongside experienced teachers. You also will receive personal mentorship from our leading education faculty.


secondary education students taking notes

Prepare for Success

Teachers are some of the most important people in the world. You must like children, and also be patient, creative, energetic and enthusiastic. When considering a career in education, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you enjoy and get energized working with children?
  • Are you a good communicator?
  • Have you mastered the basic reading, writing and critical thinking skills required to interest and inspire students?
  • Do you enjoy learning and helping young people learn?
  • Do you want to work hard, be challenged and receive rich emotional rewards?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you may be the perfect candidate for a degree in secondary education.


Your First Year

Take a look at the list of teaching majors and minors at the University of Idaho. Each degree will link you to the required courses you will need to take.


What You Can Do

Secondary school teachers are in high demand nationwide. A secondary education degree prepares teachers to work with children in grades 7-12. Students who already have a degree can become certified to teach through our certification only program. You can also pursue a master’s, education specialist or doctoral degree.


Opportunities

Competitive salaries with full benefits combined with summers off make teaching a desirable career option. With free summers, teachers can pursue professional development opportunities, go on extended vacations or become involved in community activities.


Secondary Education Students

Current Research

University of Idaho education faculty members are working with local school districts to help teachers integrate literacy into their mathematics and science curriculums. Test data has shown that students’ scores in reading, mathematics and science have increased because of these new integration methods.


Activities

There are a number of student clubs and organizations to meet almost any student interest. Secondary education students might be interested in the University of Idaho chapter of Camp Adventure Youth Services, the Palouse Area Association for the Education of Young Children or any number of sports and academic clubs.


Hands-On Experience

Undergraduate education students are provided with numerous hands-on experiences, including working with children in a variety of settings. Admission to the teacher education program requires 20 hours of service-learning, and one semester of student teaching is required for graduation and certification. Secondary education students work with local school districts for internships, practicums and student teaching.


Faculty Involvement

Faculty are deeply involved with their students and help place them in teacher intern positions where they can work one-on-one with a teacher mentor.



Anne Adams
Anne E. Adams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research interests: How teachers and students learn to make mathematics reasoning explicit. Use of content literacy strategies for sense-making in mathematics.
» View Anne Adams' profile
John Cannon
John G. Cannon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, CTE Programs
Dr. Cannon's research interests are in the area of Career and Technical Education teacher professional development and CTE alternative certification.
» View John Cannon's Profile
John Davis
John Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Geological Science and Curriculum and Instruction
Research interests: Science teaching methodology, Increasing science literacy, and Pre-K-12 school structure and function
» View John Davis' profile
Allen Kitchell
Allen Kitchel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research interests: Teacher Professional Developmemt, Program and curriculum development in business and marketing education, Teaching pedagogy in business and marketing education, Best practice models for online pedagogy, Educational technology adoption by teachers, Technology literacy
» View Allen Kitchel's Profile
Sally Machlis
Sally Machlis
Associate Professor
» View Sally Machlis' Profile
Ronald McConnell
Rodney McConnell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Secondary Writing Instruction; Use of reading and writing to enhance student understanding of math and science concepts; Secondary Literacy Instruction for Children with Learning Disabilities
» View Rodney McConnell's Profile
Ed-melissasaul
Melissa Saul, Ph.D.
Research interests: Cultural studies and social thought in education, peace education, social justice, and ecological sustainability.
» View Melissa Saul's profile