Teacher Education Program Resources

As a secondary education student, you won’t major in secondary education. You’ll major in the subject area you want to teach and work toward certification in that area.

1. Complete EDU 215 and at least one additional 200-level education course (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240) in your first year
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the admission deadline
3. Ask a faculty member in your non-education major to submit a positive reference for you
4. Declare your major in the subject area you want to teach by filing a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar. Include both your teaching major and “Secondary Education” on your declaration card and apply to the Teacher Education Program in your sophomore year.
5. Complete the degree requirements as outlined in the course catalog for both your subject area major and the teacher education requirements in that subject area, including completion of your student teaching.
6. Complete Praxis II, your exit exam near the end of the program (or you can wait until after graduation to complete the exit exam)
7. Complete the teacher licensure steps required in the state you want to teach in

As a student pursuing K-12 teaching in music, art, or physical education you’ll major in the subject area you want to teach and work towardK-12 certification in that area.

1. Complete EDU 215 and at least one additional 200-level education course (EDU 205, EDU 230, EDU 240) in your first year
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the admission deadline
3. Ask a non-education faculty member to submit a positive reference for you
4. Declare your major in the subject area you want to teach by filing a Declaration of Major form with the Registrar. Include both your teaching major (Music Education, Physical Education, or Studio Art) and “K-12 Certification” on your declaration card and apply to the Teacher Education Program in your sophomore year
5. Become familiar with the Dispositions and Due Process Policy
6. Complete the degree requirements as outlined in the course catalog for both your subject area major and the teacher education requirements for certification in that subject area, including completion of your student teaching.
7. Complete Praxis II, your exit exam near the end of the program (or you can wait until after graduation to complete the exit exam)
8. Complete the teacher licensure steps required in the state you want to teach in

Special Consideration Policy for Admission

Applicants with a 2.3 GPA or above may apply for admission under the Special Considerations Policy if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. The applicant has a documented disability for which he or she is already receiving academic accommodations. Students in this category must supply appropriate documentation from the Coordinator of Academic Support and Advising as part of their application.

2. The applicant shows evidence that he or she has had successful experience (3 years or more full-time) working with students in a school setting.

3. If the applicant will add to the diversity of the teaching profession.

Students must indicate they are applying under the Special Consideration category and explain the reason(s) on the application for admission.

After admission to the Teacher Preparation Program, students with Special Consideration status must maintain a minimum of a 2.3 GPA for every semester they are registered in the Teacher Preparation Program.

See your education advisor to discuss the degree requirements for each endorsement area.

K-6 endorsements

• K-6 Elementary education
• K-6 Art
• K-6 English/Language arts
• K-6 History
• K-6 Mathematics
• K-6 Music
• K-6 Physical education
• K-6 Science

Grades 5-12 endorsements

• Social studies
• English
• Foreign language*
• Science*
• Math*

Check with your education advisor to check on specific endorsement options. 

*These are teacher shortage areas.

Grades K-12 endorsements

• Physical education
• Music
• Art

Coaching endorsement

• K-12 athletic coach