Program Overview
The program emphasizes current research on teaching methodologies and provides field experiences to apply learning in real classroom settings. Graduates receive a recommendation for a Washington state teaching certificate with at least one subject area endorsement. The program is designed to equip future educators with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to effectively instruct and inspire middle and high school students.
Program Outline
Upon completion, graduates receive a recommendation for a Washington state teaching certificate with at least one subject area endorsement. Before applying to the program, students must declare a qualifying major from the listed options or demonstrate completion of equivalent coursework.
Program Goals:
The program aims to equip future educators with the knowledge, skills, and field experiences necessary to effectively instruct and inspire middle and high school students. It emphasizes current research on teaching methodologies to promote student learning.
Structure and Length:
The Secondary Education program requires the completion of:
- Professional education coursework sequence
- Baccalaureate degree with qualifying academic endorsement preparation
- Student teaching internship
- Early program advising is crucial for ensuring eligibility.
Outline
Curriculum Content
The Secondary Education curriculum incorporates:
- Professional knowledge and skills for teaching in middle and secondary schools
- Deep understanding of subject-specific content knowledge
- Field experience opportunities to apply learning in real classroom settings
Program Components:
Professional Education Courses:
This sequence covers topics like teaching adolescents, cultural considerations in education, and effective classroom strategies.
Academic Major
Students choose one of the qualifying endorsements listed in the program document to align with their teaching interests and expertise.
Student Teaching Experience
The internship provides a culminating opportunity to gain hands-on teaching practice under the mentorship of experienced educators.
Program Structure
The program follows a predetermined sequence, with professional education courses typically taken later in the student's academic career. This ensures students have sufficient subject-area knowledge before diving deep into pedagogical techniques.
- Performance evaluations during the student teaching practicum, focusing on classroom management skills, lesson delivery effectiveness, and student engagement strategies
- Potentially, standardized tests or other assessments as required for state teaching certification.
Evaluation Criteria:
Assessments focus on evaluating candidates' abilities in:
- Content knowledge specific to their chosen endorsement area
- Application of pedagogical principles and teaching strategies in the classroom
- Critical thinking, reflection on teaching practice, and adapting instruction for diverse learners
- Communication, collaboration, and professionalism as educators
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes diverse teaching methods:
- Interactive lectures and workshops to provide foundational knowledge and engage in critical discussions.
- Field experience opportunities, including observations, practica placements, and the culminating internship, to bridge theory and real-world teaching practice.
- Collaboration and mentorship opportunities with experienced faculty and educators.
Faculty:
The program boasts a diverse faculty of experienced educators and researchers actively engaged in the field of secondary education. They bring real-world expertise and knowledge of current educational practices to the classroom.
Careers
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are qualified for positions such as:
- Middle school or high school teachers in various subject areas within their endorsement
- Opportunities to teach in diverse educational settings, including public, private, and charter schools
- Possible career advancement into leadership roles within educational institutions with further experience and qualifications
Other
Practicum Placements:
The college coordinates field experience placements in schools and community settings, offering frequent interactions with young learners while developing teaching skills.
