The years between the start of middle school and the end of high school are some of the most important years in a person’s life, and one of the most important parts of this vital time period is education. It is for this reason that many teachers choose to specialize in secondary education.
Secondary education generally refers to the years that a person spends in high school, but it can also include middle school in some circumstances. If you’re interested in a career in secondary education, then the most important step that you can take is to earn a secondary education degree. Discover how you can earn a secondary education degree and read about some of the classes that you will take while working towards this career.
Enrolling in a Secondary Education Program
Like the majority of education degrees, a secondary education degree is earned at the Bachelor’s level, which means that you will need to possess certain qualifications before you will be granted enrollment in a secondary education program.
At the minimum, you will usually need a high school diploma before you will be able to start your secondary education degree. Some programs may also require a certain GPA. In addition to this basic requirement, you may also be required to sit for and pass Praxis CORE Academic Skills for Educators. This exam will test you on subjects like math and reading.
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Depending on the institution and program where you are seeking enrollment, you may also need to pass a background check. Upon completion of your BA in secondary education, many people choose to pursue a Master’s degree. If you plan on attaining a Master’s in secondary education, you will first need to achieve an acceptable grade in the GRE exam.
Secondary Education Courses
An important part of entering any degree program is learning about the courses that you will be expected to complete. If you choose a BA in secondary education, the courses you take will be focused on giving you the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful educator in a high school setting. Some of the courses that you can expect to take can include methods of teaching in secondary education, managing a classroom and adolescent psychology.
The courses that you will take in your during your secondary education Master’s degree can largely depend on the program in which you are enrolled. However, there are some courses that are common across programs. These courses can include educational technology, the effects of language and culture on education and American education law.
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While the time needed to complete your degree will depend on your motivation, you should expect to spend at least four years on your BA and two years on your Master’s.
Salaries for a Secondary Education Teacher
If you’re considering a career in secondary education, then you might be interested in learning about the potential salary you can earn in this career. This is best accomplished by examining the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The most recent salary numbers for secondary education teachers were collected by the BLS in 2015. According to these numbers, the median yearly pay for a teacher in secondary education was $57,200. Between 2014 and 2024, secondary education positions across the country are expected to grow at a 6% rate, which is average.