Secondary Education

Description

Secondary education is a career in which you can realize the satisfaction of helping others while working in a supportive, educational setting that will constantly challenge you to grow and learn.As a secondary teacher, you will be called upon to:

• Teach the basic skills, content and methods of learning in your field.
• Respect the individual differences in development, attitude and learning needs of teens as they respond to new situations.
• Work with other educators to plan for a learning environment that will challenge all students.
• Share yourself and your commitment to teaching with the community as you work on behalf of its youth.

Kansas State University’s College of Education offers a secondary education program that combines some of the best features of both large and small schools. Because K-State is a large, multipurpose university, its colleges offer strong, specialized course work in your chosen content area.

Careers

In today’s market, teachers prepared to teach in more than one field are in great demand. Career and Employment Services can advise you which teaching fields or combination of fields are currently in greatest demand. Severe and moderate teacher shortages are occurring in several secondary fields.Many career opportunities other than classroom teaching exist for those trained in secondary education. These include:

• Athletic coach
• Community/junior college teacher
• Counselor
• Curriculum director or developer
• Reading specialist
• Researcher
• School administrator or director
• Special education teacher or coordinator
• State or federal agency staff
• Vocational technical school staff
• Youth or recreation agency staff
• Training and development
• Human resources
• Sales
• Customer service
• Publishing and technical writing
• Consulting
• Nonprofits

Depending on your teaching field, many other careers that demand specialized communication, technical or vocational skills may be open to you. Teachers have opportunities to work closely with people in the media, the arts, business and industry, sports and government.

Degree options

The College of Education offers a degree in secondary education for all teaching fields previously listed except those noted here:

• The music teaching degree is earned through the College of Arts & Sciences.
• The family and consumer science teaching degree is earned in the College of Human Ecology.
• Agricultural education teachers earn a degree in the College of Agriculture.

A list of the courses you should take to be licensed in a given teaching field may be obtained from the College of Education student website.
The professional portion of your program will include courses introducing teaching as a career, learning and development, educational psychology, methods of teaching, foundations of education, special education, and multicultural and interpersonal relations. You will learn about the uses of a variety of technologies in the classroom, how to help students with reading in your content field, and how to adjust teaching methods to the needs of exceptional students.

Description of Secondary Education Program at Kansas State University

The Secondary Education Program at Kansas State University prepares future teachers to excel in secondary schools across a variety of subject areas. This comprehensive program is designed to equip students with the essential pedagogical knowledge, subject-specific expertise, and practical teaching skills necessary for successful careers in middle and high school education. Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with hands-on classroom experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of students in today's dynamic educational environment.

Students in this program study core educational principles, including instructional strategies, classroom management, assessment methods, and educational technology. Emphasis is placed on fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. The curriculum also covers child and adolescent development, providing insight into the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of secondary students. This knowledge enables future teachers to design age-appropriate instructional materials and tailor their teaching approaches to maximize student engagement and achievement.

The program requires completion of coursework in the chosen subject area for secondary certification, such as mathematics, science, English, social studies, or other approved fields. In addition, students participate in field experiences and student teaching placements within local school districts, gaining real-world experience and mentorship under the supervision of experienced educators. These practicums are an integral part of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic classroom settings and develop confidence as effective teachers.

Kansas State University’s Secondary Education Program also emphasizes the development of professional skills, including communication, collaboration, and reflective practice. Students learn to integrate educational technology tools into their instruction, utilizing digital resources to enhance learning outcomes. The program fosters a scholarly approach to teaching, encouraging continuous professional development and lifelong learning to adapt to changes in educational standards and technologies.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for Kansas state certification to teach at the secondary level. The program’s comprehensive nature ensures that graduates possess both the pedagogical skills and subject-specific expertise required to inspire and educate young learners effectively. Many alumni go on to successful careers in public and private schools, contributing significantly to their communities and shaping the future of education.

Overall, the Secondary Education Program at Kansas State University offers a dynamic and supportive learning environment for aspiring teachers. It combines rigorous coursework, practical experience, and professional development to prepare competent, compassionate, and innovative educators committed to making a positive impact in secondary education settings.

The Secondary Education program at Kansas State University is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching at the middle and high school levels. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines foundational coursework in education with subject-specific knowledge areas such as mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Students are required to complete a series of prerequisite courses in their chosen discipline, ensuring they acquire in-depth content knowledge necessary for effective teaching. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of pedagogical skills, including classroom management, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and the use of educational technology. As part of their training, students participate in field experiences and student teaching placements in local schools, providing practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced educators. To qualify for licensure, students must also pass state-specific certification exams that validate their teaching competencies. Throughout the program, aspiring teachers are encouraged to engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to prepare for diverse classroom environments. The program is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and aligns with national standards for teacher preparation. Graduates of the Secondary Education program are well-equipped to pursue teaching licensure in Kansas and other states, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to secondary education communities. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and inclusivity, ensuring teachers can effectively serve diverse student populations. Admissions requirements typically include a minimum GPA, submission of transcripts, and successful completion of prerequisite coursework. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as special education, counseling, and curriculum development, catering to students' specific career interests within secondary education.

Financing for secondary education programs at Kansas State University typically involves a variety of sources to support students throughout their academic journey. The primary form of financial assistance includes federal and state financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and state-specific scholarships designed to reduce the financial burden of pursuing post-secondary education. Undergraduate students may also qualify for merit-based scholarships offered directly by Kansas State University, which recognize academic achievement, leadership, or other talents. Additionally, students can explore institutional need-based grants that are awarded based on financial circumstances.

Many students fund their education through a combination of savings, employment, and family support, often utilizing work-study programs that allow them to gain valuable work experience while earning money to contribute towards tuition and living expenses. Kansas State University participates in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, which enable students to gain industry experience and earn income during their studies, supplementing their finances.

Private loans and funding from external organizations are also available, although students are encouraged to seek scholarships and grants first to minimize debt. The university offers financial advising services to help students plan their financing options effectively, including strategies for applying for aid, understanding loan obligations, and budgeting for living costs. Payment plans are often offered to help spread the cost of tuition over the semester.

Cost of attendance varies depending on program length, residency status, and personal living arrangements, but overall, Kansas State University strives to make education accessible through various financial aid options. Furthermore, some programs may have partnerships with local organizations or government agencies to provide additional funding opportunities. Overall, students are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal aid, which is a crucial component of financing secondary education at Kansas State University.

The Secondary Education program at Kansas State University is designed to prepare future educators to effectively teach middle and high school students across a variety of subject areas. This comprehensive program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to succeed in diverse educational settings. Students enrolled in this program undertake coursework that covers pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom management, and educational technology, all tailored to meet the needs of secondary learners. Additionally, the program includes extensive field experiences, where students gain hands-on teaching practice through internships and student teaching placements in local middle and high schools. This real-world experience is integral to the program, allowing students to apply their knowledge in actual classroom environments under the supervision of experienced mentors.

The program also prioritizes the development of strong communication and leadership skills, as well as an understanding of educational policies and ethical considerations critical to effective teaching. It prepares students to obtain licensure to teach in Kansas and often qualifies them for certification in other states, depending on reciprocity agreements. Kansas State University’s Secondary Education program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, encouraging prospective teachers to address the varied needs of students from different backgrounds and communities. Graduates of the program are prepared not only to teach but also to serve as leaders and innovators in education, contributing positively to their schools and communities.

Successful completion of the program can lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a specialization in Secondary Education, opening opportunities for employment in various educational settings across Kansas and beyond. The program maintains high standards of academic excellence and adheres to state and national certification requirements. Overall, the Secondary Education program at Kansas State University aims to develop competent, reflective, and compassionate educators committed to lifelong learning and student success.