One of the most-watched TED Talks about education is from teacher Rita Pierson, whose grandparents and parents were educators, too. Speaking to a packed hall, Pierson said that she’s seen plenty of educational reforms in her 40 years as a teacher. But, she said, what’s rarely talked about in education is the value of making connections—of positive relationship-building.
Young people, Pierson said, need people in their lives who will encourage them when they’re making progress, applaud them when they succeed, and remember how tough it was to be a kid.
“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be,” Pierson said, adding, with a wide smile, “We’re educators. We’re born to make a difference.”
We couldn’t agree with her more.
Teachers make a positive difference in young people’s lives every single day, and that’s especially true in secondary education. Need proof? Just think back on how important your positive relationships with teachers were when you were in middle and high school. Think back on that high school literature teacher who made Shakespeare’s works come alive or that seventh-grade pre-algebra teacher who wasn’t happy until you understood a concept fully.
We won’t lie. Teaching is not easy, especially at the secondary level. You’ll have good days, some not so good days and a few really tough days. But we’re here to give you the educational foundation you’ll need to succeed, creating learning environments that will help students thrive.
Once you complete the Secondary Education program, you’ll be licensed to teach grades 6 through 12 in your core content area (English, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies) in Hawaii and most other states. The best part: Much of your coursework can be completed online, giving you extra flexibility while you gear up for student teaching opportunities in your area.
Program Information
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the undergraduate B.S. program in Secondary Education, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of learner development, learner differences, diverse students and the learning environment to optimize learning for Secondary students.
- Describe central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the subject matter disciplines for Secondary students.
- Utilize formative and summative assessments, to determine, select, and implement effective instructional strategies for Secondary students.
- Analyze the history, values, commitments, and ethics of the teaching profession within the school community.
- Explain the Marianist tradition of providing an integral, quality education within diverse learning communities.
Online Degree Requirements
Required Coursework
Students working toward a Bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, which includes general education requirements, electives, pre-major requirements (if applicable) and major requirements.
Students may choose among four licensure tracks: English, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics. Graduates of the Secondary Education program are licensed to teach grades 7 through 12. In addition to the courses listed below, students must complete additional licensure requirements.
Pre-Major Requirements
- PSY 304 Psychology of Adolescence
- ED 201 Intro to Secondary Education
- ED 220 Educational Foundations
- ED 221 Educational Psychology
- ED 222 Educational Technology
- Upper Division Elective (select one):
- ED 421 Literature for Adolescents
- ED 462 Multicultural Education
Major Requirements
- ED 326 Introduction to Exceptional Children
- ED 404 Managing School Environments
- ED 408 Assessment
- ED 423 Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary
- ED 427 Teaching in Area of Specialization
- ED 490 Seminar
- ED 495 Student Teaching
- Passing scores for the Praxis Secondary Education test or have met subject-credit eligibility requirements per Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) Guidelines respective to the student’s selected licensure track
Note: Student teaching must start within two terms of the completion of ED 423.
