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School of Arts and Sciences

Secondary Education

Preparation to teach grades 7 - 12

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS | FACULTY | SCHEDULE OF COURSES

Gary Smith, high school English teacher at South Fayette High School Meet secondary education alumnus, Gary Smith, teacher at South Fayette High School.

Point Park's secondary education programs are unique because they are a collaborative effort among various departments in the University. In this major, you will have the opportunity to integrate academic content courses in your chosen subject area — biological sciences, citizenship, English, mass communication or mathematics — with courses in education. Ultimately, you’ll combine your academic programs with certification courses, so you’re ready to teach in grades 7 through 12.

You will explore subjects like assessment and adaptations, technological literacy for teaching, literacy and learning in secondary school, in-depth content area exploration and have a student teaching practicum.

You will benefit from state-of-the-art resources and a variety of choices for student teaching placements, which will prepare you to teach most anywhere.

Students are eligible to apply for the Instructional I Certificate issued by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if they have:

Successfully completed the program leading to certification;
Passed the required PRAXIS exams; and
Demonstrated competence in student teaching.

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Special Education Dual Certification Option

In addition to the initial certification program, Point Park education students can choose to simultaneously complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for special education certification. The program guides below outline the courses required for the dual certification.