Teacher Education: Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) B.S.Ed.

This major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. The Secondary Education program prepares teachers to work with students with diverse backgrounds and needs in public school classrooms in grades 7–12. The curriculum includes general education, a content area concentration (ranging from thirty to sixty-one credits depending on the discipline), professional education coursework and field work, and electives. A minor is strongly encouraged but not required.

A minimum of 120 approved total credit hours is required for the degree. Specific requirements, as approved by the Vermont Agency of Education, may be obtained from the CESS Student Services Office, 528 Waterman. 

Professional education coursework and fieldwork is offered throughout the program, alongside general education and major concentration courses and minor requirements (if applicable). This allows our candidates to build their understanding of teaching over time.

Academic Concentration and Minor Components

Students who successfully complete the teacher education program are recommended for licensure with a first endorsement in their content area concentration. Students must consult their faculty advisor in the selection of an academic concentration. It is recommended that Secondary Education students pursue an academic minor; however, an academic minor is not required for program completion.

Professional Education Component

Students begin the professional education component of their Secondary Education program when they enter UVM. During the first two years, students take one or two professional courses each semester; these education courses lay the foundation for further professional course and field work in Phases 2 and 3 of the program. At the same time, students take courses in general education, their academic concentration, and their minor (if applicable). 

PHASE 1: Exploring learners’ needs and the school context: EDTE 1010, ECLD 1560, EDFS 1020, EDSP 1050, EDSC 1110, EDSC 2070. At the end of this sequence, if a student has:

  • a 2.75 overall GPA
  • a 2.50 GPA or higher in the content area concentration
  • a grade of B or better in all courses with an EDSC prefix
  • demonstration of meeting core competencies through state-approved testing or aligned coursework
  • favorable reviews from faculty teaching EDSC 1110 and EDSC 2070
  • resolved all Student Support Team concerns (if applicable)

then a student will be able to continue in the Secondary Education program. Should a student fail to meet one or more program benchmarks, a student has the option of submitting a formal request to continue in the program. 

Following the introductory phase, students begin the next series of professional courses. During this phase, students will continue taking course work in their academic concentration, with the goal of having the majority of courses completed prior to Phase 3. 

PHASE 2: Exploring school context and curriculum, instruction and assessment:  EDSC 2090,  EDSC 2160 and EDSC 2150. Subject methods may be taken in Phase 2 or 3, depending on the student's academic plan. At the end of this sequence, if a student has:

  • a 3.00 overall GPA
  • a 2.75 GPA or higher in the content area concentration

  • a grade of B or better in all courses with an EDSC prefix

  • favorable reviews from faculty teaching in EDSC 2090, EDSC 2160 and EDSC 2150

  • all Student Support Team concerns resolved (if applicable)

Then a student will be eligible to formally apply for a student teaching placement in the Secondary Education program. Should a student fail to meet one or more of these program benchmarks, a student has the option of submitting a formal request to continue in the program.  Each eligible candidate is nominated for one placement; placement options are contingent on public school capacity.  The placement process includes a records review and interview for each nominee. Should a nominee be unsuccessful securing a placement, they may appeal for a second nomination. Further details can be found on the CESS/DOE website.

PHASE 3: Full Semester Student Teaching Experience: EDSC 4991, EDSC 4300 and subject specific methods course if not taken previously. Students must:

  • complete a full-time, semester-long internship
  • complete and submit a portfolio that documents competence with program and state licensure requirements.

Licensure Recommendation

Students must meet all of the standards below to be recommended for license:

  • Qualifying score on a state-approved content exam or a commensurate exam approved by another US state or territory
  • a minimum overall GPA of 3.00
  • a minimum GPA of 3.00 in their major (defined as the combination of content area concentration on professional coursework)
  • a "meets standard" rating on each entry in the Vermont Licensure Portfolio (VLP)
  • a grade of B or better in student teaching
  • completion of all other degree requirements.

Student’s Responsibility

Information about application procedures for the Secondary Education program may be obtained from 411 Waterman. Students are responsible for obtaining information regarding the process and requirements, and for notifying the Secondary Education Office as to changes in their status, address, or intentions for completion of the program.

Language Proficiency

Two language proficiency tests are required for the Secondary Education Foreign Language majors (Praxis II (or assessment approved by another US state or territory) and OPI)