Secondary Education

Students interested in teaching in the secondary schools of Utah (grades 6-12) can complete course work leading to a Secondary Teaching License in the State of Utah. A Utah teaching license (elementary or secondary) is recognized by almost all other states and territories in the United States.

Secondary students are required to complete a Composite or an academic Teaching Major in one of the University’s academic colleges. In addition, a minimum of 30 semester hours of professional education course work must be completed in teacher education.

Secondary Block courses and Student Teaching will be offered in separate semesters. Students are expected to complete secondary education courses according to an approved sequence and will not be admitted to the Secondary Education Professional Block unless 95% of their academic major is completed.

Degrees/Majors

Utah State Office of Education licensable majors available at SUU for secondary education candidates:

Art - Composite Major	Mathematics
Biology	Music - Composite Major
Business Education - Composite Major	Physical Education
Chemistry	Physical Education (Teaching & Coaching)
Dance Education	Physical Science - Composite Major
English	Special Education Mild/Moderate - Dual
French	Social Science - Composite Major
German	Spanish
History	Theatre Arts

No “D” grades will be accepted for licensure, including transfer courses.

NOTE: Receiving a teaching license is contingent upon passing the required PRAXIS test for your content area(s).

Vital Components of the Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP)

The nationally accredited (TEAC) Secondary Education program at Southern Utah University is committed to preparing high-quality, professional educators and has initiated a Professional Teacher Education Program to assist the teacher candidate in achieving graduation, teacher licensure, and if the candidate desires, advanced professional certification. The information below outlines the Professional Teacher Education Program and identifies key benchmarks.

Admissions

Refer to Admissions Procedures 

The Secondary “Block” Program

The Secondary “Block” Program at Southern Utah University is a unique combination of methods classes and practicum experiences. Students need to be aware of the commitment and preparation required to be successful as a public school teacher. Due to the limited enrollment in the Secondary Block Program, it is necessary for students to make advance application for entry into the Block one semester prior to enrollment (Sign-up dates are posted).

The “Block Program” consists of 6 credit hours of methods instruction which includes SCED 3570 , SCED 3590  and an extensive field based experience in a middle or high school setting. 

Prior to application for and enrollment in Secondary Block courses students must be admitted  to the Initial Teacher Education Program; required classes must be completed, background check completed and cleared, and 95% of approved secondary academic major must be completed.

Specific Student Teaching Requirements for Secondary Candidates

To be eligible to complete student teaching in a secondary school setting, a candidate:

• Must have been officially admitted to the Advanced Teacher Education Program.
• Must have completed 100% of the approved secondary academic major.
• Must take the Secondary block the semester immediately preceding student teaching.
• Will not register for any other course work during student teaching.
• Will have completed all Secondary Teacher Education courses.

Specific Student Teaching Requirements for Secondary/Special Education Dual Major

To be eligible to complete student teaching in a special education school setting, a candidate:

• Will meet all requirements for student teaching outlined above.
• Will have completed the following requirements courses: SPED 4100 , SPED 4110 , SPED 4120 , SPED 4130 , SPED 4145 , SPED 4160 , SPED 4170 , SPED 4185 , and SPED 4981  student teaching.

Note on Graduation Requirements and Licensure

Graduation requirements as listed in the catalog apply to SUU only. It is possible that additional, unforeseen university and/or Utah State Teaching License requirement changes may add additional course work, examinations, etc. to the program. In order to be recommended for a Utah State Teaching License, all such requirements must be met, even though they may not appear in the current version of the catalog. We will do our best to keep all students informed.

Secondary Teaching License