BA in Secondary Education

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WHY STUDY SECONDARY EDUCATION AT TRINITY COLLEGE?

A Trinity College education starts from a biblical foundation. Just as God uniquely gifted you with an ability and passion for teaching, he has created each child in your classroom with their own set of talents and abilities. Knowledge of teaching methods and practices is only half of the equation: the other half involves seeing your students the way God sees them. Secondary education majors learn how to demonstrate God’s love while embracing excellence. They gain hands-on learning by engaging in classroom observation, lesson planning, and student teaching at local middle schools and high schools.

DID YOU KNOW?

You will have the option to take courses toward the Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) endorsement, which allows graduates to teach special education, grades K-12, in Illinois.

Personal

Practical

Biblical

PERSONAL. PRACTICAL. BIBLICAL.

At Trinity, you’ll be equipped to think critically and biblically in every area of life as you are challenged to apply your faith to your coursework and classroom conversations. And instead of approaching general education as a checklist of courses to be completed, Trinity’s distinctive educational approach gives you the freedom to choose courses that are most interesting and relevant to you. Working closely with your faculty advisor, you can select from electives to enhance your major, apply toward a minor, create a double major, or simply experience something new. The choices are yours! All along the way, you’ll be cared for and supported, ensuring that you make the most of your college experience.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively and to develop skills in general teaching methods, classroom management, educational psychology, and more. When you successfully complete the major and pass the required state licensure exams, you will be eligible to receive an Illinois Professional Educator License for high school grades 9-12, 5-8, or both.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO EARN MY DEGREE?

Secondary education majors can complete the secondary education and content majors in four or more years. You are encouraged to work out a plan of study that meets your needs. Requirements total 45 hours of education courses along with a minimum of 32+ hours in your chosen subject area (biology, English, history, mathematics).

YOU WILL BE WELL PREPARED!

To be well prepared in your content, you will double major in secondary education and one or more content areas (biology, English, history, mathematics). Part of this preparation includes a three-hour course focused specifically on teaching your content area in the secondary school. This course will provide instruction in curriculum development, teaching strategies and use of discipline-appropriate technologies and digital tools to support instruction in your content area.

COURSEWORK

As a secondary education major, you will complete over 130 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. As part of your coursework, you will gain experience in both middle and high school classes in a variety of diverse settings.

Our program requirements total anywhere from 78-84 credit hours depending on your chosen subject area. Some of the interesting courses you’ll take include:

  • Classroom Management
  • Psychology of Adolescence
  • Diversity in Education
  • General Teaching Methods

GOLDEN APPLE SCHOLARS

The Golden Apple Scholars program identifies talented high school seniors, and first and second-year college students, who will commit to teach in high-need schools. The program provides scholarship assistance and a paid summer institute where students receive classroom experience and professional mentoring.
CAREER OUTCOMES
English, Math, or History Teacher Librarian
Curriculum Planner Principal
School Administrator Editor
School Counselor Tutor
Columnist Professor
Some options may require an advanced degree.

Here for you
every step of the way!

Our Admissions team is ready to walk alongside you as you begin your academic journey. Schedule an appointment with them today!