Secondary Education (Grades 5-9, 7-12, 9-12) at LSSU

Secondary Education (Grades 5-9, 7-12, 9-12)

The Secondary Education program is highlighted by in-depth study in a subject major with or without a minor, extended field experience in secondary school settings, and focused development of the knowledge and skills critical for effective teachers. The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in the student’s major area.

Secondary-level teacher certification in Michigan permits individuals to teach the subject areas, in which they hold endorsements, at grades 5-12. The subject majors and minors provide the required coursework for the related endorsements. Completing the coursework and passing the corresponding Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject test enable graduates to earn a Michigan’s Teacher Certificate which can be transferred to other states and to Canadian provinces.

Secondary Education programs begin with students taking courses in their academic major (social studies, math, English, or science) and beginning education courses. Upper level education coursework, along with the completion of the major, is the focus for the junior and senior years. Student teaching, a semester-long culminating experience, may be completed in the spring of the fourth year or the fall of the fifth year, depending on the individual student’s progress through the program. Generally, this student teaching experience will be in the Eastern Upper Peninsula or in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject test in the major must be passed prior to beginning student teaching.

Career Choices

High School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Curriculum Developer
Education Program Coordinator

Field Experience

Clinical field experience is a hallmark of all programs in the School of Education. Students complete field experience hours as part of their professional education coursework, being placed at appropriate levels in area secondary schools. This intentional design serves to strengthen students ability to learn from these experiences and to reflect on their professional development as an educator.

The School of Education is also committed to preparing teachers for small, rural schools, which have unique cultures and expectations. Many LSSU students are from smaller communities in the United States and Canada, and aspire to return to those communities (or similar ones) for their careers. Through partnerships with schools in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and in Ontario, School of Education students work closely with cooperating teachers in their clinical field experiences and in the culminating practicums and student teaching experiences.