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Inspire the Leaders of Tomorrow

Completing an accredited secondary education licensure program in one of the approved content areas will prepare you to make a world of difference in the lives of children and adolescents (grades 6-12).

At the »¨½·Ö±²¥, our secondary education program is one of the most esteemed in the region.  Experienced faculty members mentor and guide you throughout the program, providing individual attention to each candidate. Inspiring, thought-provoking classes provide you with a means to:

• Learn techniques to engage students in grades 6-12 in high-interest academics, preparing them to meet the challenges of the future
• Become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers
• Learn to design and implement meaningful and hands-on instruction anchored in best instructional practice
• Possess professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions

• Enter the education field as a well-respected professional

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Content Areas

Secondary education is a joint endeavor with content area programs. Secondary education students first select the teaching field(s) in which they would like to teach. They are advised by a faculty member in that area as well as a faculty member in education. In their sophomore of junior year, students apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). They continue to be part of their major department as they complete the professional education. Content areas with secondary education licensure programs include,

• Biology with Secondary Education
• Business with Secondary Education
• Chemistry with Secondary Education
• English with Secondary Education
• History (Social Studies) with Secondary Education
• Mathematics with Secondary Education

Professors routinely engage students in small group and 1-on-1 settings. Clinical experiences are a hands-on approach that immediately provides multiple opportunities for students to put theory into practice in school settings and these begin with the student’s very first course. In today’s market, it is often to the student’s advantage to add additional subject areas (English, Math, and Chemistry) or endorsements (ESL, Special Education) to their teacher license. Graduates move on to earn teaching positions as a result of USM’s solid reputation for preparing quality, professional educators equipped with innovative, best-practices.

For candidates who want to teach students in preschool to sixth grade, consider our elementary education degree program.

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What Can You Do with a Secondary Education Degree?

As a 6-12 teacher candidate at the »¨½·Ö±²¥, you are prepared with the pedagogical knowledge and critical skills needed to become a professional educator.

Studying education means that you will not only learn contemporary education theory, but you'll also observe master educators at work, gradually progressing until you lead your own classroom. Along your path to teaching licensure, our professors and staff provide exceptional professional support and mentoring opportunities. We'll also connect you with recent grads to help you through the process. And the good news: Once you graduate, you'll find that USM education graduates are in high demand. 

Teacher salaries vary by state, district, teacher’s level of education, certifications, and experience. The average High School Teacher salary in Kansas is $63,000, with the range typically falling between $51,000 and $78,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Graduates may choose immediate entry into the workforce or earn a master’s degree following their acquisition of professional experiences. An advanced degree increases the potential for earning and career opportunities.

Explore USM's Graduate Education Programs

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Student Assistance

Student aid and loan forgiveness may be available. The TCLI Directory lists low-income elementary schools, secondary schools, and educational service agencies (ESAs) that are eligible schools or ESAs for purposes of the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) teacher loan forgiveness program, Federal Perkins Loan/National Direct Student Loan teacher cancellation, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. Eligible schools and ESAs are reported to the U.S. Department of Education by state education agencies for inclusion in the TCLI Directory. To qualify for loan forgiveness or cancellation, or to satisfy the TEACH Grant service obligation, a borrower's or grant recipient's qualifying teaching service must be performed at a school or ESA that is listed in the TCLI Directory.  For more information go to: 

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Placement Schools

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ education department identifies placement schools within neighboring school districts each year. The following list provides examples of placement school districts where teacher candidates complete their student teaching and other field experiences:

• Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan.
• USD 202 — Turner
• USD 203 — Piper
• USD 204 — Bonner Springs
• USD 207 — Fort Leavenworth
• USD 229 — Blue Valley
• USD 232 — De Soto
• USD 233 — Olathe
• USD 033 — Kansas City, Mo.
• USD 453 — Leavenworth
• USD 458 — Basehor -Linwood
• USD 464 — Tonganoxie
• USD 469 — Lansing
• USD 500 — Kansas City, Kan.
• USD 512 — Shawnee Mission

Education Licensure & Outcomes

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Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ education programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.