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School of Education & Health Sciences

Secondary Education

Why pursue a secondary education degree at North Central College?

The secondary education program provides preparation to successfully begin a teaching profession upon graduation. Secondary education majors learn how to lesson plan and teach focusing on subjects of your choice like art, biology, chemistry, physics, English, history, math and foreign language. This program is approved for licensure by the Illinois State Board of education, creating world-class middle and high school educators who inspire young people to achieve their best. At North Central College you will make a commitment to upholding professional standards, committing to understand social issues such as equity and capacity-based learning. In this experience-oriented teacher education program, you’ll use a liberal arts core and education degree to create meaningful impact in the lives of students.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Providing transformative learning experiences for students
  • Planning and teaching lessons in all subject areas
  • Applying best teaching practices in a secondary education setting

then a degree in SECONDARY EDUCATION might be for you.

Why study secondary education at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Educational Technology in K-12 Classroom
  • Equity and Access in Systems of Education
  • Foundations of Teaching and Learning
  • HS/MS Assessment of Learning
  • HS/MS Content Area Literacies
  • HS/MS Methods: Art
  • HS/MS Methods: English
  • HS/MS Methods: Mathematics
  • HS/MS Methods: Science
  • HS/MS Methods: Social Studies
  • HS/MS/K12 Field Experience
  • Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • Psychology: Science of Behavior

Beyond the Classroom

As a secondary education major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Acquire excellent teacher preparation at exceptional high schools.
  • Receive extensive guidance to prepare for the rigorous Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
  • Join Ed Rising, a student-run organization of education students that discuss and analyze major education ideas, trends and issues.

 

More Department information

 

Secondary Education, B.A.

The Education Department offers a newly redesigned, undergraduate licensure program in education to prepare elementary, secondary, K-12 art, K-12 foreign language and in conjunction with the Department of Music, K-12 music teachers. It is an experience-oriented teacher education program based on the liberal arts. The faculty of the education department is committed to the serious study of education and the promotion of professional standards to foster innovation in professional preparation. This commitment encompasses social issues such as equity and capacity-based learning, with an emphasis on preparing candidates to teach in diverse school settings. The program is approved for licensure by the Illinois State Board of Education. Teacher education programs differ from other programs at the College in that additional specific criteria must be met in the area of general education, as well as in the area of the major.

Secondary Education majors are required to complete a second major in their chosen content area in order to obtain a teaching license. The content areas are as follows: English, Social Science: History, Mathematics, Integrated Science: Chemistry, Integrated Science: Physics or Biology. Requirements for these majors are housed in their respective departments.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Education.

  • EDUC 101 - Foundations of Teaching and Learning

    EDUC 101 - Foundations of Teaching and Learning

    4.00 credit hours

    Examination of the structures and processes that frame the work of teaching and learning in schools with an emphasis on equity and culturally relevant and sustainable practice. Emphasis on the impact of curricular learning standards and development of children and adolescents on teaching, learning and decision making. An overview of the profession, the Danielson Framework for Teaching, the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, Common Core Standards and the expectations of the North Central College Teacher Education Program are introduced in this gateway course. Required: 15 field experience hours must be completed at North Central College. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 200 - Introduction to HS/MS/K12 Teaching

    EDUC 200 - Introduction to HS/MS/K12 Teaching

    4.00 credit hours

    Introduction to HS/MS/K12 instructional and assessment strategies. Emphasis on lesson planning and strategies that develop the skills and processes needed to help high school, middle school, and K-12 students acquire foundational, conceptual and procedural knowledge. Includes instruction in appropriate use of technology in high school, middle school, and K-12 classrooms.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 290 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience I

    EDUC 290 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience I

    1.00 credit hours

    Introductory experience in directed observation and participation at selected attendance centers (50 clock hours). This course is graded pass/no pass. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks. Background check required. Tuberculosis test required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 322 - Equitable Learning Environments: HS/MS

    EDUC 322 - Equitable Learning Environments: HS/MS

    2.00 credit hours

    Examination of management models and strategies, as well as school policy related to discipline. There is an emphasis on teaching for equity and change. Approaches to making classrooms, curricula and instructional strategies culturally responsive are studied.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 330 - Teaching Students With Disabilities

    EDUC 330 - Teaching Students With Disabilities

    4.00 credit hours

    Examines issues and current trends within inclusive and special education as well asoverviews the characteristics of persons with disabilities including multi-cultural perspectives and legal issues. Explores instructional models and methods that have empirical support for their effectiveness in addressing the learning needs of students at-risk for or with identified disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the importance and challenges associated with the role of general educator within inclusive classrooms. Candidates also explores the selection, adaptation and development of instructional supports related to lesson design, presentation, materials, assignments and assessment/evaluation. This course includes 15 hours of required field experience.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 360 - HS/MS Content Area Literacies

    EDUC 360 - HS/MS Content Area Literacies

    4.00 credit hours

    Examines the current research, curricular goals and methods of effectively teaching literacy learning in 6-12 classrooms. Preservice teachers develop an understanding of the reading process, demands of academic literacies and characteristics of adolescent learners. Students are exposed to targeted reading instructions for struggling adolescent readers as well as readers from linguistic and culturally diverse backgrounds and apply strategies for teaching reading within their specific disciplines.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 390 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience II

    EDUC 390 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience II

    1.00 credit hours

    Directed observation and participation experience at selected attendance centers (50 clock hours). Focus on individual, small group and whole group teaching. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks. Background check required. Tuberculosis test required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 403 - HS/MS Assessment of Learning

    EDUC 403 - HS/MS Assessment of Learning

    2.00 credit hours

    Principles, methods and techniques of assessing learning of High School and Middle School students that communicates progress and achievement to students and parents as well as informs teacher decision making.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 411 - Equity and Access in Systems of Education

    EDUC 411 - Equity and Access in Systems of Education

    4.00 credit hours

    Students examine and analyze their role as an advocate for equity in systems of education. Drawing from leadership perspectives, students investigate educational theories and practices instituted locally, nationally and globally. The goal of this course is to assist students to both understand these systems and develop the knowledge and skills to be agents of change.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 490 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience III

    EDUC 490 - HS/MS/K12 Field Experience III

    1.00 credit hours

    Provides students with an extended field experience in a MS or HS classroom in the student's major content area (art, English, foreign language, mathematics, music, science, or social studies). Students complete 75 hours of supervised field work applying research-based methods and techniques to actual teaching situations under the joint supervision of the cooperating classroom teacher and the NCC supervisor. While 75 hours are required for this field experience, candidates will complete 20-25 hours in placements prior to the start of NCC's academic term in order to experience start of school activities. This course is graded pass/no pass. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks. Background check required. Tuberculosis test required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 494 - Residency Seminar

    EDUC 494 - Residency Seminar

    4.00 credit hours

    This seminar engages students to expand their knowledge and skills in topics such as engaging instruction, effective assessment, data driven decision-making, parent communication and analysis and reflection on instruction. Focus is given to all tasks of the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). Additionally, attention is given to aspects of professional development, professional service and community involvement.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 496 - Student Teaching Residency

    EDUC 496 - Student Teaching Residency

    8.00 credit hours

    A five-day per week, full day student teaching experience in an elementary, MS or HS classroom. Candidates assume all of the responsibilities of teaching (planning, instruction, assessment, record keeping, etc.) using a co-teaching model building up to full responsibility. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks. Background check required. Tuberculosis test required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PSYC 100 - Psychology: Science of Behavior

    PSYC 100 - Psychology: Science of Behavior

    4.00 credit hours

    An examination of the basic concepts, processes, theories and empirical findings concerning the behavior of organisms. Consideration is given to the following topics: physiological and developmental basis of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, states of consciousness, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion, as well as personality, intellectual functioning, psychopathology, and social influences on behavior. Community engaged learning and/or an active research experience is used to further student understanding of course topics. Gateway course.

    Schedule Of Classes

One of the following:

  • EDUC 438 - HS/MS Methods: Art

    EDUC 438 - HS/MS Methods: Art

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching visual arts at the HS and MS level are explored. Postmodern principles, multiple media and technological processes are applied to content areas. Art education students develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that improve students' expressive and analytical capacities.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 440 - HS/MS Methods: English

    EDUC 440 - HS/MS Methods: English

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching English (literature, composition and language) at the high school and middle school level are explored. Consideration is given to such issues as instructional planning in a multicultural setting, teaching reading in the content areas and writing across the curriculum.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 442 - K12 Methods: World Languages

    EDUC 442 - K12 Methods: World Languages

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching foreign languages at the HS, MS and elementary school levels are explored.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 444 - HS/MS Methods: Mathematics

    EDUC 444 - HS/MS Methods: Mathematics

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching mathematics at the HS and MS level are explored. Consideration is given to such issues as instructional planning in a multicultural setting, teaching reading in the content areas and writing across the curriculum.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 446 - HS/MS Methods: Science

    EDUC 446 - HS/MS Methods: Science

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching science (biology, chemistry and physics) at the HS and MS level are explored.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • EDUC 448 - HS/MS Methods: Social Studies

    EDUC 448 - HS/MS Methods: Social Studies

    4.00 credit hours

    Current research and methods of teaching social studies at the HS and MS level are explored.

    Schedule Of Classes

Note:

Grades below "C-" in professional education courses and field experience are not accepted for the education major, supplemental education major or licensure.

If a student receives a "no pass" in a field experience, the student must retake the field experience the next time it is scheduled. If a student passes the field experience but not the class, then both must be retaken.

The Department of Education has established the following Progression Points as ways for department faculty to ensure students are undertaking experiences needed to prepare them for the profession of teaching. Each checklist is designed to be met by teacher candidates at important points along their journey to becoming a teacher. Once all experiences of a Progression Point are met, a teacher candidate is ready to move forward in the program.

Progression Point 1: Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Course Requirements:

  • Complete EDUC 101, PSYC 100 and EDUC 200 with a grade of C- or above
  • Complete EDUC 290 with a grade of P

GPA Requirements: 

For full admission to the Teacher Education Program:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.75 or better in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the Secondary Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the content area major (min. 16 credit hours)

For conditional admission to the Teacher Education Program:

Conditional Admission to the Teacher Education Program allows candidates to progress in their plan of study while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure academic success in the Teacher Education Program.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the Secondary Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.50 in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the content area major (min. 16 credit hours)

Evaluation Requirements:

Dispositions:

  • Recommendation from candidate's EDUC 101 instructor
  • Dispositions Recommendation from full-time faculty member in candidate's content major
  • Self-assessment of dispositions at time of application to TEP

Field Experiences:

  • Field Experience Recommendation from EDUC 101
  • Mentor Teacher Recommendation from EDUC 290
  • Supervisor Recommendation from EDUC 290

Note: Teacher candidates must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) to take EDUC courses at the 300- or 400-level.

Progression Point 2: Progression to Student Teaching Residency

Course Requirements:

  • Complete of all professional education courses for the Secondary Education major with a grade of C- or better with the exception of EDUC 494, and 496, the Student Teaching Residency course package
  • Complete all courses for the content area major

GPA Requirements:

For full admission to Student Teaching Residency:

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the Secondary Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50 or better in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the content area major

For conditional admission to Student Teaching Residency:

Conditional Admission to Student Teaching allows candidates to progress to student teaching while taking advantage of systems of support provided by the department to help ensure success.

  • Have earned an overall cumulative GPA of 2.25-2.749 in all coursework taken at and transferred to North Central College
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.50-2.999 in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the Secondary Education major
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.00-2.499 in all coursework taken for and transferred in to the content area major (min. 16 credit hours)

Recommendation Requirements:

  • Mentor Teacher Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Supervisor Recommendations from EDUC 390 and 490
  • Practitioner Interview Recommendation, if assigned
  • Receive a recommendation from the Department of Education for Student Teaching Residency

Additional Requirements:

  • Complete the practice edTPA as required for EDUC 4XX HS/MS Methods:<Content Area> and EDUC 403 HS/MS Assessment of Learning
  • *Earn a passing Score on the appropriate ILTS content test
    (ENGL: 207; MATH: 208; BIOL: 105 or 239; CHEM: 106 or 240; PHYSICS: 116 or 243; HIST: 246; CHIN: 126 or 251; FREN: 252, GERM: 253; SPAN 260).

Progression Point 3: Licensure

  • *Pass EDUC 494 Student Teaching Residency Seminar, and EDUC 496 Student Teaching Residency with a grade of C- or better
  • *Earn a passing Score on the edTPA teacher performance assessment
  • *Complete all other necessary requirements to earn a bachelor's degree

* Illinois State Board of Education requirement enforced by North Central College

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Secondary Education Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Careers

Secondary education graduates frequently find teaching positions in districts within a 30-mile radius of North Central, like:

  • Aurora school districts
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Naperville School District 203
  • Indian Prairie School District 204
  • Plainfield School District 202

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