Adolescence/Secondary Certification Program

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Those interested in teaching students at the 7–12 grade level, can earn the necessary certification, while also benefitting from a liberal arts foundation that opens endless additional opportunities. Colgate offers a tuition-free 9th semester option to complete all teacher certification requirements.

About the Program

Completing teaching certification at the secondary level requires a strong content area knowledge in one of the following areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history, math, or physics. It is also advised that you apply for a formal minor within the Educational Studies department. 

To become certified as a secondary school teacher, you must pursue a major with specific course requirements in the subject you plan to teach. You will work closely with your educational studies adviser to plan a program of study that meets the certification guidelines for your chosen discipline.

You should begin the certification program as early as possible with a suggested application date of November 1 of your sophomore year. If you plan on completing your degree and the certification in 4 years, you must reserve the fall term of your senior year for the professional student teaching semester than includes evening coursework as well as an extensive field placement.

University catalog

Course Requirements

  • EDUC 101, The American School
  • One course on social and cultural diversity in schooling, teaching, and learning from EDUC 303, 305, 308, 310, 311, 312, or 418 OR EQUIVALENT
  •  
  • EDUC 202, The Teaching of Reading
  • EDUC 204, Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDUC 207, Inclusive and Special Education 
  • EDUC 331, Teaching and Learning in the Schools
  • EDUC 419, Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Problems
  • EDUC 455, Student Teaching
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  • EDUC 453, Science/Mathematics, or EDUC 451, English/Social Studies
  • EDUC 456, Dignity in Schools
  • Fieldwork – 100 hours
  • Child abuse workshop (two hours of training in the identification of suspected child abuse/maltreatment)
  • Violence intervention and prevention workshop
  • Fingerprinting

Related Programs

Childhood/Elementary Teaching Certification Master of Arts in Teaching

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

The Masters of Arts in Teaching at Colgate University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Teacher Preparation Program at Colgate University has received accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards with a successful Quality Assurance Review in Spring 2022.

Colgate's 2023 AAQEP Annual Report

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