Secondary Education

The Teacher Education faculty at Southern Utah University decry inequity and injustice in our educational system and greater society. We commit to developing and nurturing educators who value all people in the communities they serve. Such professional educators will act as agents of change, advocate for equity and justice in their schools and communities, and will embolden students to do the same.

If you’re interested in Secondary Education please schedule an appointment with an Education Academic Advisor and check out our Undergraduate Teacher Ed Program Handbook.

Students interested in teaching in the secondary schools of Utah (grades 7-12) can complete coursework leading to a Secondary Teaching License in the State of Utah. Interested students are required to complete a Composite Teaching Major or an Academic Teaching Major in one or more of the University's academic colleges. In addition, a minimum of 30 semester hours of professional education coursework and a student teaching placement must be completed as required by this licensure program. Secondary Education students must meet with an Education Advisor to plan this program.

Before a teacher candidate can work in the public schools in extended practicums and clinical practice (student teaching), a criminal background check must be completed. You will need to have passed a Background check prior to or during EDUC 3200 or EDUC 3400. Please refer to the following link for detailed instructions on how to complete this step.

Students accepted to COEHD after January 1, 2020, will need to take and pass a teacher performance assessment during their student teaching semester before recommended for licensure. This assessment will replace the teacher work sample and students will be prepared during courses and required class workshops.

Completing a minor is not required for licensure in the State of Utah. Secondary licenses are only recommended to the state office of education, for completed major areas of study. Should a student wish to complete a minor they are encouraged to meet with their Education Advisor. Please note that you will be required to pass the (content) PRAXIS exam  associated with your minor before student teaching in order to be licensed in it. For the correct test, registration and test dates you may contact ETS.

Secondary Education students can also select to complete a dual licensure program in conjunction with their Secondary Education degree in Special Education (K-12).

Block - is the final semester of coursework taken prior to student teaching placement. This coursework consists of the "methods" of teaching classes. The Block and Student Teaching are only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters so students should consider this as they plan their coursework. College of Education staff will register qualified students for the Secondary Block and Student Teaching.

Apply for Block here

Please be aware that SUU does not provide out-of-state placements for Student Teaching.

Spring Semester 2021: All students will be required to complete the PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers) and submit officially to ETS OR unofficially to their Education Supervisor. 

Fall Semester 2021: All students will be required to complete the PPAT and submit officially to ETS. (Secondary Education majors will no longer be required to take the Praxis II for their major, only if completing a minor.)

Please see College Admissions page for admission information.

Majors (programs) Approved for Licensure

Secondary Education Required Credit Hours in Education (32 Minimum)