Education - Secondary

Explore your possibilities in teaching with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education

Our Secondary Education degree prepares candidates to work in the general education classroom at the middle and high school levels. Instructors carefully structure and coordinate field experiences, giving students the opportunity to practice several teaching methods that will prepare them for a successful student teaching experience and career. A signature part of the Secondary Education program at Loras is the Professional Development School (PDS). Each Loras student will participate in diverse field experiences in technology-rich public and private schools.

Learn About Our Major in Secondary Education

Student Experience

Loras offers more than twenty licensure and endorsement programs in Elementary and Secondary education. In these programs, students will meet and work with a blended faculty of full-time professors and outstanding practitioners from area schools and agencies.

The Loras College Teacher Education program incorporates a mediated and supported induction into the profession of teaching through reciprocal partnerships with area schools, including schools that serve as Professional Development Schools for our students across their coursework.  These experiences offer students opportunities to work with partner faculty in their classrooms in order to learn and apply relevant skills prior to student teaching.

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LORAS ALUMNI IN THE DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Loras College Secondary Education Alumni teaching and making a difference in the Dubuque Community School District.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES LORAS TEACHER EDUCATION PREPARATION PROGRAM
Loras College received formal approval from the Iowa Board of Education for its teacher education preparation program. Teacher education preparation programs are rigorously evaluated by the State Board of Education every seven years. Loras was not only in compliance with the state’s standards, but was commended by the state for adopting a model of continuous improvement.

In preparation for the reaccreditation process, the faculty and community educators reviewed and revised the curricula to better integrate special education coursework, to increase the amount and quality of time students spend in schools, and to create a capstone experience for students during their student teaching semester.”

Mary Ellen Carroll, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of Experiential Learning.

We especially want to acknowledge our school partners who provide classroom opportunities for our students at all levels of our teacher education program. Classroom teachers give generously of their time and expertise to mentor the next generation of teachers into the profession. This support is essential to the success of our program and we are very grateful for these partnerships with preK-12 schools in the Dubuque area and beyond.”

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes
1. InTASC Standard 1: Learner Development​
2. InTASC Standard 2: Learning Differences
3. InTASC Standard 3: Learning Environments​
4. InTASC Standard 4: Content Knowledge
5. InTASC Standard 5: Applications of Content​
6. InTASC Standard 6: Assessment
7. InTASC Standard 7: Planning for Instruction
8. InTASC Standard 8: Instructional Strategies
9. InTASC Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice​
10. InTASC Standard 10: Collaboration​

 

Curriculum

View Highlighted Courses

Learning Environment & Collaborations
This course is required for all students pursuing an elementary education major. It introduces students to different theoretical perspectives associated with students’ behavior in the classroom. This course provides opportunities for students to learn professional collaboration skills and to work on a team to solve problems presented in a variety of situations. The course examines the roles and responsibilities of teachers in creating and managing a classroom environment that supports the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students. In addition, the course explores current ethical and legal standards which frame the use of evidence-based practices designed to establish a collaborative, positive learning environment for all students in an inclusive classroom.

Children’s & Young Adult Literature
This course is a survey and analysis of literacy materials for children and young adults. This course will provide a broad understanding of the history and genres of literature for children and young adults. It will further introduce students to the process of evaluating and choosing quality literature.

Curriculum & Instruction in Visual Arts
Collaboration between elementary teachers that are specialists (physical education, art, music, theater, and dance) and generalists is essential for establishing a learning environment that reinforces and deepens the growth and development of the whole child. This course introduces students preparing to become general elementary classroom teachers to a) the content standards and curriculum essentials in the visual and performing arts (music, theater, and dance), b) the important connections between expressions of art and culture, and c) how the creation and/or performance of art can lead to more meaningful learning.

Multicultural Education
This course introduces students to the diversity of cultures prevalent in K-12 U.S. schools today and the impact that this diversity has on student learning. The course examines the historic influences of cultures on education policy in the U.S., how this continues to have an impact on K-12 systems today, and global education. In addition, the course explores how different elements of culture (particularly race, religion, gender, social class, disabilities, language, and geographic region) in the K-12 classroom have influenced student learning. Most importantly, this course addresses how schools are effectively addressing the needs of multiple cultures in their classrooms and developing successful strategies to counter bullying, harassment and discrimination of all kinds. Students in the course have the opportunity to mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the community.

View Secondary Education Courses

Major Requirements and Endorsements

Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major in Secondary Education. 

Degree Requirements

TEACHER EDUCATION
Division of Teacher Education & Behavioral Sciences
Julia S. Omarzu, Ph.D., Chair

The Teacher Education Program offers more than twenty licensure and endorsement programs in Elementary and Secondary education. In these programs, students will meet and work with a blended faculty of full-time professors and outstanding practitioners from area schools and agencies.

All Loras College Teacher Education programs incorporate a mediated and supported induction into the profession of teaching in the form of multiple Teacher Education program partnerships with area schools, including participation in Professional Development Schools at both the elementary and secondary levels prior to student teaching. These experiences offer students opportunities to work with partner faculty in their classrooms and other settings and provide the chance to develop skills prior to student teaching.

Accreditation of the Teacher Education Program
The Teacher Education Program is approved by the State of Iowa and holds membership in the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Requirements for the major in Secondary Education (B.A.)
Major Requirements for Secondary Education (B.A.)

Accreditation, Endorsements & Teacher Licensure Programs along with a list of Iowa-approved teaching licensure programs available at Loras College.

Students seeking licensure at the secondary level must also complete an academic major outside of Education in one of the following approved content areas:

Related Major
Elementary Education

Career Opportunities

“What can you do with a Secondary Education degree?”

As a Secondary Education major, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.

  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education Licensure

Supporting Your Investment

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. Scholarships, grants and special awards are offered to all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for schlarships and financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and review our financial aid resources for detailed information, scholarship opportunities and much more.

Meet Our Professors

Julia Omarzu, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Chair, Division of Teacher Education and Behavioral Sciences
563.588.7524 | Julia.Omarzu@loras.edu
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Brent Daigle, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
563.588.4989 | Brent.Daigle@loras.edu

Rebecca Fabricius M.S.
Director of Clinical Education
563.588.4911 | Rebecca.Fabricius@loras.edu
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David Salyer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Director of Teacher Education Program
563.588.7836 | David.Salyer@loras.edu
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Scott Scheuerell, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
563.588.7201 | Scott.Scheuerell@loras.edu
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Rebecca Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
563.588.7161 | 
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Hilarie Welsh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
563.588.7994 | Hilarie.Welsh@loras.edu
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