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Secondary Teaching

SESP’s interdisciplinary Secondary Teaching concentration provides an immersive learning experience that will prepare you to be a top Secondary Teaching educator.  With this concentration, you will:

  • Specialize in Secondary Teaching subject areas by taking courses from world-renowned faculty in the biological sciences, chemistry, economics, English, history, mathematics, physics, political science, or Spanish
  • Build a robust pedagogical skillset with courses like child and adolescent development, and secondary education methods
  • Complete a linked practicum and student teaching clinical experience in your last year
  • Be eligible for the Illinois Professional Educator license upon completion of all degree and licensure requirements

Curriculum—42 units

  • Distribution requirements - 10 units
  • Professional core - 12 units
  • Teaching subject–area requirements - varies
  • Electives - 8 or fewer as needed to complete the 42 - unit degree requirement

For a full description of coursework and requirements to complete the Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy Degree with a concentration in Secondary Teaching, please visit the Undergraduate Academic Catalog for Secondary Teaching.

Teacher Licensure 

Students who want to be licensed as teachers must apply to the SESP Teacher Education Program. SESP teaching concentrations within the program are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Completing the courses alone doesn't not result in licensure, nor is licensure required to earn a SESP degree.  The SESP teaching concentrations advisor will advise on the process and timing of application.

See Application Requirements

After SESP

Graduates at the secondary level are prepared to become secondary education classroom teachers in grades 5-12.