A children's book (Whose Eggs are These?) is propped up on a whiteboard in the foreground, while students flip through pages in the background.
Undergraduate

Secondary Education

If you dream of sharpening and developing the minds of future leaders in the classroom, secondary ed may be the best major for you. Our secondary education program offers students a path to teaching at the middle/high school level, typically grades four through 12, to acquire a teaching certificate from the state of Washington.

Why Saint Martin's University?

The Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education prepares you to become an integral part of our dynamic, inclusive and compassionate community of teaching professionals. We strive to use our knowledge, skills and dispositions to positively transform the lives of the students we serve.

Secondary ed program highlights:

  • 97 percent of our graduates find teaching jobs after graduation
  • National accreditation and approved by the Washington Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB)
  • Faculty members are professional educators with extensive, contemporary, real-world experience and work closely with their students
  • Top employers includes public schools in Washington, Hawaii and California
  • Course selections offer a wide spectrum of choice and flexibility
  • Students participate in internships and network with local teachers and principals

Internships

Before commencement, you participate in a semester-long supervised student teaching internship to help you launch a successful teaching career.

Saint Martin's matches you with a local school to get hands-on experience:

  • planning and teaching lessons
  • managing the classroom 
  • preparing for your teacher certification exam

... all under the guidance of a mentor teacher!

Careers

The secondary ed major prepares you for advanced study and/or teaching careers (grades four through 12) in a variety of environments:

  • Public or private schools
  • Tutoring and learning centers
  • Overseas schools for military dependents
  • Curriculum coordinator for school districts, museums or libraries

Top employers include public schools in Washington, Hawaii and California.

Study abroad

Study abroad opportunities open doors to teaching internationally.

“I learned about differentiated learning and culturally responsive teaching to help engage students."

Mariah Partin '18
Residence teacher
Branksome Hall Asia
Seogwipo, South Korea

Learn more about study abroad

Secondary Education Requirements

Students must apply to the secondary education program before taking any education courses at the 300 level and above. This is a Washington State requirement. Information on the application process can be obtained from the College of Education and Counseling main office in Old Main, room 476.

To ensure proper sequencing of courses, students planning to enter the program must consult an advisor from the College of Education and Counseling prior to taking courses.

Details on courses, including university core requirements, can be found in the academic catalog.  

  • University core requirements
  • 33-35 credit hours of pre-professional courses
  • 22 credit hours of certification core requirements
  • 13 credit hours of secondary methods requirements
  • 12 credit hours for internship requirement

Secondary Education at a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type
Major
Campus
Main (Lacey)
Type of Instruction
In Person
School
College of Education and Counseling
Resources
What can I do with this major?
Hospitality Icon

Already have a bachelor's degree and pursuing secondary teacher certification?

Learn more about our secondary teacher certification program.

Transformative Outcomes Icon Transformative Outcomes Transformative Outcomes Icon

Transformative outcomes

Teaching with Heart

Teaching with Heart
"I think Saint Martin’s helps you grow into the person you thought it wasn’t quite possible to be. When you look back, you think, wow, they helped me discover myself."
Bethany Partin '03 and Mariah Partin '18
Elementary Education and English Studies
Class of 2003 and 2018
Living Our Benedictine Values
Community Living Icon
Community Living
To become who we are by our relationships with others. “Let all things be common to all.” — Rule of Benedict 33
Teaching with heart
Bethany Partin '03 and Mariah Partin '18
Elementary Education and English Studies
Class of 2003 and 2018
Supportive Community Icon Supportive Community Supportive Community Icon

Supportive community

Faculty

Contact us

College of Education and Counseling

The College of Education and Counseling is committed to educating dynamic, engaged, and culturally responsive leaders. Our graduates step into their schools, organizations, government agencies and nonprofits ready to engage with their communities in a way that honors and celebrates diversity in the spirit of Benedictine values. Join us in this important work - grounded in mission and driven by a vision of equitable education for all!