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Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Teacher Education, Schl of
4
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2024

Develop Meaningful Experiences for Middle and High School Students

In the secondary education program at UCF, learn about developing pedagogy and content knowledge to meet the needs of students in middle and high school classrooms. You’ll explore a variety of current technologies used for teaching and learning, like practicing your skills with TeachLivE avatars. Plus, there are a number of different professional development opportunities and organizations to get involved in while you’re here. For instance, KnightED Talks workshops are free, hour-long events that cover a range of topics related to the teaching profession and are conducted by university faculty and K-12 educators. There’s also an annual KnightEd Talks Student Showcase where you can share your best work with peers during a 30-minute session in an in-house conference venue.

This program offers two tracks that cater to your specific interests and career goals. If you’re interested in obtaining certification from the Florida Department of Education, you’ll want to consider one of our subject-area certifications available. However, the lifelong learning track is a great option if your professional goals don’t require certification.

Certification Track
Choose from several content area tracks based on your teaching interests. You’ll also be required to complete two teaching internships in middle or high schools prior to graduation and pass all relevant state certification exams. After completing your coursework, you’re eligible for teacher certification.

  • English Language Arts Ed
  • Mathematics Ed
  • Science Ed – Biology
  • Science Ed – Chemistry
  • Science Ed – Physics
  • Social Science Ed

Lifelong Learning Track
Teach or work in other settings outside of traditional schools that do not require teacher certification, such as curriculum publishing companies, museums, and science or marine programs.

  • English Language Arts Ed (non-certification)
  • Mathematics Ed (non-certification)
  • Science Ed – Biology (non-certification)
  • Science Ed – Chemistry (non-certification)
  • Science Ed – Physics (non-certification)
  • Social Science Ed (non-certification)
Students in classroom listening to teacher

Highlights

About 80% of UCF teacher education graduates work in public schools across the state of Florida.
Through our partnerships with public and private schools, we offer teacher candidates varied hands-on opportunities in working directly with students, practicing secondary teachers, program faculty and more.
The secondary education field is expected to grow an estimated 4 percent through 2029.
The national median earnings for secondary education graduates is $62,000.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Fall
May 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
March 1
Spring
September 1
Summer
January 1

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1

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Course Overview

Critical Issues and Trends in Secondary Education

Examine critical and contemporary issues and trends in secondary education classrooms. Laboratory experiences will connect to the issues and trends specific to particular content areas.

Explore instructional, organizational and classroom management strategies to create effective learning environments. Fifteen hour in-school experience required.

Gain an understanding of content literacy in the K-12 school curriculum, including principles, strategies, assessment and promising practices.

Secondary Education Skills You'll Learn

  • Learn strategies for teaching chosen content area at the secondary level.
  • Differentiate instruction and teach all learners.
  • Infuse technology into instruction.
  • Apply effective classroom management strategies.

Career Opportunities

  • Middle School and High School Teacher
  • American History Teacher
  • English Language Arts Teacher
  • Geography Teacher
  • Mathematics Teacher
  • Science Teacher
  • Curriculum Developer
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University of Central Florida Colleges