Department of History
Secondary Education Certification
This document provides an overview of the steps needed to complete the requirements for an initial secondary school teaching certificate. Secondary teacher education programs are offered and degrees conferred by the college in which the subject area program is located. See the Boise State University Catalog (Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies) or the Secondary Education web page, http://education.boisestate.edu/seced/ for details about specific programs. Your principal advisor is in the academic department of your major field. Professional course work is taken through the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies. For advice about the professional component contact the Office of Teacher Education.
Programs in Secondary and K-12 Education
Candidates for secondary teacher certification complete a major endorsement of at least 30 credits and a minor of at least 20 credits or a 45 credit major.
| Majors | Minors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology Art (K-12) Biology Chemistry Communication Earth Science Economics English French German |
History Mathematics Music (K-12) Physical Education (K-12) Physics Political Science Social Studies Sociology Spanish Theatre Arts |
Anthropology Art Biology Chemistry Communication Earth Science Economics English French German Geography |
Health History Mathematics Music Natural Science Physical Science Political Science Sociology Spanish Theatre Arts |
Advising
History, Secondary Education
History, Social Studies, Secondary Education
Preadmission
In your sophomore year, prior to admission to Secondary Education, you take:
- ED-CIFS 201 Foundations of Education
- EDTECH 202 Educational Technology—Classroom Applications
The Educational Technology Assessment for Teachers (ETA) is administered at the end of EDTECH 202. You will also take the PRAXIS 1-writing examination prior to admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program. Get information about this test from the Office of Teacher Education; BSU Counseling and Testing Center, Education sixth floor; or from the PRAXIS website.
Application for Secondary Education and Professional Year
http://education.boisestate.edu/teachered/appinfo.htm
Admission to Secondary Teacher Education
Admission to the Secondary Teacher Education program is required before you can enroll in Block I courses. Application is made through the Office of College School Partnerships and Field Experience, E 222. Admission requirements are:
- A completed application form
- Approval of your advisor
- Approval of the Director OCSPFE
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
- GPA of at least 2.75 in all education courses (Effective for students using the 2003-2004 Catalog)
- A minimum score of 172 for the PRAXIS I -writing examination
- A minimum score of 75 on the ETA
- A minimum grade of C in all required courses
- Application deadlines for Admission to Secondary Teacher Education are the Third Friday in September for spring semester and the First Friday in February for fall semester.
Block I
This block of courses is typically taken in the second semester of your junior year. The following courses constitute Block I and must be taken concurrently.
- ED-CIFS 301 Teaching Experience I
- ED-CIFS 302 Learning and Instruction
- ED-SPED 350 Teaching Students with Exceptional Needs
In some cases your content methods course will be taken during Block I. Consult your advisor for details.
Admission to the Professional Year
In order to take Block II and III courses you must be admitted to the Professional Year. Application forms are available at OCSPEF, E 222. Admission requirements for the professional year are:
- Senior standing
- Successful completion of Block I courses, or currently enrolled
- Approval of your advisor
- Approval of the Director of OCSPFE
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
- GPA of at least 3.00 in all education courses (Effective for students using the 2003-2004 Catalog)
- GPA of at least 2.75 in your major and minor if applicable (Effective for students using the 2003-2004 Catalog)
- A grade of C or better in all required courses
- Some districts require student teacher to undergo a criminal background check
- A passing score on PRAXIS II is needed to start Block III
Application deadlines for the Professional Year (Block III) are the Third Friday in September for spring semester student teaching and the First Friday in February for fall semester student teaching.
Block II
Blocks II and III constitute your Professional Year. They are usually taken during your last two semesters. The following Block II courses must be taken concurrently.
- ED-CIFS 401 Professional Year – Teaching Experience II
- ED-LCTY 444 Content Literacy for Secondary Education
- Content Methods course
Block III
ED-CIFS 484 or 485 Professional Year – Teaching Experience III Students in art, music, and physical education take (EDUC 482 and 483).
Certification
Students from Boise State University are recommended to the State Department of Education after meeting the following requirements:
- Demonstrate good moral character
- Complete required course work in an academic department in the program designed for secondary education
- Complete secondary teacher education requirements
- Obtain the recommendation of the Dean of the College of Education
Idaho State Department of Education Certification Manual
http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/teacher_certification/subject_area.htm
Last reviewed November 2008