There's shortage of secondary school teachers across America, particularly in inner city and rural communities. Educational recruiting rules are being stretched to the limit as secondary schools accelerate their credentialing programs and offer incentives to lure new teachers into the classroom.

If you've wanted to enter the secondary education field, you may never find a better time to get your training. Among all the education professions, secondary teachers are now -- and will remain for the rest of the decade -- in the greatest demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Every state in the nation has a set of licensing requirements in secondary education, and almost all public school districts require a minimum of a bachelor's degree along with completion of a teachers training program. However, many teachers are retiring and, to fill the vacancies, some school districts will allow teachers currently enrolled in degree or training programs to begin teaching while they're still learning.

States seeing large student population growth (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah) will need the most secondary education professionals, the BLS reports. In 2004, there were 1.1 million secondary school teachers in the country.

The American Federation of Teachers reports an estimated average salary for secondary school teachers of $46,597 in 2004. But many school districts with severe shortages today are offering higher salaries and sign-on bonuses for both experienced teachers as well as new graduates of teacher training programs. Private schools, which traditionally pay lower salaries in secondary education, may have greater flexibility in their educational requirements for new teachers.

Online Degrees in Secondary Education

Jones International University

Since it became the first fully online university to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Jones University has allowed thousands of working professionals to acquire their degree. The classes at Jones University are project-based just like day to day life in the workplace. This enables a more hands-on simulative approach to learning. more

Secondary Education Degrees Offered:

M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum Instruction and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
This degree program is designed for those interested in pursuing certification in secondary education. If you are interested in helping children prepare for a lifetime of learning, committed to developing quality curriculum and facilitating learning, and someone who wants to integrate technology into the classroom to maximize your students’ educational experiences, then this licensure program may be right for you.

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Grand Canyon University

Whether you would like to supplement your on-campus curriculum with a few online courses or are interested in pursuing your entire degree online, Grand Canyon University Online has a variety of classes to choose from. more

Secondary Education Degrees Offered:

M.Ed. Secondary Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
The Master of Education degree in Secondary Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Credential) is designed for anyone holding 24 units in any Grade 7-12 subject of study and an interest in teaching certification. Courses cover educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Students must have access to a Grade 7-12 classroom and be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
M.Ed. Secondary Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
The Master of Education degree in Secondary Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Non-Credential) is designed for anyone interested in Grade 7-12 education but postponing student teaching or disinterested in teaching certification. Courses cover educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods and curriculum development. Students must have access to a Grade 7-12 classroom and 24 units in a commonly-taught Gr. 7-12 public school content area.

Send me info about these online secondary education degrees

Most Requested Programs for Education

The booming education and health sector offers many jobs that involve working with children. For more information on online education degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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