Secondary Education Program
The Secondary Education Teacher Certification Program is for students interested in completing a teaching internship in a middle school or high school classroom and in pursuing teacher certification.
Students who apply for and are admitted to the program begin the two-semester internship in the spring semester of their junior year. At that point they are assigned to a Professional Development School (PDS) under the guidance of both College and school personnel. At the same time, students complete their professional coursework at the College.
Areas of Certification
The Washington College Maryland Approved Secondary Certification Programs include:
- biology, business education, chemistry, computer science, English, environmental science, mathematics, physics, social studies*, and theatre (certification in grades 7-12),
- and art, French, German, music and Spanish (certification in grades PreK-12).
- *Students majoring in Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, International Studies, and American studies are eligible for secondary teacher certification in social studies. See the secondary program course checklist for recommended content courses in addition to the major.
Fieldwork and Timeline
Students who wish to become certified as middle or high school teachers must take the coursework listed in the secondary program course checklist.
Students should note that the timeline contained in the secondary program course checklist is a guideline only; consult with faculty advisors and members of the Education Department to ensure that you complete all program, major, and distribution requirements in a timely fashion.
Apply!
Complete application form and have a professor in your major department complete the personal recommendation form by September 15 of your junior year. Refer to the Teacher Certification page to learn more about program entry testing requirements in the state of Maryland.
English & Social Studies
The number and specificity of courses required for certification vary, with social studies* and English* having more extensive state requirements. Please note these extra requirements beyond the major on the secondary program course checklist.