Why choose a career in Education?
All students bring to school their own personal gifts and talents, and it is our responsibility as educators to help uncover, nurture and develop them. Our goal as teachers is to convey our subjects with passion, set high standards and help students believe in themselves. Excellence in this endeavor takes time and practice. We constantly strive to improve our approach; to be creative, collaborative and cutting edge. Teachers play an important role in a democratic society whose vitality depends upon well educated and discerning citizenry. Therefore, we seek interactive, collaborative partnerships between students, teachers, administrators, parents, as well as the business and social community.
Why Secondary Education at PLU?
PLU is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and the Washington State Board of Education. Traditionally, teacher placement rates of PLU graduates have been among the highest in the state. The Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership’s emphasis on early and on-going field experiences coupled with an enduring heritage of excellence in professional and liberal arts education has given PLU one of the most respected programs in the region. To prepare students as teachers, PLU fosters a climate of intellectual challenge distinguished by enthusiastic learning and committed faculty. Students and staff alike seek to apply and advance knowledge and discern relationships between all branches of learning. Rigorous scholarship is enriched by active mentorship and collaboration. Professors in the Department of Education/ Instructional Development and Leadership model the pursuit of excellence, engage in ongoing study of teaching methods, and take a personal interest in the success of their students.
Career opportunities
Well over one million teaching positions will have to be filled during the next decade and national projections suggest that a general shortage of teachers will develop within the next few years. Population growth has led to enrollment increases in our nation’s schools. That, coupled with reductions in class size and the large number of teachers reaching retirement age, indicates that job openings for secondary teachers should increase substantially. Increased teacher involvement in school policy making, a greater public interest in education, and higher teacher salaries are making careers in education attractive. Enrollment in teacher education programs is escalating and it is important that those students interested in teaching graduate from a respected and accredited teacher education program.
Course Requirements
University Core Requirements (41 semester hrs.)
When selecting courses to fulfill your General University Requirements (GUR) courses keep in mind that Psychology 101 and Writing 101 are prerequisites specific to admission in secondary education:
Professional Education Requirements
All students seeking certification to teach secondary education follow a specific program of study offered by the School of Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership. This program is outlined on the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership Web site at www.plu.edu/~educ.
Academic Major (32-minimum semester hours)
Students are encouraged to complete a major in their academic area. See the University Catalog for required courses in each academic major. Applicable GUR courses may be used to build the academic major and minor.
Special Program (optional)
Special Education waiver - Skill in helping children with special needs in regular classrooms (18 semester hours).
Special Education (25 semester hours)
The Special Education Endorsement is recommended as a second endorsement for interested secondary candidates. With careful planning, the double major may be completed in four semesters.
Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership admission requirements
Students are encouraged to complete the majority of their GUR’s and education prerequisites prior to their application to the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership. Students must file a completed application portfolio in the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership by the first Friday in March for the fall semester.
Requirements include:
- Passing scores on all sections of the Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B).
- Junior standing (minimum 60-64 semester hours or 90-96 quarter hours).
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above.
- Psychology 101: grade of C or higher.
- Writing 101: grade of C or higher.
- Participate in a group interview.
- Complete the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership application. Requirements for portfolio completion may vary from semester to semester. Check with the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership application for current procedures.
Baccalaureate Degree and/or Certification Requirements
Students become candidates for certification when they have successfully completed the following:
- Students become candidates for certi?cation when they have successfully completed the following:
- All course work with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above.
- All courses in the Professional Education Sequence for secondary teaching with a grade of B- or higher.
- Approved teaching major(s) and minor(s).
- A valid first aid card before student teaching.
- All courses within major and emphasis fields with grade of C or higher.
- A student teaching experience. Students must complete all application procedures by the first Friday in March for fall or the first Friday in October for spring student teaching.
- Fingerprint clearance.
- WEST-E in their endorsement area.
Students who do not already attend Pacific Lutheran University should request a general application from the Office of Admission (253-535-7151 or 1-800-274-6758). A separate application to the School of Education and Movement Studies Department of Educational/Instructional Development and Leadership is required for admission to the Secondary Program.
Click here to learn more about the Secondary Education Course of Study and other programs in the Department of Education/Instructional Development and Leadership.
