Median Pay: $62,360 per year

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Number of Jobs: 1,072,300

Job Outlook: Employment of high school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 67,100 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

It is the student’s responsibility to consult the College Catalog regarding requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program and student teaching. These include, but are not limited to, a 2.75 GPA overall, in pre-professional requirements, in professional requirements and in teaching emphasis for admission to student teaching.

For certification, the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of credit completed. Union Commonwealth University offers programs that lead to secondary certification (grades 8-12) in the following: Biology; Chemistry; English; Mathematics; and Social Studies. Multi-grade certification is available in Physical Education (P12) and Health (P12). Appropriate PRAXIS II and PLT tests must be successfully completed for certification. Also see Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching.

Note: teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Additional fees may be required. Before registering for certification tests, refer to the EPSB website at www.kyepsb.net for current requirements or call (502) 564-4606 or call toll free (888) 598-7667.

I - Pre-Professional Courses

Pre-professional courses for students preparing to teach Secondary Education (8-12). Minimum GPA 2.75 required.

Liberal Education Core (or General Education transfer equivalency)

MATH 230 Elementary Probability & Statistics

Descriptive statistics, probability, random variables, variance and standard deviation, various probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, chi-square distribution, t-tests, regression, and correlation. Goals: (1) to understand the basic concepts used in probability and statistics; (2) to equip students for applying the concepts in appropriate real-life situations; (3) to be able to analyze data presented in graphical and numerical forms; and (4) to enable students to solve typical problems in statistical inference and hypothesis.

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

EDUC 283 Educational Technology (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores classroom applications of educational technology. Students will examine the integration of educational technology in classroom settings through web- based resources, video case studies, in-class discussions, and field experiences. Students will evaluate and use digital applications and tools in addition to educational web sites and software. The use of technology in designing and implementing various types of assessment (preassessment, formative, and summative) will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of issues and techniques related to the use of technology in P12 educational settings. This is a hybrid course with face-to-face, online meetings, and assignments.

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

SPAN 213 Spanish for Professional Practice

This course will present students with elementary Spanish grammar review utilizing vocabulary, practice exercises, and model dialogues focusing on specific professional practice applications (medical, social work, education). This course is ideal for students with at least one (1) year of elementary Spanish or its equivalent, who wish to focus on Spanish in a professional context. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or permission from instructor.

II - Professional Preparation

Professional preparation for Secondary Teachers (8-12). The following requirements cannot be satisfied by CLEP, independent study, or pass/fail option. A GPA of 2.75 is required, and no grade below “C” is acceptable. To be eligible for Student Teaching: (a) All Professional Courses excluding EDUC 488, Professional Interaction in the School, must be completed, and (b) All PRAXIS II content area and PLT tests must be passed. Candidate must be admitted to Teacher Education to take Advanced Block courses.

Courses in each semester are Corequisites and must be taken together. Courses are listed by semester block

Novice

The Novice Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. 

EDUC 231 Schooling in American Culture (3 Credit Hours)

This course will expose students to the many facets of education, especially teaching. It is designed to help the students make the important decision about a professional career. Students will be guided through the history and philosophy of education, the requirements and responsibilities of the teacher, the nature of the curriculum, an introduction to behavioral theory, and social issues that impact schooling. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 211.

EDUC 211 Early Involvement Seminar (2 Credit Hours)

A practical course in which students are introduced to the culture of teaching. The course focuses specifically on dispositions and the key aspects of Kentucky's Unbridled Learning Initiative and Kentucky Core Academic Standards. Students set up their web-based electronic student portfolios. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 231.

EDUC 210 Early Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

Students are assigned to a school classroom and meet periodically to discuss and generalize their experiences. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 211 and EDUC 231. Additional fees will apply.

Total Hours Required for Novice Block: 6 Credit Hours

Intermediate

The Intermediate Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

EDUC 310* Intermediate Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

The second of three public school field experiences during which students spend fifty (50) hours observing and participating in developmentally appropriate classroom teaching activities. Course is to be taken by (a) elementary majors concurrently with EDUC 374, EDUC 470, and SPED 321; (b) middle school majors concurrently with EDUC 375 and SPED 321; and (c) secondary majors concurrently with EDUC 376 and SPED 321. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: completion of Novice Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 374, EDUC 375, and EDUC 376.

SPED 321 Survey of Exceptionalities (3 Credit Hours)

An introductory course examining characteristics, identification criteria, and teaching modifications related to the education of exceptional learners. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required.

EDUC 376* Instructional Design Delivery Secondary School (3 Credit Hours)

A required course for all secondary majors who plan to student teach. This course focuses on the design elements and delivery mechanisms of curriculum in the classroom. Students will develop competencies in instructional focus and assessment, and the relationship between these concepts. The students will produce a Standards Based Unit of Study. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: Novice Block. Corequisite: EDUC 310.

EDUC 470 Learning Theories for P12 Educators (3 Credit Hours)

Students will research, examine, and apply the major historical and modern learning theorists/theories utilized by P12 school districts to advance the cause of student achievement for all learners. Further, students will evaluate, implement, and assess key concepts, models, and strategies related to commonly recognized learning theories including but not limited to: behaviorism, constructivism, cognitivism, and connectivism. A significant focus of the course also centers on preparing Education students to successfully pass the Principals of Teaching and Learning (PLT) exam required for Kentucky teaching licensure.

*Must be taken concurrently

Total Hours Required for Intermediate Block: 10 Credit Hours

Advanced

The Advanced Block for secondary majors is offered during the fall semesters of each academic year. All classes are restricted to those students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program. 

EDUC 338 Teaching Reading in Content Subject (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design, planning, and implementation of instruction while recognizing the unique literacy demands of contentarea coursework. Emphasis is placed upon comprehension and study strategies, the reading and writing connection, the role of technology in today’s classrooms, the importance of differentiated instruction that respects cultural differences, and the needs of the diverse learner. Students participate in in-class microteaching demonstrations, develop a content-area instructional unit, and submit an electronic portfolio entry as a result of off-site visits to minority classrooms. Twenty-five (25) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 447* Methods and Materials Secondary School (3 Credit Hours)

Current teaching methods, materials, and innovations in the secondary school, with directed observations, micro-teaching, and curriculum design. Internet, PowerPoint, and Web-page design will also be covered. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Corequisite: EDUC 410.

EDUC 410* Advanced Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

To be taken concurrently with courses in Advanced Block. Specific assignments to be completed in the field will come from Corequisite courses. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 437 or EDUC 447.

*Must be taken concurrently

Total Hours Required for Advanced Block: 7 Credit Hours

Final

The Final Block is offered during fall and spring semesters.

EDUC 498 Supervised Student Teaching Secondary School (12 Credit Hours)

Supervised student teaching in the secondary school for a period of 70 instructional days and 525 clinical hours. Students will work closely with a classroom teacher, a college supervisor, and the school principal in a team approach to apply knowledge and skills acquired in their class work. Prerequisite: passing score on specific PRAXIS II Content Area and PLT Tests. See Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 488.

EDUC 488 Professional Interaction in the School (3 Credit Hours)

This is a senior level course designed to help students understand the predicaments of teaching. Understanding the dynamics of interaction between students and teachers is a particular focus. Professional relationships between teachers, parents, and administrators are also investigated. Classroom management and discipline and how teachers establish positive control of the learning environment are particular concerns. Prerequisite: admission to Student Teaching. Corequisite: EDUC 458, EDUC 478, or EDUC 498.

Total Hours Required for Final Block: 15 Credit Hours

Chemistry Certification | 43 Total Hours

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

MATH 241 Differential Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Review of algebra, limits, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative, extrema, and the antiderivative. Prerequisite: MATH 134 or permission from instructor.

MATH 242 Intermediate Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Course contains the integral, applications of the integral, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, techniques of integration, L’Hospital’s Rule and indeterminate forms, and improper integrals. Prerequisite: MATH 241.

PHYS 211 General Physics I (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242.

PHYS 212 General Physics II (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242.

PHYS 213 General Physics Lab I (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory components accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively. A general physics laboratory course involving experiments in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Experiments are coordinated with PHYS 211-PHYS 212. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

CHEM 212 Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A study of important volumetric and gravimetric analyses presented from a modern theoretical standpoint. Also an introduction to the study of advanced methods of analysis including some newer instrumentation techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 122 or consent of instructor.

CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry I (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry II (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry Lab (1 Credit Hour)

A laboratory course designed to accompany CHEM 313, CHEM 332, and PHYS 331.

CHEM 332 Physical Chemistry (3 Credit Hours)

A study of atomic structures and chemical bonding in terms of modern quantum theory. Topics include quantum mechanics, molecular spectra, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 212. Odd years only.

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

Students requesting admission to student teaching must meet all eligibility requirements (full listing obtained from the department), must be approved by the Director of Student Teaching, and presented to the Teacher Education Committee.

Requirements for student teaching are:

• Admittance to the Teacher Education Program.
• Completed application for student teaching by midterm of the semester immediately preceding the term in which student teaching will occur.
• Senior standing with at least 96 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Union Commonwealth University (Union Commonwealth University coursework only), and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, including all Union Commonwealth University coursework and all accepted transfer work, if applicable. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in each subsection (pre-professional, professional, emphasis area, teaching fields) of the appropriate education curriculum plan.
• All coursework successfully completed in each subsection (pre-professional and professional) of the appropriate education curriculum plan, and no more than 6 hours of content coursework remaining. The appropriate Methods and Materials course (EDUC 388, Literacy in the Elementary School; EDUC 437, Methods & Materials in Middle School; and EDUC 447, Methods & Materials Secondary School) must also be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Moral, social, and ethical behavior that meets requirements of the College and the EPSB, and a signed Kentucky Teachers’ Code of Ethics statement to support such behavior.
• Submission of a current medical examination (within the preceding 12 months) and a current tuberculosis test (within the preceding 12 months).
• Submission of a current criminal record check (within the preceding 12 months) and documentation of tort liability insurance coverage or waiver (some school systems require criminal record checks for the preceding 6 months).
• Completion of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Submission of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Students cannot schedule any activities, including employment, during the time (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) of student teaching.
• Submission of a preliminary student teaching agreement (contract) with all necessary signatures.