Median Pay: $62,360

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

Social Studies Certification | 39 Hours

HIST 211 Topics in Global History (3 Credit Hours)

A study of such topics in global history as the building and maintenance of empire, colonization and de-colonization, impact of industrialization and secularization on societies around the world, nationalisms and revolutionary movements, and religious and ideological antagonisms (e.g., Islam and the West). The reading and interpretation of primary sources of historical information receives special attention. Course may be taken for credit more than once provided that the topic of the course is different each time it is taken.

HIST 311 American History to 1848 (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of colonial society and culture, the Revolution, the Constitution, the early national period, Jacksonian Democracy, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in history or permission from instructor.

HIST 312 American History from 1848 to 1919 (3 Credit Hours)

A consideration of the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor.

HIST 475 Special Topics: American History (3 Credit Hours)

Topics that might be covered include, but are not limited to such titles as Colonial America, the Early National Period, Industrial America in the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era and World War I, the Period between the World Wars, World War II, the United States since 1945, the Vietnam War, American Economic History, American Constitutional History, African-American History, and the American South. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level History course or permission from instructor. Even years only.

Or

HIST 235 Kentucky History (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the complex, contradictory, and ultimately vital history of Kentucky from its frontier beginnings to the present, and its role in shaping larger American society. This course privileges the importance of the local in understanding the specific contexts that shape a given people. Students will explore the ways topics such as race, religion, geography, migration, gender, politics, violence, and power influenced Kentucky’s development over time. Ultimately, this course deeply investigates what made Kentuckians, Kentuckians.

Choose 1 of the following:

HIST 413 Twentieth Century America (3 Credit Hours)

Selected topics on the nation’s history since 1919, including the 1920s, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Revolution, and political and social developments since 1945. Prerequisites: a previous 200-level course in history or permission from instructor.

Or

HIST 431 American Revolutionary Era 1763-1789 (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the causes, events, and consequences of the American Revolution from the end of the Seven Years War through the ratification of the Constitution. Historiographical controversies will be emphasized. Prerequisites: HIST 311 or permission from instructor. Odd years only.

Or

HIST 441 Civil War & Reconstruction 1848-1877 (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the events, causes, and consequences of the American Civil War. Attention is paid to primary sources, and especially the analysis of conflicting scholarly interpretations. Prerequisite: History 312 or permission from instructor. Odd years only.

Choose 1 of the following:

HIST 341 History of Britain to 1688 (3 Credit Hours)

British history from the Roman occupation to the Glorious Revolution with emphasis on the development of the English people and state. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor. Odd years only.

Or

HIST 342 History of Britain since 1688 (3 Credit Hours)

A study of British history from the Glorious Revolution to the present with emphasis on political and institutional development, and the role of Britain in the world, including the rise and decline of the British empire. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor. Even years only.

Or

HIST 451 Topics in Early European History (3 Credit Hours)

A study of developments in European politics, society, and culture in the period of 1350 to 1650. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in history or permission from instructor. Students may take the class for credit more than once as the topic changes. Odd years only. Cross-lists with RLGN 452.

Or

HIST 452 Topics in Modern European History (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the political, social, and cultural history of Europe from the Congress of Vienna to the contemporary era of European integration. Possible topics are the process of modernization, nationalism, secularization, the world wars, and the course of European history since 1945. Students may take the class for credit more than once as the topic changes. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor.

1 Non-U.S. History Elective (choose 1, 3-hour course) at the 300+ level (3 Credit Hours)

Or

HIST 110 Roots of Civilization (3 Credit Hours)

A study of civilizations of the ancient world designed to introduce students to the study of history and allied disciplines such as religious studies and art history. The course includes a brief survey of the rise of the first cities in river valleys of the ancient world and focuses on the development of one or two major civilizations of the ancient world; for example, those of Greece, Rome, India, or China.

ECON 203 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to macroeconomic theory including a study of the economizing problem, pure and mixed economics systems, demand and supply, the economic functions of government, national income accounting, the business cycle, employment theory, money and banking, and fiscal policy.

ECON 204 Principles of Microeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to microeconomic theory, including demand and supply analysis, elasticity, the production function, price and output determination, costs of production, pricing and employment of resources, and market structures.

PLSC 101 American National Government (3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the principal characteristics of the American National Government; examination of constitutional principles, federalism, political participation, institutions of government, and the politics of public policy. Please see the Department of History, Religious Studies & Languages section of the catalogue for information on the History and Political Science Major.

1 PLSC Elective (choose 1, 3-hour course) at the 200+ level (3 Credit Hours)

SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology (3 Credit Hours)

The interaction of individuals, within a larger social context, in order to help students develop “sociological imagination” about their own lives. The course examines how group life is organized and how it functions at both micro and macro levels; the process of socialization as well as the various axes of inequality, including race, social class, and gender and looks at a variety of social institutions including the family, education, health care, and religion.

INSS 103 Cultural Geography (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the concepts of place, region, spatial interaction, landscape interpretation, and landscape evolution. Deals with the graphic media of geography - maps, graphs, and scale models. Case studies illustrate geographic principles to familiarize students with various parts of the world. For future teachers as well as students of the natural and social sciences.

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.