More About the Program
Teach in middle school or high school by majoring in secondary education (grades 5-12) at Briar Cliff. Our secondary education program begins with the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP). The Teacher Preparation Program complies with and is accredited by the State of Iowa Department of Education. The TPP starts with "Introduction to Education," a course that requires a minimum of 10 hours of field experience. It is a prerequisite for all other education courses at Briar Cliff and as such serves as the gateway to the education program. Students who complete the requirements for this course are eligible for admission into the education program of their choice.
As a secondary education major, you will major in secondary education, with a second major or teaching endorsement in the specific academic discipline of your choice. A major is a specific subject are that students specialize in while in college. An endorsement is listed on a teaching license and shows what subjects the person is qualified to teach. Specify a subject that will give you valuable knowledge and experience to set yourself apart from other teaching candidates in your field. Majors and endorsements offered to pair with a degree in secondary education at Briar Cliff University include:
Majors/Endorsements
- Biology
- Chemistry
- History
- Computer Science
- Business
Endorsements
- Spanish
- English
- Math
- Physical Education
Both the most challenging and rewarding part of being an education major is the Student Teaching Experience. This program will end with a required credited student teaching internship. Leveraging our relationship with local Siouxland Community public and private schools, Briar Cliff will facilitate your assignment(s) and make sure you're prepared. Generally, taking place in the final year of your college career, this education experience should be scheduled during a semester in which you have fewer commitments such as classes, sports, and work. The internship is a full-time responsibility, as you are required to follow the schedule and activities of the cooperating teacher, including after-school meetings and activities.
Education program graduates leave Briar Cliff with a thorough understanding of the following educational takeaways and are eligible to apply for the licensure needed to teach in both private and public schools.
- Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
- Learning Differences: The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
- Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation.
- Content Knowledge: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
- Application of Content: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Assessment: The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, monitor learner progress and guide the teacher's and learner's decision making.
- Planning for Instruction: The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals, by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- Instructional Strategies: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills in applying knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), while adapting practices to meet the needs of each learner.
- Leadership and Collaboration: The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
In the Franciscan tradition, the Briar Cliff University education program prepares professional educators through community service and learning. These outcomes were adopted and adapted from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC).
Candidates seeking licensure in secondary education must first be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. Candidates seeking a secondary education major must also have an academic major. This means that candidates with a double major must fulfill all the departmental requirements for both major departments.
Education External Advisory Committee
Briar Cliff Education Department’s External Advisory Committee consists of leaders, educators, and administrators from the Siouxland area.
Learn More
Career Options
- Middle School Teacher
- High School Teacher
- School Counselor
- Adult Literacy
- GED Teacher
- Postsecondary Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Coordinator/Coach
- Teacher Assistant
- Behavior Specialist
- Career Advisor
- Educational Consultant
- Camp Director
- Corporate Trainer
- Principal/Administration pathway
- Museum Educator
- Private Tutor