Secondary Education

The middle and high school years are an exciting stage of life as students figure out who they are and who they hope to become. As a secondary education teacher, you’ll guide young people along this pivotal journey while sharing your passion for your chosen specialty.

Alverno’s program pairs a secondary education major with another major in a content area. You can choose from science, social studies or math.

 

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In the classroom

You’ll thrive in our small classes led by dedicated faculty mentors who have deep experience as current or former middle and high school classroom teachers. You’ll explore how you learn best, plus learn how to lead and engage a classroom of students with different learning styles.

Our emphasis on real-world skills and insightful, personalized feedback will enable your personal growth. Not only will you reach your full potential — you’ll learn how to help your own students do the same.

Beyond the classroom

You’ll get hands-on experience in real middle and high school classrooms early and often, ensuring you’re ready to step up to the front of the classroom with confidence.

Alverno is connected to more than 150 private and public schools throughout metro Milwaukee and beyond. Field experiences combine observation and teaching experience, building so that you’re teaching more and more as you progress through the program. You’ll clock more than 250 hours of classroom practice through your field experiences, which will prepare you for the culmination of your major: full-time student teaching.

Looking to connect with fellow aspiring educators? Join the Alverno chapter of Student WEA (Wisconsin Education Association) to practice your leadership skills and get involved in the field.

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Abby, Secondary Education Major

I chose to study education at Alverno because I really admire the abilities-based curriculum. I’m in the field every week, which has helped me understand the role of a teacher in the classroom in a way that you can’t experience from a book. I have grown in confidence by being in the classroom.

Education + The Alverno Difference

There’s no better place to study education — Alverno has won numerous national awards for its innovative practices, outstanding teaching and high classroom engagement. Educators from around the world visit Alverno’s campus to study our curriculum and groundbreaking approach to learning and assessment. You’ll learn how to bring this effective approach to your own classroom.

Instead of letter grades, we focus on your personal development and real-world skills — equipping you with the crucial communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need to thrive. Our learning approach is centered around the 8 Abilities, which will set you apart from the crowd.

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Licensure Options & Minors

After you graduate, you’ll be eligible for a Wisconsin license to teach fourth through 12th grades — expanding your career options and making you more marketable to school districts looking for flexibility. If you opt for a minor in special education, bilingual/bicultural (requires assessment fluency), and/or teaching English language learners, you’ll be eligible for those additional licenses.

New – Special Education Scholarship Opportunity

Alverno’s Developing Diversity in Exceptional Educator Preparation (DDEEP) program provides 24 scholarships per academic year to racially, ethnically, linguistically and ability diverse students who wish to serve as a special education teacher.

Students must meet eligibility requirements and commit to serve as a special education teacher for at least two years for every year the scholarship is received.