If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of junior high
and high school students, teaching is your path. At East Stroudsburg University (ESU), you will major in a content area and add a concentration in Secondary Education. Upon graduation, you’ll earn a degree in your chosen field along with the credentials
needed for secondary education certification (Grades 7–12).
To support your success, you will work with two dedicated advisors: one in your content area and one in the Department of Professional & Secondary Education – Instructional Design Technology
(PSED-IDT).
ESU’s teacher certification program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and has achieved the “gold standard” of National Recognition.
All About Undergraduate Teacher Preparation at ESU
Experienced Professors and Teachers that CARE about your progress to becoming a strong
educator! ESU's faculty have been working with and leading innovative instructional design
and technologies since 2000.
Be prepared to teach in culturally relevant ways in online, blended and traditional
environments! We have professors that are experienced in all the different learning environments
as teachers, learners and scholars.
Value and Accredited: ESU’s teacher certification program is nationally accredited through the Council
for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, has received the "gold standard" as
Nationally Recognized and is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
You Major in your Content area: You get to know your content as someone who has mastered their content. You also
have flexibility if you decide to change majors.
Strong working relationships with area schools: When you need to do the field experiences or complete student teaching, we find your
placements.
Teach grades 7-12 the subject you major in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science,
English, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, or Spanish
Use technology to create interactive lessons in face-to-face and online environments
that keep students engaged and interested in their learning
Design instructional units with the Understanding by Design Framework so that learners
focus on the understanding what really matters
Create lessons using culturally relevant pedagogy, multiple means of engagement, representation
and action expression
Practice strategies to empower your diverse learners through the growth mindset, personalized
learning, and social-emotional support
Declare your major:Choose a content area and choose a concentration in Education. You will have specific
courses that you will need to take with your major.
TEC Approval:Meet with your PSED adviserevery semester.BeforeTeacher Educational Council(TEC) approval you must have met all the requirements.
Courses:Take the entry level courses. Maintain a 3.0 QPA.
Field Experiences:Many education courses have “field experiences.” You must have complete clearances.
Review information at theField Experience office.
Subject Certification test - recommendation:Pass thesubject certification testsotherwise you will need to before you are certified. Certification Tests:ETS - PA.
Student teach:To student teach all content and education course work should be complete. The Field
Experience Office finds placements when you have fulfilled requirements. Please review
theField Experience requirements and timelines.
Finishing Up - Successful Student teaching! Graduate:Apply for graduation. Get Certified:Have a 3.0 QPA (or meet exceptions); make sure that you fulfilled all requirements;
apply to thePennsylvania Department of Education for Certificationin your content area or another state.
Experienced Professors and Teachers that CARE about your progress to becoming a strong
educator! ESU's faculty have been working with and leading innovative instructional design
and technologies since 2000.
Be prepared to teach in culturally relevant ways in online, blended and traditional
environments! We have professors that are experienced in all the different learning environments
as teachers, learners and scholars.
Value and Accredited: ESU’s teacher certification program is nationally accredited through the Council
for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, has received the "gold standard" as
Nationally Recognized and is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
You Major in your Content area: You get to know your content as someone who has mastered their content. You also
have flexibility if you decide to change majors.
Strong working relationships with area schools: When you need to do the field experiences or complete student teaching, we find your
placements.
Teach grades 7-12 the subject you major in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science,
English, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, or Spanish
Use technology to create interactive lessons in face-to-face and online environments
that keep students engaged and interested in their learning
Design instructional units with the Understanding by Design Framework so that learners
focus on the understanding what really matters
Create lessons using culturally relevant pedagogy, multiple means of engagement, representation
and action expression
Practice strategies to empower your diverse learners through the growth mindset, personalized
learning, and social-emotional support
Declare your major:Choose a content area and choose a concentration in Education. You will have specific
courses that you will need to take with your major.
TEC Approval:Meet with your PSED adviserevery semester.BeforeTeacher Educational Council(TEC) approval you must have met all the requirements.
Courses:Take the entry level courses. Maintain a 3.0 QPA.
Field Experiences:Many education courses have “field experiences.” You must have complete clearances.
Review information at theField Experience office.
Subject Certification test - recommendation:Pass thesubject certification testsotherwise you will need to before you are certified. Certification Tests:ETS - PA.
Student teach:To student teach all content and education course work should be complete. The Field
Experience Office finds placements when you have fulfilled requirements. Please review
theField Experience requirements and timelines.
Finishing Up - Successful Student teaching! Graduate:Apply for graduation. Get Certified:Have a 3.0 QPA (or meet exceptions); make sure that you fulfilled all requirements;
apply to thePennsylvania Department of Education for Certificationin your content area or another state.
$63,980
median pay for high school teachers in 2024, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certification Areas
Major in one of these areas, with a Secondary Education concentration.
Professional Licensure Disclosures and Distance Learning State Authorization: Applicants
who are applying to programs that may lead to licensure in states other than Pennsylvania
must be aware of the various state professional licensure requirements. Please see
ESU's professional licensure disclosures, Evaluation of Conduct Record, and check licensure requirements by occupation and state at CareerOneStop.
Contact Us
For additional information regarding the programs offered in the Professional & Secondary
Education department, please contact the secretary at ccooper12@esu.edu.
