Program Overview
Nurture the intellect of the next generation by sharing your expertise in and passion for your favorite subject area. The Middle and Secondary Education with Certification major at UNE provides a comprehensive background in the field of education while offering you two options for delving deeper into the discipline you wish to teach: a second major or an academic concentration. You may choose to focus on life science, physical science, English, social studies, or mathematics. You’ll graduate with the certification, teaching experience, and confidence you need to step into the classroom and be a difference maker in students’ lives.
Why UNE for Middle and Secondary Education
Teaching at the secondary level requires subject-specific expertise. Our flexible curriculum allows you to double major, minor, or concentrate in your area of interest while earning your B.S. in Education. We also offer minors in Special Education and Coaching.
- Early and regular field work in classrooms for maximum experience
- Strong collaboration with local schools that often leads to job offers
- Close working relationships with faculty
- Exceptional post-graduation employment rate
Find your career
As a Middle and Secondary Education major, you’ll graduate with a firm grasp on curriculum theory, assessment, educational psychology, and classroom management, as well as a teaching certificate and vast field experience in local classrooms. The rewarding career of teaching grades 6-12 awaits you.
Our graduates enjoy many benefits, including:
- Employability in a steadily-growing field
- The option to work in public or private schools
- The flexibility of working in any geographical area (coursework reciprocity in 47 states)
- The benefit of our reputation for excellence among local schools
Career Advising
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Student Success by the Numbers
of graduates employed in education or in grad school within one year of graduation
(Class of 2017, 2018)
in Maine for getting a job
(Zippia, 2021)
Academics
Examples of Available Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that the Secondary Education major offers:
- Supporting 21st Century Learning Through Technology
- Inclusive Classroom Management
- Educational Law
- Supporting Individuals with Autism
- Inclusive Methods and Data-Based Decision Making
- Exceptionalities in the Classroom
There are two paths that you can take as a Secondary Education Major:
- Double Major: Students can major in Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification. Areas of secondary certification are English, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Social Studies.
- Secondary Major with Academic Concentration: Students can major in Secondary Education with an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), History, English, and Marine Science.
Grades 6–12 Teaching Certification
Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State 6-12 Teacher Certification Program.
Curriculum
To learn more about the program, see the Academic Catalog.
Meet Kaylee, Education ‘22
During your first semester in one of our teacher preparation programs, you work with children in school settings. Watch what UNE student Kaylee Blake has to say about her time as an education student at UNE.
Experiential Learning
Beginning your very first semester and continuing throughout your four years, you will find yourself in classroom settings, gaining critical on-the-job experience and establishing a rapport with teachers and school administrators.
Field Work in the Schools
- Support a teacher
- Help with lesson planning
- Participate in Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Assist in educational evaluations
For more information contact Cynthia Simon in the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office at (207) 602-2540 or csimon@une.edu.
Global Education
In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad, you may choose to enroll in our education-related or another short-term travel course.
Ireland
EDU 242: Comparative Education in a Global Context
Dr. Lane Clarke
This course investigates comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts and includes spending eight days in Ireland in mid-May following final exams. You extend your knowledge of society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, you visit schools and learn about Irish culture and history by touring castles, the famous Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include exploring the Ring of Kerry and spending time in Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.
To enroll in these courses and learn more, visit the Global Education Program website.