While the median annual wage for middle school teachers hovers around $60,000, the top ten percent earn over six figures! And the same is true for high school teachers — the median annual wage is slightly higher, at $62,360, but the top ten percent earn more than $101,710.

So, if you’re wondering how to boost yourself into that top 10% bracket, the answer is simple. Spend a short couple of years studying for your master’s in Secondary Education degree. If you’re passionate about preparing middle and high school students for college, career, and beyond, a Secondary Education master’s program might be the perfect next step for your career.

This article will discuss what candidates can expect from a master’s in Secondary Education, including course requirements, as well as secondary education certifications in CT, using University of Bridgeport’s Secondary Education master’s program as an example.

What are Secondary Education master’s programs?

MS in Secondary Education degrees prepare individuals to teach and instruct a single subject to students in grades 7-12.

Additionally, each secondary degree program focuses on a specific subject area with certain standards and requirements set by each state’s education department. For example, master’s in Secondary Education programs in Connecticut prepare graduates to pass the Praxis II content knowledge exam for secondary subject areas.

Furthermore, the state of Connecticut requires secondary education teachers to earn their Master’s degree to maintain their licensure and earn their Professional Educator certificate.

What courses do students take as part of Secondary Education master’s programs in CT?

In secondary education, teachers must become masters of their specific subject, spending years studying it and transferring that knowledge to students. Because of this, many educators choose content areas that interest them personally. In doing so, educators further inspire and motivate students to reach their full academic potential and goals in their specific subject area.

For example, at University of Bridgeport, our students can pursue Secondary Education certifications in Connecticut with program options in:

• Business: Allows graduates to teach various business-related subjects at the secondary level, such as accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

• English: Instill a love of literature and language for high school students through writing instruction, critical thinking development, and a diverse and inclusive curriculum and environment.

• History and Social Studies: Students gain expertise in historical and social science areas to develop students critical thinking, civic engagement, and historical analysis skills.

• Mathematics: Develops graduates’ understanding of mathematical concepts and teaching strategies. Teachers in this subject area create challenging learning environments that focus on problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency.

• Music: Students gain knowledge and skills needed in various musical endeavors, such as vocal performance, instrumental music, and music theory. They also develop a love of and appreciation for many different types of music.

• Remedial Language Arts and Reading: Supports literacy of middle and high school students. Educators typically work one-on-one, identifying needs and developing individualized instruction plans, using evidence-based practices to build reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills.

• Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, and Physics): Students develop a deeper understanding and learn effective teaching strategies for their subject area. Science curricula focus on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the natural world.

No matter which area of specialization, students in our Secondary Education master’s programs gain experience in the field through student teaching residencies and complete academic research by writing a thesis.

 

Ready to become an educator? Download our guide to becoming a CT teacher today!

 

What are the learning and career outcomes of a master’s in Secondary Education and Certification program?

Master’s in Secondary Education in Connecticut helps educators make a difference in the lives of their students and fellow teachers and opens them up to job opportunities in curriculum development, design, and administrative roles.

Candidates should look for a Master of Science in Secondary Education or Sixth-Year certificate program that will provide knowledge and training in:

• Classroom management and differentiation: Mastering classroom management techniques and learning to differentiate instruction to meet students’ diverse needs.
• Content area studies: In-depth exploration of the chosen subject area, focusing on advanced knowledge and pedagogy.
• Curriculum development and assessment: How to design effective lesson plans, assessments, and curriculum materials aligned with state and national standards.
• Instructional methods and technology: Developing engaging and effective teaching strategies, incorporating technology integration into the classroom.
• Special education: Understanding the needs of students with disabilities and diverse learning styles and developing inclusive teaching practices.

Graduates with their master’s in Secondary Education go on to pursue a number of careers both in and outside of the classroom as:

• Educational consultants: Support and guide teachers, families, and educational institutions.
• Instructional and curriculum development coordinators: Design and implement effective learning programs and curriculum materials for various subjects and grade levels.
• High school principals: Focus on the overall educational experience of students, teachers, and the entire school community.
• High school teachers: Impact students’ lives through a love of learning and intellectual growth.
• Special education teachers: Support students with diverse learning needs, including full inclusion and classroom participation.

University of Bridgeport’s master’s in Secondary Education program in Connecticut

If you are looking to inspire and teach students grades 7-12, there’s no better place to start than the master’s in Secondary Education at University of Bridgeport.

Our full-time students complete this degree in as few as two years, but students needing more flexibility can take classes part-time. We also offer on-campus, online, and hybrid formats to meet each student’s specific needs.

Contact us for more information, or apply today.

We can’t wait to help you get through college and into a great career!