Secondary Education (6-12)

The mission of the College of Education is to prepare and empower professional educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach all students in a global, diverse educational setting; to provide inclusive learning environments; and to demonstrate ethical behaviors.

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  • Overview
  • What Will I Study?
  • Future Careers
  • Requirements

Designed to prepare future educators who are passionate about teaching and shaping young minds in grades 6-12.

The Secondary Education program at Savannah State University is designed to prepare future educators who are passionate about teaching and shaping young minds in grades 6-12. With specializations available in Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering, this program provides teacher candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in diverse classroom settings. Through rigorous coursework, practical field experiences, and mentorship from experienced faculty, students develop competencies essential for fostering academic growth in secondary school students.

“Teaching is about inspiring future generations. SSU’s Secondary Education program equipped me with the tools to make a real difference in my students’ lives.”
Niya Anderson
Biology Education Graduate

Bachelor of Science in Education

Students in the Secondary Education program study a curriculum that blends core education courses with specialized content in their chosen concentration area—Biology, Mathematics, or Engineering. The program includes foundational courses on teaching strategies, adolescent development, classroom management, and subject-specific pedagogy, along with a capstone student teaching experience.

Biology Education, BSED

Mathematics Education, BSED

Engineering and Technology Education, BSED

Future Careers

Graduates of the Secondary Education program are well-prepared to enter teaching roles in grades 6-12 and often secure positions in high-demand areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The program provides a solid foundation for career growth, with graduates finding positions as secondary teachers, curriculum specialists, and instructional coaches.

Career Pathways:

  • High School Biology, Math, or Engineering Teacher: Graduates can teach in their chosen specialization, meeting the needs of high schools across Georgia and beyond.
  • Curriculum Developer: With experience, some graduates move into roles creating educational resources and curricula for school districts or educational companies.
  • STEM Program Coordinator: Many schools and organizations seek coordinators to oversee STEM education programs, providing additional leadership opportunities for SSU graduates.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for secondary school teachers in STEM areas is expected to grow by 4% through 2031. Salaries vary by region, but secondary school teachers in Georgia earn an average starting salary of $55,000, with growth potential in both salary and responsibility with experience.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the College of Education’s Educator Preparation Program, which leads to Georgia Teacher Certification, you must meet the following criteria accepted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). The GaPSC is the state agency that issues the Georgia Teacher Certification and not the College of Education.

1. Entrance Testing Requirements:

  1. 240 Tutoring Diagnostic Reading Test Score or 15 clocked hours in the 240 Tutoring Reading Module;
  2. 240 Tutoring Diagnostic Math Test Score or 15 clocked hours in the 240 Tutoring Math Module;
  3. 240 Tutoring Diagnostic Content Area Test Score; Biology: ETS Practice Biology Test score; Secondary Math: ETS Practice Math Test score; Music: ETS Practice Music Test score; Engineering and Technology: ETS Practice Engineering and Tech Test score.

OR an Existing GACE Admission Tests Scores (posted prior to July 1, 2022):

Reading Score – 200 or higher and Math Score – 200 or higher in place of 240 Tutoring Reading
And Math.

2. Cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

3. Pass EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, & EDUC 2130 and complete 30 hours of field experiences

4. Submit a completed application for with all the required documents attached:

  1. Obtain 2 Faculty Recommendation letters: one from a content area/academic professor/instructor and one from a College of Education professor/instructor.
  2. Provide the names of 2 professors/instructors – one from College of Education and one from your academic courses who can verify your course attendance record.
  3. Student Disposition Forms completed by the people who write the recommendation letters: form with the application packet provided to you.
  4. Submit official SSU transcript (order transcript from registrar website, and have it electronically sent to Assessment Specialist, COE, [email protected]) cost $4.
  5. Submit Why I want to teach paper (why do you want to teach, what grade, and what content).
  6. Submit background check (For free SSU background check: Contact Sgt. Brown at 912-358-3035 or [email protected] to make an appointment to fill out the required consent forms for the background check).
  7. Submit the Verification of Lawful Presence form, which is with application packet (Dr. Thompson can notify, if you make an appointment with her) with a copy of the front and back of your Driver’s License.
  8. Acquire a Student Membership in the GAE to obtain proof of liability insurance.

After being admitted to the College of Education, you will be required to take the following tests with 4 months after your admission:

  1. GACE Ethics 360 and pass with a certificate
  2. One of the required GACE Content Test