Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education

Required courses for certification and must be taken at Northwest Nazarene University.

All courses below must be passed with a B- or higher.

Northwest Nazarene University offers the following Secondary Content Endorsements in which candidates receive an institutional recommendation to the State Department of Education Teacher Certification for a Standard Instructional Certificate with Secondary endorsements, upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching. 

The State Department of Education requires that an area of endorsement include a minimum of 45 credits, taken in prescribed courses.  Instead of a single teaching area, candidates may choose two teaching fields. For a first teaching field, 30 credits are required.  For a second teaching field, 20 credits are required.

The list below provides a guideline of the required courses for each content endorsement.  The courses can be taken at any accredited institution.  Additional courses in the endorsement may be required to reach the necessary number of credits.   All candidates will be required to take one methods class for each endorsement. All courses below must be passed with a C or higher.

American Government/Political Science (6-12) 

• Political Science
• United States History (6)
• World History (6)
• Comparative Government (3)
• EDUC7658 Teaching Social Studies in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Political Science

Biology (6-12)

• Biology coursework in the following areas must include labs:
  • Molecular and Organismal
  • Heredity Ecology Biological Adaptation 
• EDUC7664 Teaching Science in Secondary Schools (2) 
• Additional credits to be taken in Biology with labs

Chemistry (6-12)

• Chemistry coursework in the following areas, must include labs:
  • Inorganic
  • Organic 
• EDUC7664 Teaching Science in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Chemistry with labs 

Communication (6-12)          

• Introduction to Communication (3)
• Small Group Communication (3)
• Human Relations (3)
• Media Systems and Literacy (3)
• Interpersonal Communication (3)
• Journalism (3)
• Mass Communication (3)
• Advanced Public Speaking (3)
• Non-Verbal Communication (3)
• Persuasion (3)
• Argumentation and Debate (3)
• EDUC7150 Teaching Communication Studies in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Communication 

Computer Science (6-12)   

• Intro to Computer Science (3)
• Computer Programming in C++ (3); and Laboratory (1)
• Data Structures (3)
• Database Design and Programming (3); and Laboratory (1)
• Systems Analysis and Design (3)
• Choose one course from:
  • Introduction to Web Development (3)
  • Event-Driven Programming (3); and Laboratory (1)
• EDUC7667 Teaching Computer Science in Secondary Schools (3)
• Additional credits to be taken in Computer Science

English Middle Level (5-9) 

• English Grammar and Usage (2)
• Topics in Writing and Literature, or W Elective (3)
• Children's and Young Adult Literature (3)
• Literary Theory and Criticism (3)
• American Literature (3)
• British Literature (3)
• Multi-Cultural or World Literature (3)
• Pedagogy of Writing K-8 (3)
• EDUC7659 Teaching English in Secondary Schools (3) **
• Additional credits to be taken in English

English (6-12) 

• Grammar/Linguistics (2)
• American Literature (3)
• British Literature (3)
• Multicultural/World Literature (3)
• Literary Theory (3)
• Pedagogy of Writing 6-12 (3)
• Advanced Composition (3)
• EDUC7659 Teaching English in Secondary Schools (3) 
• Additional credits to be taken in English

Health (6-12)   

• Health Issues in Today's Society (3)
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan (2)
• Field Experience in Kinesiology (1)
• Biomechanics/Exercise Physiology (3)
• Administration and Supervision of HPER (3)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology plus lab (4) 
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (American Red Cross preferred)
• EDUC7635 Teaching School Health (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Health

History Middle Level (5-9)

• U.S. History (6)
• Non-U.S. History (6)
• Political Science or American Government (3)
• Additional History Elective (3)
• EDUC7658 Teaching Social Studies in Secondary Schools (2) **
• Additional credits to be taken in History

History (6-12)     

• World History (6)
• United States History (9, including one recent history)
• American National Politics (3)
• EDUC7658 Teaching Social Studies in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in History

Mathematics Middle Level (5-9)

• Fundamental Mathematical Structures I (3)
• Fundamental Mathematical Structures II (3)
• College Algebra (3)
• Trigonometry (3)
• Elementary Statistics (3)
• EDUC7657 Teaching Mathematics in Secondary Schools (2) **
• One course selected from the following:
  • 2000 Level or Higher Mathematics Elective (3)
  • Computer Science elective (3)
• Additional credits to be taken in Math

Mathematics (6-12)   

• Introduction to Computer Science (3)
• Elementary Statistics (3)
• Discrete Mathematics (3)
• Calculus (8)
• History of Mathematics (1)
• Modeling and Operations Research (3)
• Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (3)
• Linear Algebra (3)
• Modern Geometry (3)
• Modern Algebra (4)
• Introduction to Real Analysis (4)
• Seven mathematics elective credits (7) 
• College Physics including lab (4)
• EDUC7657 Teaching Mathematics in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Math

Music (K-12) (5-9) (6-12) 

• Fundamentals of Music (2)
• Beginning Music Theory I including lab (4)
• Beginning Music Theory II including lab (4)
• Digital Music and Technology (3) 
• Intermediate Music Theory I including lab (4)
• Intermediate Music Theory II including lab (4)
• Improvisation (3)
• Brass Methods (1)
• Percussion Methods (1)
• Strings Methods (1)
• Woodwinds Methods (1)
• Orchestration (3)
• Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque (3)
• Music History: Classic, Romantic and Modern (3)
• Choral Conducting, Methods, and Materials (3)
• Instrumental Conducting, Methods, and Materials (3)
• Forms and Analysis (3)
• Eight credits in applied lessons (8)
• MUSC3450. Teaching Music in Elementary Schools I (2) (for K-12)
• MUSC3460. Teaching Music in Elementary Schools II (2) (for K-12) 
• EDUC7654 Teaching Music in Secondary Schools (3)
• Additional credits to be taken in Music
• An acceptable level of music keyboard proficiency shall be determined by examination before enrolling for student teaching.  Students may acquire needed skills by taking available piano courses.

Physical Education (K-12) (6-12)         

• Human Anatomy and Physiology including lab (8)
• Introduction to Recreation and Kinesiology (3)
• Introduction to Athletic Training and Physical Therapy with Laboratory (3)
• Health Issues in Today's Society (3)
• Kinesiology Activity courses (6 required)
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan (2)
• Kinesiology Field Experience (1)
• Psychology and Techniques of Coaching (3)
• Motor Development and Motor Learning (2)
• Corrective and Adaptive Physical Education (2)
• Biomechanics/Exercise Physiology (3)
• Tests and Measurements in Physical Education (3)
• Administration and Supervision of HPER (3)
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (American Red Cross preferred)
• Completion of Lifeguard or Water Safety Instruction (WSI) certification
• EDUC7636 Teaching Physical Education in Secondary Schools (2)
• KINE3380. Teaching Physical Education in K-8 Schools (2) - required for K-12
• Additional credits to be taken in Physical Education

Physics (6-12)

• Calculus (8)
• Vector Calculus (3)
• Differential Equations (3)
• Physics for Science & Engineering I (4)
• Physics for Science & Engineering II (4)
• Instrumentation in Experimental Physics I (1)
• Instrumentation in Experimental Physics II (1)
• Modern Physics including lab (4)
• EDUC7664 Teaching Science in Secondary Schools (2)
• Two courses selected from: 
  • Analytic Mechanics (3)
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3)
  • Electricity and Magnetism (3) 
  • Solid State Physics (3)
  • Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics (3)
• Additional credits to be taken in Physics

Psychology (6-12)

• Introduction to Psychology (3)
• Lifespan Development (3)
• Research Design (3)
• Abnormal Psychology (3)
• Counseling Theory and Helping Skills (3)
• Counseling Theory and Helping Skills Lab (1)
• Bio Foundations of Behavior and Lab (4)
• History of Psychology (2)
• 6 credits selected from the following:
  • Careers in Psychology (2)
  • Contemporary Approaches in Child and Adolescent Development (3)
  • Human Sexuality (3)
  • Human Diversity (3)
  • Psychology of Religion (3)
  • Educational Psychology (3)
• EDUC7668 Teaching Psychology in Secondary Schools (2)
• Additional credits to be taken in Psychology

Science Middle Level (5-9) 

• Introduction to Biology (3); and
• Introduction to Biology Lab (1)
• Introduction to Physical Science (3); and
• Introduction to Physical Science Lab (1)
• Biology courses with labs (4)
• Earth Science courses with labs (8)
• Physical Science courses with labs (4)
• EDUC7664 Teaching Science in Secondary Schools (2) **
• Additional credits to be taken in Science

Social Studies Middle Level (5-9)

• Geography (3)
• U.S. History (3)
• World History course (3)
• Economics, Political Science, or American Government (6)
• Additional Geography Elective (3)
• EDUC7658 Teaching Social Studies in Secondary Schools (2) **

Visual Art (K-12) (6-12)       

• 2D Design (3)
• Drawing (3)
• 3D Design or Ceramics (3)
• 12 credits in the following:
  • Figure Studies
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
• Art History (6)
• ARDE3330. Teaching Art in K-8 Schools (3) required for K-12 endorsement
• EDUC7653 Teaching Art in Secondary Schools (3)
  Additional credits to be taken in Art classes 2999 or above.

Program Admission Requirements

Upon completion of general education requirements, the Accelerated Certification in Education Program requires a full calendar year of coursework plus one complete university semester of full-time student teaching in an approved Idaho public school. In addition, students must complete approximately 100 hours of course-specific field experience in an approved public school during the program. Field experience placements are determined by the program. A cohort model is utilized in the program with new cohorts beginning fall semesters.

The Accelerated Certification in Education Program requires the following items for admission to the program.  

1. Interview
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
3. Writing Sample
4. Disposition Assessment
5. Praxis Content Knowledge Assessments (provisionally accepted without passing scores)

The Accelerated Certification in Education Program will not admit candidates into the teacher preparation program that have

• Previously been denied an Institutional Recommendation (IR) for teacher certification
• Received a grade in internship or student teaching which resulted in not obtaining an Institutional Recommendation from another institution
• Withdrew, or were removed from, an internship or student teaching experience
• Previously been dismissed from a teacher preparation program

Certification Requirements

To receive an institutional recommendation for secondary certification with an endorsement to the Idaho State Department of Education, a candidate must meet the following standards:

1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
2. Completion of requirements of the educator preparation program in effect at the time of admission to teacher education and any additional requirements if required by changes in the standards of state regulatory agencies.
3. Completion of all education courses with a grade of B- (2.7) or better.
4. Completion of all content requirements in endorsement areas
5. 3.0 or better cumulative GPA.
6. Sufficient score on the PRAXIS Content Knowledge tests in the endorsement areas

Completing Northwest Nazarene University's teacher education program will enable a candidate to be recommended for certification in Idaho. Candidates seeking certification in other states should consult that state's Department of Education for additional requirements. Deviations from the teaching major or certification requirements must be authorized by the program director.

MAT, Secondary Education – Checkpoint Process

• Checkpoint 1: Midterm of First Semester of Professional Education Classes - Admission to Educator Preparation Program
  Application for admission to teacher education should be made during the first semester in the Accelerated Certification in Secondary Education. Decision factors about admission to the program include: oral interview, cumulative GPA (3.0), grade of B- or better in all education and liberal arts core courses, grade of C or better in all middle level endorsement courses, field experience reports, PRAXIS Elementary Education Content Knowledge Multiple Subjects test scores, and disposition assessments. No person convicted of a felony will be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program.
• Checkpoint 2: End of First Semester - Admission to Teaching Methods Courses
  Upon completion of the first semester of coursework, candidates' file will be evaluated. Decision factors about proceeding in the Accelerated Certification in Education Program include: PRAXIS Content Knowledge test scores in the first content field/area, cumulative GPA (3.0), grade of B- or better in all education courses, grade of C or better in all endorsement content courses, field experience reports, and disposition assessments.
• Checkpoint 3: During Second Semester - Admission to Student Teaching 
  Upon completion of the second semester of coursework, candidates' files will be evaluated. Decision factors about proceeding in the Accelerated Certification in Secondary Education include: successful completion of the Checkpoint 1 & 2 requirements, passing all PRAXIS test scores, cumulative GPA (3.0), grade of B- or better in all education and liberal arts core courses, grade of C or better in all endorsement courses, field experience reports, and disposition assessments. Candidates will not be permitted to student teach without passing all required PRAXIS exams.
• Checkpoint 4: Program Completion and Recommendation for Certification
  Upon completion of student teaching, candidates' performance will be evaluated. Decision factors about recommendation for certification include successful completion of all Checkpoint requirements, achieving a Basic or Proficient level of performance on all 22 elements on the Danielson Framework for Teaching, evaluated by NNU supervisors, and receiving a grade of A or B in Student Teaching.

Academic Standing and Dismissal

• Candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing in the Accelerated Certification in Education Program. 
• If a candidate drops below a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the candidate will receive a warning letter from the program director and will be placed on academic probation for the duration of one 16-week program semester.  Academic probation includes an academic plan for improvement created collaboratively and signed by the candidate and the program director. 
• If the cumulative GPA at the end of the probationary semester falls below the required 3.0, or if the candidate fails to meet the requirements of the academic improvement plan, the candidate may be academically dismissed from the program.  Candidates are notified of academic dismissal by the program director in writing.
• Candidates must pass all education classes with a grade of B- or better.  Candidates who do not pass a class with a B- or better must re-enroll in the course and pass the class with a B- or better in order for the class to contribute to graduation/certification requirements.  
• Candidates must complete all required education with a grade of B- or better. 
• Candidates must complete all content courses with a grade of C or better.
• Candidates must demonstrate appropriate content knowledge, demonstrated by passing all required Praxis tests. Candidates may take the same Praxis test twice. If the candidate does not pass on the second attempt, the candidate will inform the director and an academic improvement plan will be created collaboratively and signed by the student and the program director. If the candidate fails to meet the requirements of the academic improvement plan, the candidate may be academically dismissed from the program.  Candidates are notified of academic dismissal by the program director in writing.
• Candidates must demonstrate appropriate dispositions for teaching outlined by the program: communication, relationships, social-emotional presence, professional commitment, advocacy, and cognitive processing. Data from dispositions is gathered through Checkpoint interviews, Field Experience teacher evaluations, education department faculty, course work, and student teaching observations. If a candidate demonstrates areas of improvement needed in dispositions, an improvement plan will be created collaboratively and signed by the student and the program director. Candidates may be dismissed from the program based on unfavorable disposition report data if candidates do not demonstrate acceptable levels of improvement in identified areas of deficiency.

Adding a Secondary Endorsement

Teaching Endorsements for additional subject areas may be added to a Secondary Certificate, Standard Elementary Certificate or Exceptional Child Certificate.  Candidates will satisfy several requirements in order to obtain an additional subject area endorsement.

Candidates will:

• Submit a copy of their valid Idaho teaching certificate.
• Demonstrate appropriate dispositions for teaching by submitting two letters of recommendation; one from a school supervisor and one from a mentor teacher.
• Demonstrate content knowledge by completing at least 20 credit hours in the endorsement subject area.
• Demonstrate content knowledge by receiving a passing score on the Praxis Content Knowledge test for the specific endorsement.
• Demonstrate pedagogical competency through enrollment in two methods courses at NNU: EDUC7651 Teaching Methods in Secondary School (2-3 credits) and content specific Methods in Secondary School (2-3 credits based on endorsement area).
• Demonstrate teaching competency in the new endorsement area through successful observations by university supervisors certified in the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Enrollment in EDUC7685 (1-3 credits) is concurrent with observations. Number of observations varies based on background and performance.

After successfully completing the above requirements, candidates may be issued an Institutional Recommendation for the addition of a subject area endorsement.

Additional coursework may be required when adding a different grade level band certification.