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Secondary Education: K-12

Transform lives as a middle or high school teacher.

Teaching, reaching, and inspiring middle and high school students requires a strong skill set and superior teacher preparation. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we’ll prepare you to pursue Minnesota licensure through our secondary education major and a required licensure area to teach grades 5–12 in communication and English language arts, social studies, life science/biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or grades K–12 in Spanish.

Our approach at Saint Mary’s goes beyond just the campus classroom. We emphasize hands-on experiences that integrate coursework with experiential learning. This real-world approach allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of essential aspects of teaching, such as lesson planning, working with diverse students and families, and teaching with joy and efficacy. 

Here, you’ll acquire the invaluable experiences needed to one day lead your own classroom and make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students. When students demonstrate academic advancement, it’s a testament to the teacher’s educational abilities. Students who had a teacher who was rated as “highly effective” were more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college. You can be that inspiring teacher in a teenager’s life. 

Guided by the inspiration of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, Saint Mary’s believes in the transformative power of education. We understand that higher learning is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it serves as a catalyst for a profound impact on lives and inspiring positive changes. As a high school teacher, you’ll often wear numerous hats: mentor, coach, tutor, and authoritative figure. Here, you’ll learn to serve with integrity and lead by example, making a lasting mark on the lives of students.

Make the most of your desire to impact young lives by joining us at Saint Mary’s. We’ll help you discover your personal best and approach to becoming a teacher who respects the needs, capabilities, and potential of every student. Education will continue to hold the key to a brighter future. Because of you.

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Program Highlights

  • Pursue a minor in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or Spanish to enhance your academic experience.
  • Discover the world with study abroad opportunities, from short-term to summer programs. Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture of places like Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and many more
  • Participate in the ISTEP-Noyce project at Saint Mary’s to make a difference by becoming a STEM teacher. Teaching in a STEM field allows you to stay connected with the discipline you love while inspiring children to see it as a possible option for their lives and careers. You’ll inspire young minds while receiving financial support, training, and mentoring. Learn more.
  • Gain the skills and knowledge with clinical or field experiences beginning your sophomore year and dive into the world of student teaching during your senior year in schools such as:
    • Cotter Schools
    • Winona Public Schools
    • Lewiston-Altura Public Schools
    • La Crescent Public School

What You'll Learn

  • Teach at a highly qualified level defined by state licensing (PELSB) standards
  • Effectively teach and lead a diverse population of students
  • Work with parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members
  • Commitment and understanding of teaching with Lasallian virtues
  • Hold a strong foundation in disciplinary knowledge and content
  • Cultivate ethical leadership focusing on character and virtue education

Admissions

Your journey towards a brighter future starts here. Whether you’re a high school graduate starting your college search — or a transfer student eager to find the perfect fit — Saint Mary’s is committed to helping you find your place in the world.

Course Catalog

Careers that look to the future.

In Minnesota, both middle school and high school teachers' salaries are above the statewide median wage. Learn more about employment outcomes here.

High School Teacher, grades 9-12 (Minnesota)

$65,183 per year*

Middle School Teacher, grades 6-8 (Minnesota

$64,435 per year*

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Minnesota State CAREERwise, High School Teachers at https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/careers/careerDetail?oc=252031&title=High%20School%20Teachers (Visited Nov. 29, 2023)

Minnesota State CAREERwise, Middle School Teachers at https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/careers/careerDetail?oc=252022&title=Middle%20School%20Teachers (Visited Nov. 29, 2023)

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