The MEd program in secondary education with a concentration in teacher certification is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach grades 7-12. The program builds on connections between educational design and decision-making and is designed to foster strong professional growth and leadership development.
All courses are offered remotely, and students select one of two modalities:
- ASU Sync offers regularly scheduled evening classes via synchronous learning over Zoom. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space but do meet at the same time, offering a live learning experience with peers and faculty. ASU Sync students need to reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program. Students on I-20 visas are not permitted to complete courses via ASU Sync and should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program.
- ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Students completing their program through ASU Online must be admitted to the online campus.
This program can be taken in three continuous semesters allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students can also enroll part-time over additional semesters.
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty actively engage in the educational research community, bringing new and relevant knowledge into the program. Students engage in their own research through applied project coursework, deepening their knowledge and improving their practice through research, critical evaluation and application of education concepts.
A series of professional experiences assist students in developing a thorough understanding of teaching and learning as they apply knowledge from their coursework in varied school settings. Individualized guidance through the clinical framework provides students with the support they need to become effective educators.
This program offers two routes leading to Arizona teacher certification:
- In the traditional certification route, students conduct one internship or teaching residency per semester, for at least three semesters. Students begin by completing an internship in a local school and then progress to a full-time teaching residency.
- The alternative certification route provides an alternative pathway to teacher certification for individuals who are currently employed full-time by a school as a teacher of record. To qualify, individuals must secure a full-time teaching position in an approved content and grade level.
The coursework is the same in both certification routes and culminates in an applied action research project in which students apply what they've learned to address a challenge in their classroom.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in Secondary Education, 6-12.
Physical education content area students earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in Secondary Education, 6-12, along with the Physical Education, PreK-12 endorsement. This program does not lead to teacher certification in any other elementary content area.
ASU Sync
Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.