Secondary Education, AA

Program Description

The Associate of Arts, Secondary Education is designed for students seeking careers in secondary education (junior and senior high schools). The degree requirements include a well-balanced general education curriculum. Program-specific curriculum provides students with educational theory and practical fieldwork in secondary education school settings.

In addition, students will also need to select a “teaching major” and complete some of the coursework prior to transfer. This course of study is designated as a university transfer program that substantially meets the requirements for the first two years of study for the B.A. in secondary education majors at UNR. Please note:  any concerns or questions about requirements when entering a teaching certification program need to be addressed by advisors for the specific university of interest.

Secondary Education Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Program Requirements

Associate of Arts degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA degree, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA.
4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.

¹

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.

²

Course may also count toward emphasis requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

³

Students transferring to UNR take units in their teaching major. See an advisor for more information.

Program Outcomes

Students completing this degree will:

PSLO1: Demonstrate the scope of knowledge and skills based on the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards:

Standard #1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard #2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard #3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Standard #4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Standard #5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard #6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.

• Nevada State College
• University of Nevada, Reno