Secondary & All-Grades Education

Why study secondary & all-grades education?

This major for those planning to teach secondary level or K-12 prepares classroom teachers to meet the needs of today's diverse students and emphasizes training in a specific content area.

Mentors and professors with K-12 teaching experience guide future teachers to become fully-certified in South Dakota by graduation. Teacher candidates may pursue certification in other states, as well.
Before the culminating semester of full-time student teaching, education majors spend 100+ hours in a variety of classrooms in area school districts.
All programs leading to initial level licensure are accredited and approved by the South Dakota Department of Education (SD DOE).

Sharon Lust School of Education Licensure & Disclosure

Academics at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MAJOR MAP

FACULTY

Related Programs of Study

Education Studies
Elementary Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Latest News

Beyond the Books: SDPB Provides Journalism, English and Secondary Education Major With Newsworthy Experience

Jackson Dircks ‘25 is a journalism, English and secondary education triple major from Freeburg, Illinois. This summer, Dircks is interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) in downtown Sioux Falls. From writing daily stories and scripts to exploring videography and radio show production, this internship is providing him with an up-close look at the ever-evolving world of radio broadcasting.

Native American at AU: TJ Ashes ‘27

Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. For the month of November — Native American Heritage Month — Augustana is featuring TJ Ashes ‘27.

The Power of the Augustana Connection: University at the Core of Amolins’ Life Trajectory

Dr. Michael Amolins ‘07 has made a wealth of Augustana connections in his life. He always remembers where it all started and why he stays connected.

Highlights

Careers

Graduates are highly sought after to fill secondary or K-12 teaching positions and other career opportunities, including principal or superintendent, librarian and camp director.

Hands-On Learning

In the teacher education program, campus classroom experiences are hands-on, and field experiences start from the first year — working as tutors, mentors and classroom assistants. This program’s renowned experiential learning leads to a semester of full-time student teaching, which often includes multiple placements.

Internship opportunities include:

Augustana’s model classroom
Camp counselor
Surrounding school districts

Education students study away in:

Kenya — focusing on the intersection of global food security and education with AU faculty
Norway — for the exceptional children and youth practicum
China — focusing on human relations in education with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

A major in secondary or all-grades education requires students to pair their classroom studies with a content major in the area they would like to teach.

Those who declare a secondary education (grades 5-12) major may choose a content major in:

Biology
Chemistry
English
History
Mathematics
Composite: Mathematics/Science OR Science

Those who declare an all-grades (K-12) education major may choose a content major in:

Art
Health
Music Education
Physical Education
Spanish

Many education majors choose to earn a kindergarten endorsement or a minor in special education, athletic coaching, American Sign Language or Spanish.

Other certified teacher education paths include:

Elementary Education
Special Education

Students may have a declared education major but must meet established program entrance and exit requirements to be considered a teacher candidate. The application to the teacher education program is completed during enrollment in EDUC 275. Students must also fill out an application of intent to student teach and complete the Praxis exam.

Education students often participate in:

Augustana University Education Association (AUEA)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Deaf Awareness
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association(NSSLHA)
Residence Life
FRIENDSLink
Lost & Found
Peer Navigator (Augie Access)