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The Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach pathway is an innovative, non-traditional approach to earning a teaching certificate. This structured L.E.A.P. program prepares teacher candidates to earn your secondary education certificate through an immersive learning experience that includes daytime teaching, professional development, mentor support and graduate coursework.
The secondary education certificate program requirements include:
This comprehensive approach ensures that candidates are well-supported during every step of the pathway and are able to sufficiently develop their pedagogical skills.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Teacher-Certification-Online.Org Your Online Teacher Certification Resource. (n.d.). Teaching Without Certification. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
This graduate certificate in secondary education at Grand Canyon University is a specialized program designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in teaching and curriculum development at the secondary education level. This program is intended for those looking to becoming a certified teacher of sixth through 12th grade who already hold a bachelor’s degree but do not currently hold a teacher’s license.
This post-baccalaureate secondary education certificate serves as an alternative route for obtaining a teaching license, incorporating observation requirements, mentorship, hands-on teaching experience and theoretical knowledge of pedagogy. As a graduate of this secondary education certificate, you will be taught to work as a teacher of record in a middle or high school classroom by pursuing a non-traditional path to teacher licensure with the support of your school district.
Programs such as this graduate certificate in secondary education follow the Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach path and are designed to be accessible for both full-time students and working professionals. Earning a graduate certificate in secondary education online can be convenient and flexible options that allow you to obtain an education on your own time and to potentially position yourself to reach your professional goals.
Prepare yourself to make an impact as a certified teacher. Earn your Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach certificate of secondary education online or in-person during evening classes from Grand Canyon University.
Whether you are just starting your career in education or are considering a career change, we’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions about the graduate certificate in secondary education. Review our list of common questions and answers below to provide valuable insight into the field of secondary education.
The process of obtaining a secondary education certificate if you already have a bachelor's degree may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the program requirements in your state. However, this secondary education graduate certificate program is specifically designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing a career in teaching at the middle or high school level. By completing this 16-credit secondary education certificate you will be prepared to pass certification exams to earn your teaching license.
A graduate certificate in secondary education is a good option if you enjoy teaching in a middle or high school setting and want to gain advanced knowledge and skills to enter this field. This secondary education certificate is a 16-credit program that typically consists of a series of courses that focus on topics such as curriculum design, classroom management, instructional strategies and assessment and evaluation.
A secondary education graduate certificate program is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in teaching and curriculum development at the secondary education level. Graduates may pursue career paths that require specific skills, such as:
Without proper certification, it is unlikely that you will be able to secure a job as a teacher in a secondary education setting, as most schools and districts require their teachers to hold the necessary credentials. According to Teacher-Certification-Online.Org, federal standards require that all public-school teachers be certified and state licensed.1 A certification or license typically requires completion of a teacher education program, such as the MEd in Early Childhood Education degree, which leads to licensure. This program usually includes coursework in education, teaching methods and classroom management, as well as a supervised student-teaching experience or practicum field hours that leads to licensure.
Teaching can be a rewarding and challenging career that requires a combination of knowledge, skills and experience. By following this certificate of secondary education pathway, you have the potential to make a significant impact on middle and secondary schools. Coursework in this certificate in secondary education program teaches skills and knowledge in the following areas:
The graduate-level coursework within GCU’s secondary education certificate program is focused on strategies that fit within the modern classroom, preparing you to serve the types of students who will actually be in your classroom.
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
