School of Education
Secondary Education Program
907-474-7341 

Department Overview

The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Education prepares students from across Alaska, as well as from other states and nations, to work in urban and rural Alaska and with multicultural and diverse students, specifically thinking effortfully about culturally-rooted instruction in Alaska Native communities. To fulfill our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for the state’s rural and Alaska Native populations, faculty actively and knowledgeably utilize educational technology to deliver all School of Education programs to students across the state.

The School of Education offers bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and secondary education and postbaccalaureate programs are offered in elementary education, secondary education, counseling and special education.

Courses are available on-site and by distance delivery through the Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Interior Alaska, Chukchi and Northwest Campuses, as well as on the Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks. Faculty research in cross-cultural studies, curriculum and instruction, teacher retention and mobility, and rural schools supports the mission of the School of Education.

Priority for enrollment in field-based courses is given to rural students formally admitted to degree and licensure programs. All inquiries should be addressed to one of the rural campuses or to the School of Education’s Certification and Advising Office.

Candidates for all School of Education programs are required to have a laptop computer. Laptops may be PC or Mac and must have capacities that enable candidates to meet School of Education requirements. If you have questions about how a laptop purchase will fit in with your current financial aid package, please contact the UAF Financial Aid Office.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks complies fully with the institutional reporting requirements mandated in Title II of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998. Please contact the School of Education for a copy of the report.

Licensure Information

The State of Alaska requires that all initial applicants for a teaching certificate pass a Basic Competency Exam (BCE) from the list of exams accepted by the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development.

In addition, Content Area Examinations (Praxis II) are required for the Initial 2-3 Year, Professional and Master teaching certificates. A list of accepted exams and passing scores is available on the website of the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development.

B.A., Secondary Education

The requirements for a secondary school teaching certificate include completion of both a major in an academic subject area appropriate to teaching in the secondary school and the professional education sequence. The degree is awarded as a B.A. with a double major in the academic content area and secondary education. Upon declaration of a major in secondary education, students are assigned an advisor in the School of Education to plan the completion of the teaching major and the education sequence of courses.

The teaching major must be in an academic subject area approved for the State of Alaska secondary school teaching certificate and available as a B.A. degree: art, biology, English, French, German, history, mathematics, political science or Spanish.

Minimum Requirements for Education Bachelor's Degree: 121 credits

Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in secondary education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.

M.Ed., Secondary Education

The Master of Education in Secondary Education program with graduate postbaccalaureate teacher licensure offers a pathway for college graduates to earn a teaching certificate and obtain knowledge and skills in practice-based pedagogy. Courses are available on campus at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and by distance delivery across the state of Alaska. The program provides disciplinary and multicultural approaches to teaching students in the diverse contexts of Alaska’s educational settings. Students participate in intensive, mentored and supervised experiences in secondary classrooms, which include one semester of part-time student teaching and one semester of full-time student teaching.

Students admitted to the M.Ed. in secondary education are concurrently admitted to the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program. The M.Ed. in secondary education may not be earned without completing the requirements for both programs. Please also refer to the Postbaccalaureate License, Secondary Education overview below for additional information on this degree pathway.

Minimum Requirements for Secondary Education Master's Degree: 36 credits

Learn more about the master's degree in secondary education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.

Postbaccalaureate License, K-12 Art Licensure Program

Offered across the state of Alaska, this is an intensive, classroom-based K-12 art teacher licensure program (34 credits) that prepares postbaccalaureate candidates for K-12 art teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in multicultural settings in Alaska. The content will specifically identify and discuss current issues of art education and apply Alaska Content/Performance Standards and Frameworks as well as National Standards for Art Education.

At the end of the program, if students have successfully met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska initial teaching license and will receive certificates of completion from UAF.

Candidates who enter the K-12 art licensure program are required to have use of/own a laptop computer before they begin their internship in the fall semester.

Minimum Requirements for K-12 Art Licensure: 33 credits

Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.

Postbaccalaureate License, Art K-12 Toward M.Ed, Secondary Education

Offered across the state of Alaska, this is an intensive, classroom-based K-12 art teacher program (34 credits) that prepares postbaccalaureate candidates for K-12 art teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in multicultural settings in Alaska. The content will specifically identify and discuss current issues of art education and apply Alaska content/performance standards and frameworks as well as National Standards for Art Education.

Candidates who apply as graduate applicants may simultaneously pursue teacher licensure and the M.Ed. secondary education degree. Additional coursework will be required. (See requirements for M.Ed. Secondary Education.)

At the end of the program, if students have successfully met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska initial teaching license and will receive certificates of completion from UAF.

Candidates who enter the K-12 art licensure program are required to have use of/own a laptop computer before they begin their internships in the fall semester of their internship year.

For program options and professional field experience information, please see the information listed in the catalog for the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program.

Admission to the K-12 art licensure program toward M.Ed. in secondary education includes meeting the requirements of the UAF Graduate School and the UAF School of Education. Candidates take five of the licensure courses at the F600 level.

For information on the application process, acceptance to the program and professional field experience, please refer to the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program toward M.Ed. section.

Minimum Requirements for Art K-12 Licensure Program toward M.ED, Secondary Education: 33 credits

Learn more about the postbaccalaureate license in secondary education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.

Postbaccalaureate License, Secondary Education

This program is offered across the state of Alaska.

This is an intensive, classroom-based secondary licensure program (31 credits) that prepares postbaccalaureate candidates for secondary (grades 7-12) teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in multicultural settings in Alaska. Contained specifically in EDSC F457  is content that addresses multicultural issues in general and Alaska rural issues in particular, and is a fundamental component of the course work within the program. When funding is available, secondary program candidates are afforded the opportunity to participate in a rural practicum.

Student learning outcomes for the program are aligned with the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.  

Students must apply to graduate with a certificate of completion through the Office of the Registrar's Graduation Services. At the end of the program, if students have successfully met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska initial teaching license.

Candidates who enter the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program are required to have use of/own a laptop computer before they begin their internships in the fall semester of their professional year.

Minimum Requirements for Secondary Postbaccalaureate Licensure: 30 credits

Learn more about the postbaccalaureate license in secondary education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.

Program Options: Fast-Track, Two-Year or Teaching While Training

FAST-TRACK OPTION

The fast-track option is an intensive three-semester program that allows candidates (one-year unpaid interns) to complete the secondary licensure program as full-time students in 12 months. Candidates take classes “summer-fall-spring.” The academic year-long internship is completed during the fall and spring semesters.

TWO-YEAR OPTION

The two-year option allows candidates (two-year unpaid interns) to complete the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program as part-time students over a period of 18-24 months. The last semester of the program requires full-time placement at a public school site.

TEACHING-WHILE-TRAINING OPTION

The teaching-while-training option is for candidates (teacher interns) who have secured a teaching position with an Alaska school district. Generally, this option is available only to those candidates in areas of teacher shortage. Candidates complete the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program over a period of 24 months.

Upon Acceptance to the Program

The School of Education has a systematic procedure for monitoring the progress of education students from admission through completion of their professional education program to determine if they should continue the program, be advanced to the secondary teaching internship and eventually be recommended for a teaching license. In assessing candidate progress in knowledge, skills and disposition, faculty will review grades, observations, faculty recommendations, demonstrated academic competence and recommendations from the appropriate professionals in the schools. Systematic approaches are used to assist education candidates who are making unsatisfactory progress in their programs, but still maintain potential for successful completion.

The following are specific criteria for entry to the secondary teaching internship:

• successful completion of summer program courses;

• approval of faculty to enter the secondary education internship;

• some school districts may require candidates to pass a general physical exam and require additional shot records;

• some school districts require completion of district substitute training which may include a fee, a fingerprint card and AST background check; and

• State of Alaska certificate of student teaching authorization, fingerprint cards and money order submitted in accordance with the directions from Alaska Department of Education & Early Development by June 1 (the fee is non-refundable once submitted to the State of Alaska). 

Professional Field Experiences

The secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program includes a comprehensive internship experience in an educational setting. Internship placements are arranged and supervised by university faculty in partnership with the principal and staff from the public school. University course work and classroom practice are closely linked and communication about performance in both the course work and classroom practice is shared among the partners. Internships follow the K-12 school year calendar and not the university academic year calendar.

Performance in the internship must meet stated competencies and individual outcomes. Performance evaluations determine the candidate’s progress toward meeting the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and the International Society for Technology in Education’s Standards for Educators for All Teachers and performance guidelines of Specialty Performance Organizations.

It is expected that candidates will demonstrate appropriate professional characteristics with respect to their actions, attitudes and performance. Teacher candidates are required to adhere to the characteristics of professionalism as published in the Secondary Postbaccalaureate Licensure Handbook and to abide by the State of Alaska Code of Ethics of the Education Profession. Unacceptable academic performance, an unprofessional attitude, unsatisfactory field reports, violation of professional ethics or other factors may result in removal from the field experience and denial of the Institutional Recommendation for teacher certification.

Internship placements are made in partnership with participating school districts, which may request additional information and/or preparation from candidates according to the district’s established policies and practices. Because cooperating districts also determine the number of placements available for candidates, placement may become competitive if the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces. Districts also reserve the right to refuse or terminate placements when candidates do not meet a minimum standard of performance. Thus, while the university will make every effort to identify appropriate field experiences, admission to the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program does not guarantee an internship placement.

Postbaccalaureate License toward M.Ed., Secondary Education

This program is offered across the state of Alaska.

This is an intensive, classroom-based secondary licensure program (31 credits) that prepares postbaccalaureate candidates for secondary (grades 7-12) teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in the varied settings of Alaska. Content that addresses multicultural issues in general, and Alaska rural issues in particular, is contained specifically in EDSC F657  and is a fundamental component of the coursework within the program. When funding is available, secondary program candidates are afforded the opportunity to participate in a rural practicum.

Student outcomes for the program are aligned with the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.

Candidates may simultaneously pursue teacher licensure and the Master of Education in secondary education degree. (See requirements for M.Ed. Secondary Education.)

At the end of the program, students successfully meeting all of the program requirements are eligible to apply for an Alaska initial teaching license and will receive a certificate of completion from UAF. Students must apply to graduate with a certificate of completion through the Office of the Registrar's Graduation Services. At the end of the program, if students have successfully met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska initial teaching license.

Candidates who enter the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program are required to have use of/own laptop computers before they begin their internships in the fall semester of their internship year. Candidates are expected to be proficient in word processing, spreadsheet creation and use of presentation software.

Minimum Requirements for Secondary postbaccalaureate Licensure Program Toward M.Ed., Secondary: 30-33 credits

Learn more about the postbaccalaureate license in secondary education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.

Program Options: Fast-Track, Two-Year or Teaching While Training

Fast-track Option

The fast-track option is an intensive three-semester program that allows candidates (one-year unpaid interns) to complete the secondary certificate and licensure program as full-time students in 12 months. Candidates take classes in summer, fall and spring. The academic-year-long internship is completed during the fall and spring semesters. Completion of the M. Ed. degree will take additional time.

Two-year Option

The two-year option allows candidates (two-year unpaid interns) to complete the secondary postbaccalaureate certificate and licensure program as part-time students over a period of 18-24 months. The last semester of the program requires full-time placement at a public school.

Teaching-while-training Option

The teaching while training option is for candidates (teacher interns) who have secured a teaching position with an Alaska school district. Generally, this option is available only to those candidates in areas of teacher shortage. Candidates complete the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program over a period of 24 months.

Upon Acceptance to the Program

The School of Education has a systematic procedure for monitoring the progress of education students from admission through completion of their professional education program to determine if they should continue the program, be advanced to the secondary teaching internship and eventually be recommended for a teaching license. In assessing candidate progress in knowledge, skills and disposition, faculty will review grades, observations, faculty recommendations, demonstrated academic competence and recommendations from the appropriate school professionals. Systematic approaches are used to assist education candidates who are making unsatisfactory progress in their programs but still maintain the potential for successful completion.

The following are specific criteria for entry to the secondary teaching internship:

• successful completion of summer program courses;
• approval of faculty to enter the secondary education internship;
• some school districts may require candidates to pass a general physical exam and require additional shot records;
• some school districts require completion of district substitute training which may include a fee, a fingerprint card and AST background check; and
• State of Alaska certificate of student teaching authorization, fingerprint cards and money order submitted in accordance with the directions from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development by June 1 (the fee is non-refundable once submitted to the State of Alaska).

Professional Field Experiences

The secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program includes a comprehensive internship experience in an educational setting. Internship placements are arranged and supervised by university faculty in partnership with the principal and staff from the public school. University coursework and classroom practice are closely linked and communication about performance in both the coursework and classroom practice is shared among the partners. Internships follow the K-12 school year calendar and not the university academic year calendar.

Performance in the internship must meet stated competencies and individual outcomes. Performance evaluations determine the candidate’s progress toward meeting the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and the International Society for Technology in Education’s Standards for Educators for All Teachers and performance guidelines of Specialty Performance Organizations.

It is expected that candidates will demonstrate appropriate professional characteristics with respect to their actions, attitudes and performance. Teacher candidates are required to adhere to the characteristics of professionalism as published in the Secondary Postbaccalaureate Licensure Handbook and to abide by the State of Alaska Code of Ethics of the Education Profession. Unacceptable academic performance, an unprofessional attitude, unsatisfactory field reports, violation of professional ethics or other factors that may result in removal from the field experience and denial of the institutional recommendation for teacher certification.

Internship placements are made in partnership with participating school districts, which may request additional information and/or preparation from candidates according to the district’s established policies and practices. Because cooperating districts also determine the number of placements available for candidates, placement may become competitive if the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces. Districts also reserve the right to refuse or terminate placements when candidates do not meet a minimum standard of performance. Thus, while the University will make every effort to identify appropriate field experiences, admission to the secondary postbaccalaureate licensure program does not guarantee an internship placement.

Degrees

• B.A., Secondary Education
• M.Ed., Secondary Education

Postbaccalaureate Licenses

• Postbaccalaureate License, Art K-12
• Postbaccalaureate License, Art K-12 toward M.Ed., Secondary Education
• Postbaccalaureate License, Secondary Education
• Postbaccalaureate License toward M.Ed., Secondary Education 

Minor

• Minor, Secondary Education