Do you have a passion for math, science, social studies, language arts, foreign language, physical education, music or art and enjoy working with teenagers? Do you want a rewarding career where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, consider Central’s secondary education program.
At Central, you major in your content (math, science, social studies, language arts, foreign language, physical education, music, art) and take education courses necessary to obtain a teaching license. These courses provide you with the background necessary to become an effective middle and high school teacher.
At Central, all education students participate in field experiences with teachers and students in classroom settings. In addition, Central students have the opportunity to apply for admission in the innovative Central Teacher Academy. This program provides extensive experiences working with 7-12 teachers and students with opportunities for expanded professional development.
Graduates from Central who have received secondary teaching certification have gone on to become high school and middle school teachers, special education teachers and coaches.
Field experiences are very important at Central and begin with observations of local school district classrooms during your first courses in our education program. Continuous contact with teachers and students in realistic settings enables prospective teachers to successfully transfer educational theory into effective practice. Students also are encouraged to consider the numerous off-campus experiences available at urban and overseas sites.
Central Teacher Academy
The Central Teacher Academy (CTA) program is an exceptional teacher preparatory program and is the only one of its kind in the state! Secondary education students apply for and are selected to be a CTA participant. CTA students are trained and paired with mentor teachers in the Pella Community School District for three years. This unique program collaborates with three distinct educational resources – Central College, the Pella Community School District, and Heartland Area Education Agency.
Graduate Placement
Nearly 100 percent of Central education majors are placed in jobs within six months of graduation.
Learn more about internships at Central.
Endorsements
Freshman year
Sophomore year
Junior year
Senior year
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
In fall 2009 the education department opened its doors to a new 57,748 gross square foot Roe Center, which cost more than $17 million. It features energy conservation and environmental responsibility and was awarded a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
The three-story building provides new classroom, office and instructional space for the education and psychology departments, two of Central’s largest and most distinguished academic areas, along with communication studies and Central’s nationally recognized community-based learning department. Read more at http://www.central.edu/edPsych.
Central’s education department maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in education.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Education majors might be interested in joining Central's Education Club and the Council for Exceptional Children.
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Education-related field experiences are available at all study abroad sites. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
