The Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership offers certification programs for secondary teachers and school leaders. These programs are designed to provide prospective high school teachers and pre K-12 principals and superintendents an opportunity to develop the professional knowledge and skills needed to become leaders of schools in the 21st century.
The department's innovative programs in initial and advanced certifications are collaboratively designed by university professors, public school personnel, parents, and representatives from business and industry. The common strands of all programs are field-based experiences and quality mentoring.
All programs in the department are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The professional education programs that lead to teacher certification include preservice secondary 8-12 and Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification (PBIC). The advanced programs offered are a Master of Education Degree with the following options: professional teaching certificate and the standard principal's certificate. The superintendent's certificate is offered as a non-degree program after the student has successfully completed all requirements for principalship certification. Also, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in educational leadership is offered. Annually, there are more than 200 students enrolled in the department's initial certification programs and 300 in the advanced programs.
Student Organizations
Various organizations exist at SFA that are designed to add out-of-class education to the in-class instruction students receive. The following organizations are available to enhance your personal and professional development and networking skills. Furthermore, these organizations provide opportunities for leadership and interaction with fellow students, faculty members and professionals in the field of secondary education.
- Texas Student Education Association (TSEA):
The TSEA is a professional organization for college and university students preparing to teach. The goal of the TSEA is to provide college students who will be future educators, opportunities for developing personal and professional growth. - Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE):
The ATPE is a professional teaching association with a student chapter at SFA. ATPE members are committed to supporting quality public education and the rights and obligations of the education community. - Kappa Delta Pi:
Education Honor Society for preservice teachers. - Phi Delta Kappa:
Education Honor Society for inservice educators.
For more information, contact the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership at rudolpham@sfasu.edu. 936.468.2908.