Secondary Education Major

Salve Student Teacher

Salve Regina University's secondary education program will prepare you to step confidently into the classroom and apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in selected content areas for grades 7-12. Through expert guidance and real-world experience, you'll develop the leadership skills and teaching expertise needed to make a meaningful impact from day one.

Being a part of the secondary education program here at Salve has connected me with a curriculum that not only helps me be a better student but also contributes to my development as a young adult. I have become a part of a unique group of faculty and students here that is closely knit, passionate and welcoming.

Thomas Sheehan, secondary education and history double major

Great Educators Inspire, Lead and Transform Lives

Students who major in secondary education choose a second major in biology, chemistry, history, literature, mathematics or music. This ensures that you gain in-depth content area knowledge and are positioned for success in the secondary education setting.

A strategic progression of coursework and field placements helps you build a strong foundation in teaching and learning based on current theory and best practices. Concurrent with your coursework, you'll spend significant time in field placements during their second, third and fourth years. As a result, you'll be prepared to effectively engage diverse students in a variety of school contexts.

We emphasize culturally responsive teaching and attentively revise our curriculum to ensure that our students are implementing the most current, innovative and effective practices in the schools where they work.

What Sets Salve Apart

Our faculty have incorporated science of reading instruction components that allow our students to meet the requirements of the Right to Read Act.

Our programs are accredited by the R.I. Department of Education and aligned to its professional teacher standards. Through an interstate agreement, our graduates can transfer their credentials to 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.

Early Classroom Experience

Hands-on experience isn't just a part of our program - it's the foundation. Starting in your sophomore year, you'll step into real classrooms, gaining three full years of field experience by the time you graduate. Through partnerships with local schools, you'll work alongside seasoned educators, applying what you learn in real time and building confidence in your teaching and leadership abilities.

Salve Classroom

Clinical Placements

Our secondary education majors benefit from the personalized guidance they receive from faculty and school professionals. Through extensive clinical placements, which culminate in student teaching, you'll put theory into practice, observe cutting-edge methods and gain valuable experience in their discipline.

During your student teaching placements, you'll have substantial responsibility for the full range of teaching duties. Your placement is balanced with analysis and evaluation of the teaching-learning process in a weekly seminar, as well as in individualized conferences with supervisors. 

Students and Alumni Making Waves

Jacob Stolberg

Jacob Stolberg

Mathematics and secondary education major

"Dr. Pelkowski and the other education professors always home in on the fact that connecting with students is the best way to teach, and I've been able to put that into practice in multiple ways. I'm currently student teaching and have been able to make leaps and bounds with students who were previously struggling by connecting with them personally, as well as connecting the topic of math to their daily lives. The education program has definitely prepared me for the future as an educator, and I'll be moving on to the Urban Catholic Teaching Corp fellowship at Boston College." Read more about Stolberg's Salve experience.

Headshot of McGrillen smiling and holding flowers in front of windows.

Emma McGrillen

Literature and secondary education double major

"Be open to new opportunities and new ways of thinking. The secondary education program will challenge you in the best ways. You will learn about the world of teaching and also engage in discussions about your background, community and experiences to help you become a well-rounded student, teacher and person. Don't be afraid to try new things, put yourself out there and have an open mind; in the end, you'll be grateful you did."

Samantha Shalongo

Samantha Shalongo '23

Language arts teacher, Montville Township High School

"You won't get an education more fulfilling than Salve. The professors, staff and administration deeply care about their students and provide a personal touch to your four years here."

Margaret Morra

Margaret Morra '23

Adjunct professor, Salve Regina University

"I had the privilege of being one of a very small number of students within my major. I got to work closely with my professors, and I feel that they really got to understand me as a student over the years. I felt supported and encouraged to succeed the whole way through."

Galanis smiling infront of river.

Elizabeth Galanis

Secondary Education Major

"This major has made my Salve experience so much better as it has provided me with a tight-knit, supportive community of students and faculty. I have become very close with all of the secondary education majors along with the elementary education and special education majors because we always hang out together in McAuley Hall. Through my friends and peers in the education department, I always have someone to lean on and support me when needed."

Study Abroad Opportunities

At Salve, education majors can study abroad for a semester in the spring of their sophomore year or participate in one of our short-term summer study abroad opportunities. Our students have studied in England, Ireland, Italy and more.

Explore Study Abroad Programs
Global studies Oxford

Vibrant Student Organizations

You can join campus organizations such as Best Buddies, Student Education Association, Student Government Association, Multicultural Student Organization, Black Student Union and more - offering ways to build leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, participate in service projects and make a positive impact on local schools and communities.

See all student organizations
Student education club

Career Paths in Secondary Education

A degree in secondary education from Salve opens doors far beyond the traditional classroom. The skills gained - ranging from lesson planning and intercultural competence to public speaking, teamwork, creativity and technological proficiency - make our alumni highly sought after in education, leadership and beyond.

A look at where our alumni are now:

  • Assistant principal, Wethersfield (CT) High School
  • Chemistry teacher, Windham (CT) Public Schools
  • English teacher, Houston (TX) Independent School District
  • Family and youth programs coordinator, Heritage Museums and Gardens
  • Math teacher, Bishop Hendricken High School
  • Recruiting operations supervisor, EG America
  • Regional recruitment manager, City Year
  • Science teacher, Pomperaug Regional School District
  • Student affairs and GSA manager, Duke Ellington School of the Arts 

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts and Science in secondary education

Our secondary education major is designed for students who are passionate about teaching and inspiring adolescents, preparing them to lead dynamic, inclusive classrooms in grades 7-12. The program blends rigorous coursework in teaching methods with extensive field experience, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s students.

See course requirements and degree plan.

Minor in secondary education

Our minor in secondary education is designed for students who are interested in gaining foundational knowledge of educational theory and practice, complementing their major field of study while preparing for roles that support learning and youth development in a variety of settings. Our minor does not meet the requirements for Rhode Island teacher certification.

See course requirements.

Minor in special education

All education majors, along with students not majoring in education, are welcome to minor in special education. Our minor does not meet the requirements for special education teacher certification.

See course requirements.

Meet Our Secondary Education Faculty

Our full-time faculty specialize in different areas of education and are supported by adjuncts from the professional world. Our students enjoy close and personal relationships with our highly qualified and dedicated faculty.

See all Education faculty
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