In Cascadia College's Education - Middle or Secondary pathway, you will begin to acquire knowledge and skills for teaching children in grades 6-12, (ages 11-18), in public or private schools. Teachers teach individual subjects such as Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics), History, various Maths, English, and Foreign Languages. Students will typically major in the subject they want to teach.
Modalities
Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.
Placement
Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.
In order to earn the Associate's degree connected to this pathway, students will need to complete at least one college-level math course. For this pathway, one of the following is recommended:
Please see an academic advisor if you have questions about transfer requirements. You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study.
If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu
Planning Your Courses:
The information below assumes the following:
- You are beginning with a math placement of MATH& 107 or higher
- You are beginning with an English placement of ENGL& 101
- You will be attending full-time each quarter (3 classes)
- You will start in the fall quarter
- You are ready to take 100 and 200-level classes in your first quarter
- You are NOT taking courses during summer quarters
If any of these points do not apply to you, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make some adjustments to your course schedule. Talk with an Academic Advisor to create a long-term academic plan that meets your needs.
The Annual Course Planning Guide shows Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.
Quarter One (Fall)
- Find your community! Attend activities and connect with student clubs related to your long-term goals or interests.
- Meet with your Advisor and build a long-term course plan.
- If you have credits through AP testing or from another college, begin the process of having them officially evaluated.
Quarter Two (Winter)
- Compare the different Education majors offered at the universities you're interested in.
- Look for local opportunities to participate in education-related activities.
Quarter Three (Spring)
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major/university. Are you on track?
Quarter Four (Fall)
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications!
- Apply for next year's financial aid at your desired universities.
- If next year's FAFSA isn't available yet, set a reminder for when it will be!
Quarter Five (Winter)
- Meet with your Advisor to apply for graduation!
Quarter Six (Spring)
- Attend Cascadia's Commencement Ceremony (optional)
Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.
The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.
Humanities
HUM 107 Introduction to Human-Centered Design
MUSC& 105 Music Appreciation
SPAN& 121 Spanish 1
SPAN& 122 Spanish 2
SPAN& 123 Spanish 3
Social Sciences
EDUC& 205 Introduction to Education
PSYC 245 Social Psychology
SOC 231 Gender and Sexuality in Society
SOC 241 Love, Relationships, and Families
Natural Sciences
Lab Science Recommendations:
- ENVS& 101 Introduction to Environmental Science
- ENVS& 101 Introduction to Environmental Science
Non-Lab Science Recommendations:
150 Course and Equity, Diversity, and Power Course (10 credits)
To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement for graduation, you must complete:
- One 150-series EDP course
- At least one additional EDP-designated course
150-series courses ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally.
EDP-designated courses (including the 150-series courses) may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.
Transfer Opportunities
For this pathway, Cascadia College recommends the Associate's degree linked at the top of this page. However, the College offers multiple degrees which are designed for transfer to public and private four-year institutions. Please consult with an Academic Advisor about which degree may be best suited for your long-term goals.
To work as either a public middle or high school teacher, you need at least a Bachelor's degree from an approved teacher education program. In Washington state, you will need a teaching license which can be earned through numerous teacher education programs across the region. You also need to complete 24 to 36 hours of college work in the area you wish to teach. (This number will vary by individual school.)
Many students with Middle or Secondary Education plans pursue programs in Middle School Education and Teaching, Secondary Education and Teaching, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction. See Career Planner for all of the programs in these areas in Washington state.
University of Washington, Seattle
University of Washington, Bothell
View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.
University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Center for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals.
Middle or Secondary School Teachers, specialized teachers such as Special Education Teachers, or may work in supporting roles as Teacher Aides.
You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*Net Online. O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry and more.
Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Center for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals.
Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits and Tribal Enterprises.