Education, Secondary

Master the Fundamentals of Education and Navigate Diverse Classroom Dynamics

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Program Overview

Are you inspired to shape the future by educating the next generation? The Secondary Education program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your gateway to becoming an impactful teacher. With distinct focus areas in Social Science or STEM, this program offers you the opportunity to specialize in your area of interest. CWI prepares future secondary teachers for Idaho Department of Education Educator Certification by providing the first two years of a bachelor's degree.

The program encompasses foundations in education, social systems and diversity, exceptionality in schools, and educational technology. You will have the opportunity to observe teachers in local middle and high schools, gaining real-world insights into the teaching profession. The program culminates with a capstone class where you will create an evidence-based e-portfolio, highlighting your work and preparing you for admission into a four-year college or university. By completing the program, you will earn an associate degree and meet the general education requirements for all Idaho public universities.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Associate of Science

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

Group of students at table conversing

Learning Opportunities

  • Practical Teaching Experience: Observe teachers in local K-12 schools and understand different teaching methods and school environments.
  • Diverse Focus Areas: Choose between Social Science or STEM, tailoring your studies to your interests.
  • Foundational Education Skills: Learn about education foundations, diversity, and technology to prepare for various teaching environments.
  • Capstone Project: Build an e-portfolio to showcase your skills and knowledge, preparing you for transfer to a four-year institution.
  • Preparation for Teacher Certification: Complete the first two years of education necessary for teacher certification in Idaho.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Secondary Education – Social Science – Associate of Arts Degree

Secondary Education – STEM – Associate of Science Degree

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Career Opportunities

  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. Excludes “Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School” (25-2032), “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    264

    Annual Openings*

    $23.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,546

    Annual Median Salary

    12.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $38.62

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $80,330

    Annual Median Salary

    13.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

    Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    16

    Annual Openings*

    $27.79

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $57,803

    Annual Median Salary

    10.12%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"This program has been instrumental in preparing me to enter the educational field. I’ve gotten real, hands-on experience that has solidified my passion for teaching while giving me realistic expectations about what to anticipate as a future educator. CWI professors are caring, professional, and amazing mentors that have worked extensively one-on-one with me to provide a truly customized, unique experience."
Jacki Ellard
Student, Secondary Education

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

Congratulations to Jessica Leath, College of Western Idaho’s Student Achievement Award recipient.

Read more about Student Achievement Award Recipient - December 2020

Help families in need by donating unused school supplies for the City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise.

Read more about School Supply Drive

Scott Straub has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for September 2018.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—September 2018

School supply drive benefits families in the Treasure Valley, donating nearly 300 items.  

Read more about School Supply Drive Exceeds Expectations

CWI Education instructors presented at the Federal Programs Conference April 6 and 7.

Read more about Education Instructors Present at Conference

This semester, students from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) are exploring what it takes to be a STEM teacher. These students are enrolled in IDoTeach courses here at CWI which are designed to...

Read more about IDoTeach Students Engage in Teaching Opportunities

This semester, students from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) have begun to explore what it takes to be a teacher. These students are enrolled in IDoTeach ...

Read more about CWI Students Explore Teaching through IDoTeach

On Saturday, Oct. 22, a group of College of Western Idaho (CWI) students representing the IDoTeach program hosted an interactive Physics workshop at CWI’s annual STEM Out! event. The event was...

Read more about IDoTeach Students Showcase Education at STEM Event

Oct. 6-7 marked two exciting days of collaboration among educators from around the state of Idaho who gathered at Timberline High School in Boise for the first-ever Idaho Super Conference, "Learning...

Read more about Collaborating with Idaho Educators at Super Conference

Carol Billing and Molly Wolk presented at the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association and Idaho Lifelong Learners Association’s Conference.

Read more about Education Faculty Present at Boise Conference
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