A new cohort of the secondary education track begins each Fall semester. Students must apply to enter the secondary education track in the Spring semester of their sophomore year. While in the secondary education track, teacher candidates complete a wide range of education courses intended to provide deep understandings of the theory and practice of teaching adolescents. 

While in the secondary education track, candidates complete field experiences during regular school hours. In the senior year, candidates complete intensive field experiences (3 days a week during Fall semester and 5 days a week during Spring semester) under the supervision of highly-qualified cooperating teachers. These engaging and rigorous experiences provide candidates with the first-hand knowledge that only real-life teaching can provide. 

Additional information on the different content areas may be accessed by clicking the links below and scrolling to the Secondary Education Track sections:

• Biology
• English
• History
• Mathematics

View application instructions, requirements, and deadlines in the Apply to Education Programs page.

Acceptance to Middle Georgia State University does not automatically enroll you in any MGA education tracks/programs. For the first two years at MGA, candidates complete core courses and a wide range of engaging courses in either English, mathematics, biology, or history.

In the Spring semester of the sophomore year, students apply to be admitted into the Secondary Education Track. Upon admittance, students are considered SECT candidates beginning Fall semester of their junior year.

Note: Students who are not core complete by the end of the sophomore year may still be considered for program admission. Consideration will be based on a number of factors and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

1. After being notified of program acceptance, the applicant must complete a GaPSC Pre-Service Certification Application (pdf) . Please note: If you complete the document by hand, you must use black ink. If you type into the document, use all caps to type your legal name. Submit the application to GaPSC through your GaPSC account.
2. Teacher candidates must also present proof of having liability insurance. Instructions will be provided as to how to obtain this coverage will be provided in the acceptance email.
3. Upon receipt of a copy of the Pre-Service Certificate by the Department of Teacher Education & Social Work, the prospective candidate will be notified in writing by the department.
4. Teacher candidates must sign their program of study. Teacher candidates are required to follow the program of study as prepared by the Department of Teacher Education & Social Work. Deviations from that program without prior consent from the Chair of the Department of Teacher Education & Social Work will result in dismissal from the Teacher Education Program.
5. Teacher candidates must also provide a clear criminal background check. Instructions and information will be provided in the program admission email.
6. The Department of Teacher Education & Social Work will request a Pre-Service Certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for the prospective candidate. The decision to issue the Pre-Service Certificate resides solely with GaPSC. If a student cannot obtain a GaPSC certificate, acceptance into this program will be revoked.

After program admission, in order to remain in the SECT program, teacher candidates must:

1. Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater in all courses in the major by semester.
2. Earn a grade of “B” or better in all upper division field/clinical courses. If the minimum grade is not earned , the teacher candidate will not be allowed to continue in the program.
3. Earn a grade no lower than a “B” in SPED 3110.
4. Earn a grade no lower than a “C” in all upper division courses.
5. Teacher candidate may retake only one upper level course. Teacher candidate swill be placed on probation (with an action plan) until a passing grade is earned. See numbers 2 and 3 above.
6. Pass all key assessments in courses and the program with an 80% mastery.
7. Provide evidence of attempting the GACE Content Assessment designated to your content area (710 Biology (6–12), 713 English (6–12), 721 History (6–12), OR 711 Mathematics (6–12)) and GACE Literacy Assessment - 350 Fundamentals of the Science of Reading (resulting in an official score on all parts of the assessments) prior to the end of the semester while enrolled in Clinical Practice (Spring of senior year).
8. Maintain professional liability insurance.
9. Must hold a valid Pre-Service Certificate for the duration of the program.
10. Adhere to all policies and codes of personal, academic, and professional conduct which originate with the Department of Teacher Education & Social Work, School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, Middle Georgia State University, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and associated Boards of Education and other accrediting bodies.

NOTE: Should a teacher candidate complete all SECT requirements, but faculty, supervisors, and/or administrators determine that the candidate needs to increase competency in any area (knowledge, pedagogy, or dispositions) officials can request the completion of additional work before the teacher candidate will be declared a secondary education track completer.