The Secondary Education Certification
Advising Sheet
Students & Advisors: Please consult the Education Department website for all requirements regarding the
major, entrance and certification exams, and steps to earn teacher certification in the State of Iowa.
Step # 1: Year 1 & 2 Complete the Four 200 Level Education Courses and Pass the Praxis
Core Exam (Praxis Core codes can be found on the Education website and on page 2 of this document)
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EDU 205
EDU 215
EDU 230
EDU 240
History of Education
Educational Psychology
The Exceptional Learner
Education and Culture
*must maintain a B- average in the four 200 level courses
Step # 2: Apply for Admission to Education Department During the Sophomore Year
(Must have overall GPA of 2.5 or higher and the recommendation by a faculty member – the application can be accessed on the
Education website)
Step # 3: Fulfill the following Education and General Education requirements prior to
graduation:
(The following requirements must be fulfilled by ALL education majors even if they are pursuing a BSS Degree)
Education Requirements for State of Iowa Certification
Cornell B.A. Requirements
Humanities: Two courses (EDU 205 counts as one of
these courses).
Humanities: Two courses chosen from two of the
following disciplines: English, Foreign Language, History,
Philosophy, Religion, Art History, Music, Theatre, or
Education.
Mathematics: One course chosen from the disciplines of
Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science.
Natural Science: One course marked L or N chosen from
one of the following departments: Biology, Chemistry,
Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Geology,
Kinesiology, or Physics.
Social Science: One chosen from one of the following
disciplines: Anthropology, Economics and Business,
Education, Kinesiology, Politics, Psychology, or Sociology.
Mathematics: One course in math (college transcripts must
show evidence of a college-level math or statistics course)
Natural Science: One course marked L or N chosen from
one of the following departments: Biology, Chemistry,
Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Geology,
Kinesiology, or Physics.
Social Science: One chosen from one of the following
disciplines: Anthropology, Economics and Business,
Education, Kinesiology, Politics, Psychology, or Sociology.
Fine Arts: One course (or the equivalent in half or quarter
credits) chosen from the disciplines of Art, English, Music,
Dance, and Theatre.
Foreign Language: Credit for one of the following: (1)
Arabic, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian,
or Spanish 103; (2) one course above 103 in the target
language if students test above 103 through an examination
administered online prior to New Student Orientation…
Fine Arts: One course (or the equivalent in half or quarter
credits) chosen from the disciplines of Art, English, Music,
Dance, and Theatre.
Interdisciplinary Thinking: one interdisciplinary
experience…
Writing Course: One course
COM 121 – for English Certification only
First-Year Seminar – does not count toward BA general
education requirements
First-Year Writing course Seminar – does not count
toward BA general education requirements
Step # 4: Secondary Education Certifiers Complete Two Methods Courses the Junior
Year:
EDU 322 Secondary Methods– English, Art & Foreign Language majors take this course
EDU 324 Secondary Methods – Mathematics, Social Sciences & History majors take this course
EDU 328 Reading in the Content Areas – ALL majors must take this course
*Sophomores are allowed to take EDU 328 Reading in the Content Areas if they have a schedule conflict and
the instructor grants permission.
Step # 5: Student Teaching During Senior Year: Currently, students must student teach for 14
consecutive weeks
Step # 6: Take EDU 483 Education Senior Seminar upon completion of student teaching
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Typically offered blocks 5 & 8
Step # 7: Apply for Licensure with the State of Iowa. See Cindy Postler, Director of
Teacher Education. To apply for licensure, students must:
 Complete a criminal background check ($ 65)
 Pass the Praxis II Content & Pedagogy exams (fees involved)
 Complete licensure paperwork for certification ($ 85)
Praxis Core – Register for the following:
 Reading 5712 – minimum score 156
 Writing 5722 -- minimum score 162
 Mathematics 5732 – minimum score 150
Praxis II – Register for the following:
Secondary Education 7-12 and Post Baccalaureate Certification
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Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): 7-12; Test Code 0624/5624, Minimum Score 165
The content test associated with the student's content (subject) area: Secondary Content Area Test Codes
and Minimum Scores.
More info can be found at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/education/teacher-education-specifics/praxisii.shtml