Specializations in Secondary Education

Secondary education covers teaching students in grades 6 through 12, a crucial time when they build essential skills, get ready for college or careers, and explore their interests. Across the U.S., there’s a growing need for skilled teachers with secondary education specializations in core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a secondary school teacher but wondered how to get there faster, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting world of secondary education specializations and how accelerated teaching degrees are reshaping the teaching landscape.

Related:

What Are Accelerated Teaching Degrees?

Online accelerated teaching degrees are keys to graduating faster. These programs often feature:

year-round enrollment
self-paced learning options
credit for prior experience

Unlike the standard 16-week semesters, accelerated programs typically use shorter academic terms, often lasting five to eight weeks. Many of these programs also offer asynchronous coursework.

For career changers, accelerated teacher certification programs provide a fast and efficient way to transition into a new field.

All aspiring teachers must meet state licensure requirements, which include:

Completing an approved program
Passing exams (like Praxis or edTPA)
Completing student teaching or an alternative experience
Applying for a license

Most online secondary education degrees offer alternative specialization certifications, allowing students to teach while completing their coursework.

Overview of Specializations in Secondary Education

Secondary education teaching pathways typically require educators to specialize in a specific subject area. Specializations usually align with state certification exams and focus on the grades you want to teach.

Subject-specific teaching degrees are important because:

It ensures you have deep knowledge of your subject.
It prepares you for state licensure tests, which are subject-specific.
It aligns your training with what schools and districts need.

Choosing the right specialization means matching your academic background or personal passion with career demand.

Popular Specializations in Secondary Education

1. Mathematics Education

Average Annual Salaries: $60,124

If numbers are your jam, math education is one of the most in-demand secondary specializations nationwide. This specialization focuses on algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. Some courses you’ll likely take in mathematics-focused accelerated teacher certification programs include:

Math Methods for Teaching
Adolescent Psychology
Classroom Assessment
Test prep for your state’s content exam (like Praxis Math)

Because of nationwide math teacher shortages, schools are actively recruiting math teachers. Plus, teaching math in high school often allows you to earn competitive salaries and have a wide variety of employment options.

2. Science Education

Average Annual Salaries: $58,538

Science education is another hot ticket, especially with STEM education’s national push. You can often specialize in

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth Science

Teaching science in secondary schools is not easy either. In these specializations, you should expect to learn not only how to teach concepts but also how to manage science labs safely, a critical part of science instruction.

Subject-specific teaching degrees in science often require additional science credits if your prior degree wasn’t related, but the payoff is huge: STEM educators are in serious demand.

3. English/Language Arts Education

Average Annual Salaries: $54,168

Got a passion for literature, writing, and all things language? English teacher certification and degree programs prepare you to teach reading, writing, grammar, and literature at the secondary level. You’ll dive into:

Literary Analysis
Composition
Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies

All of these subjects make sure you’re ready for today’s diverse classrooms.

English/language arts education secondary education specializations emphasize strong communication skills and classroom management.

4. Social Studies Education

Average Annual Salaries: $55,661

If history, civics, government, economics, or geography fascinates you, subject-specific teaching degrees in social studies education might be your calling. This specialization encourages interdisciplinary teaching and critical analysis of primary sources.

Fast-track secondary education programs in social studies are perfect for students with backgrounds in history or political science. Some states also offer flexible certification that covers multiple social studies subjects. Some of the most common areas covered under this umbrella include:

U.S. history
World History
Government
Economics
Human Geography

5. Foreign Language Education

Average Annual Salaries: $58,798

Accelerated teaching degrees in foreign language education are gaining more traction as more schools embrace bilingual and dual-language programs. In the U.S., Spanish, French, Mandarin, and German are among the most commonly taught languages.

Foreign language education secondary education teaching pathways typically require their students to demonstrate fluency and often take part in cultural immersion or study abroad experiences. These components are used to deepen their language and cultural understanding.

Dual Certifications & Additional Endorsements

One of the smartest moves in accelerated teacher certification programs is to pursue dual certifications or additional endorsements. While it may require more effort, it offers several benefits:

Strengthen your skills.
Boost your flexibility.
Prepare yourself for a wider range of students and classroom needs.

Beyond teaching, dual certification increases your job market value. Schools often prefer versatile educators who can fill multiple roles, making you more competitive for hiring, promotions, and specialized opportunities like developing new programs or changing grade levels.

Here are the most popular dual certification and endorsement options available in secondary education specializations, especially through accelerated programs:

ESL (English as a Second Language): Helps teachers work with students who are learning English.
Special Education: Prepares teachers to help students with special learning needs.
Reading Specialist: Trains teachers to support students who have trouble reading.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE): Helps teachers challenge students who learn quickly.
Bilingual Education: Teaches how to help students learn in two languages.

Online & Hybrid Program Options

Life is busy, and many people need options that fit their schedules. That’s why many nonprofit colleges now offer online secondary education degrees with content-specific tracks.

In these programs:

Coursework is online and flexible
Field experiences and student teaching happen locally
Programs are designed to meet accreditation standards and align with state licensure

Online fast-track secondary education programs are perfect if you’re working, relocating, or juggling other responsibilities but still want to fast-track your way into teaching.

Career Outlook and Demand by Subject Area

The demand for secondary educators varies by subject and location, but here are some clear trends:

High Demand: Teaching math in high school is consistently one of the most in-demand roles across the country, with science and special education close behind.
Moderate Demand: English and social studies teachers may find more competition depending on where they live.
Median Salary: $64,580 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with potential growth through leadership roles like department chairs or curriculum specialists. However, the overall demand is expected to decline by 1%. This is why it’s very important to specialize in high-need subject areas or pursue additional certifications.

Graduate school and further certifications can also boost earning potential and open doors to administration or policy roles.

Knowing these details can help you choose which of the secondary education teaching pathways aligns best with both your interests and long-term career goals.

Here are a few more guides to help you choose:

Teaching science in secondary schools is a strong choice for those passionate about inquiry, experimentation, and fostering critical thinking skills in students.
Mathematics teachers are highly sought after, especially for advanced courses such as Algebra II, Calculus, and Statistics.
English and social studies have a more saturated job market in some areas. Yet, they remain essential subjects that cultivate literacy, critical thinking, and civic understanding.

Conclusion

Accelerated teaching degrees are a great way for future educators to get into the classroom faster while still enjoying the flexibility to balance life’s demands. When deciding which secondary education specialization to pursue, it’s important to pick one that truly excites you and also fits what schools are looking for today.

Before choosing secondary education specializations, think about these key points:

Check local job demand and certification rules. Know where teachers are needed most and what your state requires to get licensed.
Follow your interests and strengths. Teaching works best when you feel passionate and confident about your subject.
Consider adding extra certifications. Having dual certifications or endorsements can open more doors and make you more versatile.
Pick an accredited, nonprofit program. This ensures your degree holds weight and meets quality standards.
Find programs with flexible schedules. Online or hybrid options make it easier to juggle school with work or family.

With ongoing teacher shortages nationwide, accelerated degrees are helping schools bring qualified teachers into classrooms faster so you can start making a difference sooner.

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Specializations in Secondary Education for Accelerated Teaching Degrees