NSU’s broad-based, balanced secondary education programs lay the groundwork to help you flourish as an outstanding educator and effective leader in today’s diverse classrooms.
    About The Program

    NSU secondary education bachelor's degree graduates are in high demand in South Dakota schools and throughout the U.S.

     

    NSU provides hands-on, effective teacher preparation that includes extensive experience in actual secondary classrooms.

     

    A major area of study is required if you plan to apply to teach secondary school in South Dakota, and NSU is ready with options to suit your interests and career goals. Choose from the following education areas: art, biology, chemistry, language arts/English, history, mathematics, music, physical education, Spanish and special education.

     

    As a secondary education student, you’ll examine:

    • Classroom diversity
    • Creating lessons according to state and national content standards
    • Actively involving students in their learning environments

    You’ll also have the unique opportunity to provide reading and writing instruction to secondary students through the distinguished NSU Reading Clinic.

     

     

    Careers

    NSU’s B.S. in secondary education programs provide the necessary framework for an entry-level career in teaching. Graduates can pursue careers as middle or high school teachers or paraprofessionals, or apply to graduate school.

     

    NSU offers academic advising throughout your college experience, as well as focused career planning. For more information on careers in your major or help choosing a major, contact Career Center.

    Internships

    Students gain valuable hands-on experience during their secondary block and student teaching semesters. NSU’s extensive field experiences, under the supervision of university faculty, give you the practical experience and assistance you need to apply your newly gained knowledge in the secondary classroom.

    Scholarships

    School of Education scholarships are available to incoming freshmen and upperclassmen. For details, please call the School of Education at 605-626-2415.

     

    Education Scholarships

     

    NSU Scholarships

    Ed. D., M.Ed., University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    B.S., Valley City State University

    Dr. Timothy Houge has been an NSU faculty member since 2000 and is director of the NSU Reading Clinic. He has Ed.D. and M.Ed. degrees in instructional and curricular studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a reading minor from Valley City State University, Valley City, N.D.

    Courses Taught
    K-8 Reading Methods
    Content Area Reading
    Ph.D. Educational Psychology, University of Arizona, 2020
    M.A. Educational Psychology, University of Arizona, 2016
    B.A. Education, University of Arizona, 2014
    Graduate Certificate in Educational Research Methodology
     
    At the University of Arizona, Dr. Lauren Pierce studied motivation and identity development within group dynamics. She researches co-regulatory aspects of motivation and identity as they relate to proactive coping and emotional regulation. These areas help inform her approach to educational psychology in classroom contexts.
     
    Research Interests
    Co-regulation
    Identity
    Motivation
    Mental health
    Cognition
    Team sports
    Attribution
    Efficacy beliefs
    Group processes
    Canonical correlation
    Team dynamics
    Expectancy value

    Dr. Anna Schwan joined Northern’s faculty in 2018 after 16 years in public K-12 education, serving as a high school teacher and secondary school administrator. She currently serves as interim dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education. Previously, she was department chair of Teacher Education and graduate faculty coordinator of the Educational Studies and Leadership and Administration programs. 

    Doctor of Education, School Administration, University of South Dakota
    Master of Education, Valley City State University, Teaching English Learners
    Bachelor of Arts, South Dakota State University, English & Spanish
     
     
    Professional Work Experience
    Middle school/High school principal
    6-12 English as a second language teacher
    7-12 Language arts teacher
    K-12 Spanish teacher
     
     

    Research…

    University of South Dakota, Ed.D. Special Education Administration, 2021

    Black Hills State University, Endorsement, Early Childhood Special Education, 2013 

    Southwest Minnesota State University, M.S., Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, 2009

    Northern State University, B.S., K-12 Special Education, 2006 

     

    Dr. Jessica Vogel joined the NSU School of Education faculty in 2016 after being a special educator for more than 10 years. She has experience as an EBD teacher, self-contained special education teacher, and early childhood teacher. Her undergraduate degree in special education is from Northern State University. Dr. Vogel serves on various committees on campus and community boards. 

     

    Dr. Vogel also serves as the graduate coordinator for the MSEd in Teaching and Learning…

    Ph.D., University of North Dakota
    M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University
    B.S.Ed., Northern State University
     
    Dr. Cheryl Wold joined NSU's faculty in 2013. She received a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, her M.S.Ed. degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., and B.S.Ed. degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from NSU. Dr. Wold was a special education teacher for 17 years; Title I reading and math teacher for seven years; and a director of special education for eight years.
     
    Dr. Wold is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), and the Teacher Education Division of CEC (TED). She has served as South Dakota CEC president and past president and is currently the membership chair. At the national level of CEC, she…