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Quickly Prep for Secondary Education Licensure

Gain the foundational knowledge needed to effectively lead a secondary classroom. The Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education program at American College of Education (ACE) is designed for aspiring secondary educators with bachelor’s degrees and can lead to initial licensure. You’ll become the educator you aspire to be as well as an equipped leader, ready to contribute to student success.

You’ll learn the latest, evidence-based differentiated instruction approaches as well as develop the skills needed to create lesson plans and cultivate engaging learning environments. Courses equip you with relevant, innovative technologies and artificial intelligence integration tools like gamification and human-computer interaction.

With ACE, your transition to teaching is as seamless as possible.

This program is approved as an alternative pathway to lead to an initial secondary generalist teacher license in Indiana. Students residing outside of Indiana are encouraged to check with their state’s licensure agency for eligibility requirements before enrolling, as licensure and certification requirements vary by state.

Graduates of this certificate may apply their credits to the Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching for continued education. Plus, we offer a special Educator Grant for new students who enroll in this program. Visit our Grants and Scholarships page to learn how you can reduce your tuition.

Career Opportunities

Empower your students and community, and take the next step toward a future full of possibility.

Paraeducator

Creating an inclusive classroom environment is one of the most important components of K-12 and early childhood education in both private and public schools. Paraeducators stand at the frontlines of these efforts, supporting educators and the students whom they selflessly serve.

Expected Growth: 161,900 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $35,240

Math Teacher

From learning to count to exploring trigonometry, mathematics teachers provide students with numerical, logical, analytical and problem-solving skills. On a day-to-day basis, a math teacher plans lessons, prepares teaching materials, assesses student work and much more. They also integrate differentiated instruction methods and execute best practices that lead to academic success.

Expected Growth: 70,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $64,393

High School Teacher

High school students are walking through a season of self-discovery and advanced learning, and it’s paramount that they have exemplary educators. High school teachers have the unique and rewarding responsibility to prepare students, typically ages 14 to 18, for life after graduation.

Expected Growth: 64,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $65,220

Science Teacher

The natural world around us is a fascinating thing to experience and learn from. In the classroom, science teachers play a pivotal role in shaping how students understand and engage with it. From designing interactive lessons, to leading hands-on laboratory experiments, the daily responsibilities of a science teacher extend far beyond the confines of a textbook. Whether they’re introducing basic concepts in biology or exploring complex topics like genetics, science teachers are there to guide students as they build essential critical thinking skills.

Expected Growth: 70,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $63,286

Substitute Teacher

When a full-time teacher is away from the classroom, a substitute teacher steps in to perform their duties and keep students engaged until they return. Substitutes – also known as sub teachers, temporary teachers or fill-in teachers – are critical to school districts and student success. Their availability allows full-time teachers to take time off without creating gaps in educational development and quality instruction.

Expected Growth: 16,000 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $57,461

Teacher Assistant

Managing a classroom full of young students’ excitement and energy is no easy task. Teacher assistants offer an extra pair of hands to support both teachers and students while ensuring a positive learning environment. They work in various classrooms and settings, including public or private schools, childcare centers, religious organizations, special education programs, and more.

Expected Growth: 170,400 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $35,240

Middle School Teacher

The middle school years are a turning point in a student’s academic journey. During this time, young learners begin to think more independently, explore new subject interests, and navigate growing social and emotional changes. A middle school teacher plays an essential role in helping students build confidence, strengthen study habits and stay engaged.

Expected Growth: 40,500 positions

Estimated Annual Wage: $62,969

Program Details

The Transition to Teaching (T2T) program in Secondary Education prepares candidates to meet the changing needs of today's grade 5-12 adolescent students. Candidates learn how to structure core content classes, utilize best practices, incorporate digital tools into the learning environment, and differentiate instruction for learners. The graduate certificate program leads to an initial secondary teacher license in Indiana. Students who do not reside in Indiana should determine requirements for applying the Indiana initial license for teacher licensure in their state of residence. All courses in this program can be applied to a Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching at American College of Education.

Program Outcomes

Design and deliver integrated, differentiated instruction that is responsive to student differences and fosters cultural competence in various environments. (AO3)
Apply standards-based, data-driven decision making, and integrated differentiated instruction using appropriate technologies and tools to improve the achievement of all students. (AO4)
Use assessment results to inform instructional decision-making. (AO1)
Collaborate with others to establish a well-organized, positive learning environment which supports the development of leadership skills, improves student achievement, and maintains high ethical teaching standards.(AO2)
Engage in continuous professional growth, intellectual development, inquiry, and research reflective of educational needs and goals within a changing national and international society. (AO5)
Use knowledge of scientifically based research, developmental knowledge, and educational theory to plan and deliver instruction in content areas, including reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, health, wellness, and physical education, for improving the achievement of all students. (AO1)

Courses

Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

This program consists of

18 credits

Core Courses

ASMT5050 - 0 SEMESTER CREDITS

Secondary Teaching Benchmark: Lesson Planning

This course provides additional support, as needed, for students to successfully complete the first benchmark in the Secondary MAT/T2T. The assessment is the development and implementation of a lesson plan. Students must pass the benchmark to continue in the licensure track.

ASMT5060 - 0 SEMESTER CREDITS

Secondary Teaching Benchmark: Professionalism

This course provides additional support, as needed, for students to successfully complete the second benchmark in the Secondary MAT/T2T program. The assessment is a professional interview which is submitted as a video recording in response to a series of questions focused on professionalism and ethics for classroom teachers. Students must pass the benchmark to continue in the licensure track.

EDTT5031 - 1 SEMESTER CREDIT

Orientation to Secondary Teaching

This orientation to secondary teaching provides students a rich perspective on adolescent development, observational strategies and skills, and professionalism and ethics in education. Students increase their understanding and awareness of teacher roles and responsibilities in relation to school climate and culture, certification and evaluation requirements, and educational laws and policy. The course also introduces students to the tools and technologies they will need to successfully complete field experiences integrated throughout their coursework and the student teaching experience. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

EDTT5032 - 2 SEMESTER CREDITS

Secondary Student Teaching and Seminar

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply theory, pedagogy, and best practices in education to understanding the role of the secondary teacher. In this course, students participate in a 15-week 400 hour (full time) practicum designed to provide the knowledge and experience necessary for teaching in the secondary classroom. Through an application-based learning environment, students will apply the skills they have learned throughout their previous coursework and experience firsthand the issues facing schools and classrooms. Topics include educational foundations, philosophy of education, exceptional needs, classroom management, cultural competencies, as well as lesson planning, implementation and assessment. Pre-requisite(s); Completion of all T2T/MAT content courses; maintenance of 3.0 grade point average across all T2T/MAT courses.

EDTT5313 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Instructional Practice and Delivery

This course provides students with an opportunity to study, reflect on, and develop their skills in instructional methods while applying and practicing these methods in secondary classrooms. Major topics include characteristics of effective, intentional teaching; understanding student backgrounds and the ways in which teacher awareness of students impacts learning; instructional planning; the creation of effective lessons using a variety of approaches and technologies; classroom management; Response to Intervention (RTI); multiple forms of assessment, and the use of data-based decision-making to improve instruction. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

EDTT5333 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Content Specific Methodology

This course focuses on how to teach content effectively in today’s secondary schools. Emphasis is on an understanding of content-specific methodologies, various learning theories, learning styles, multiple intelligences, and other research-based content delivery strategies to engage students and be effective in teaching adolescent learners. In addition, this course demonstrates how to use effective unit and lesson plan design that incorporates state and/or national standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, assessment techniques, and data-based decision making to improve teaching and learning. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

EDTT5353 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Adolescent Development and Learning Process

Students explore the needs and concerns of developing adolescents when part of a caring, respectful, and equitable classroom. This course prepares students to explore adolescent learning and development in terms of prior knowledge, interests, and experiences in and out of school and relationships formed with teachers and peers. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

LIT5313 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Literacy in the Content Areas

This course provides knowledge and skill in understanding the language and literacy process as it applies to teaching in content areas of secondary schools. Focusing on the integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, students examine principles of best practice for integrated content-area reading instruction. The course includes 5-10 hours of embedded field experiences.

TECH5303 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Engaging Learners in Digital Environments

This course examines the impact of technology on learning as well as how today’s student navigates the digital environment. Topics include the human-computer interface, artificial intelligence, technology and the brain, diffusion of innovations, and connectivity through social media. The course considers trends and issues in educational technologies as well as research into the effects of technology on students and society.

College Catalog

Related Programs

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it's best for you.

August 24, 2026 Term

Aug 21, 2026

Application Due

Aug 21, 2026

Payment Due

Aug 24, 2026

Term Start

Aug 28, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Sep 27, 2026

Term End

November 16, 2026 Term

Nov 13, 2026

Application Due

Nov 13, 2026

Payment Due

Nov 16, 2026

Term Start

Nov 20, 2026

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Dec 20, 2026

Term End

January 11, 2027 Term

Jan 08, 2027

Application Due

Jan 08, 2027

Payment Due

Jan 11, 2027

Term Start

Jan 15, 2027

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Feb 14, 2027

Term End

April 12, 2027 Term

Apr 09, 2027

Payment Due

Apr 09, 2027

Application Due

Apr 12, 2027

Term Start

Apr 16, 2027

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

May 16, 2027

Term End

Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost of Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education

Transfer Credits

credit

Total Tuition

semester credit x $ per credit

Fees

Total Program Cost

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Return on Your Investment

Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.

You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.¹

How to Pay for College

Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.² Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.

$17,515

Average competitor total cost²

$9,655

Average ACE total cost^*

When we say low cost, we mean it

The proof is in the numbers. ACE’s commitment to keeping tuition and fees low means our price is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs.

Why ACE?

Low-Cost, High Quality

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000^*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

Tuition & ROI

$1.2M

in
scholarships

Quality You Expect

We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.³ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Success Stories

85%

graduation
rate³

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

Support Services

24/7

student support
services

View Our Accreditations

See How ACE Stacks Up

Graduation and Satisfaction Rates

ACE Graduates with No Debt² vs. Master’s Degree Holders from Private, For-Profit Institutions⁴

87%

31%

ACE vs. Comparison Group for Better Than Expected Overall Student Satisfaction or Higher²

86%

82%

Stay Within Your Budget

Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.

Network Across the Globe

Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.

Gain Today’s In-Demand Skills

Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,³ while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.³

Learn From Custom-Built Curriculum

Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.

See how we're different

Student Success Stories

Alumni

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

Jazzmyne Townsend

Read Jazzmyne's story »

Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements

Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected].

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree earned in the subject area or related field in which the person wishes to teach.

Bachelor's degree in any field and proof of passing Indiana state approved content area examination (s) in the subject area the applicant wishes to teach.

Minimum grade point average cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
or 2.5 and, at least, 5 years of documented professional experience in the subject area or related field in which the person wishes to teach;
or Hold both a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and proof of passing Indiana state-approved content area examination(s) in the secondary 5-12 content area assessment in the subject matter.
Hold a graduate degree from an accredited postsecondary institution in the subject area or related field in which the candidate wants to teach.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions. For applicants with less than five years of US or US territorial residency status an extended background check may be required at the applicant’s sole expense.
Acknowledgement of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES-recommended agency.
Texas applicants for licensure programs may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

¹Lightcast Study

²Internal research conducted November 2025

³Student Right to Know

⁴Education Data Initiative accessed on January 28, 2026

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