Justice, Community and Leadership: Single Subject Teacher Education, BA

Justice, Community and Leadership: Single Subject Teacher Education, BA

The Single Subject Teacher Education (SSTE) concentration is built upon a student-centered learning community that inspires excellence and innovation in Middle and High School education. Through the practice of shared inquiry, collaborative learning and community engagement, we empower our students to lead change according to the principles of social justice and common good, earning their teaching credential along with their BA.

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CURRICULUM

Justice, Community and Leadership: Single Subject Teacher Education, BA

BA

This major has an integrated Single Subject Teacher Education (SSTE) pathway to prepare future middle and high school classroom teachers. The integrated program of study enables students to graduate with their BAs and a CA teaching credential in 4 years. See Teacher Education and Single Subject Teacher Education Pathways for detailed information on credential courses.

Requirements

Foundation

Take the following required courses:

  • Intro to Jcl (3 units)
  • Theory and Inquiry in JCL (4 units)
  • Advanced Leadership Theory (3 units)
  • Adv Leadership: Engaged Learn (1 units)
  • Senior Capstone I (3 units)
  • Senior E-Portfolio (1 units)
  • Intro to Teaching Profession (3 units)
  • Intro Teaching Prof Field Prac (1 units)

Electives

Take two of the following:

  • Environmental Justice (4 units)
  • The Global Community (4 units)
  • Special Topics (4 units)

Education Core

Take the following required courses:

  • Learning Development & Culture (3 units)
  • Teaching Emergent Multilingual (3 units)
  • Intro to Special Education (3 units)

SSTE Credential

Take the following required courses:

  • Foundations of Secondary Educ (3 units)
  • Instructional Design I (3 units)
  • Instructional Design Lab (1 units)
  • Fieldwork Seminar I (2 units)
  • Fieldwork Supervision I (1 units)
  • Foundations of Literacy (3 units)
  • Prep for Teacher Performance (1 units)
  • Culturally Responsive Class (3 units)
  • Instructional Design II (3 units)
  • Fieldwork Seminar II (2 units)
  • Fieldwork Supervision II (3 units)

What can you do with a degree in JCL: Teacher Education?

You’ll build skills in teaching your subject, culturally responsive instruction, student assessment, and classroom management. 
(*Some careers may require additional certification or graduate study)

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A student teaching other students at a black board

Middle/High School Teacher (Single Subject)
Plan standards-aligned lessons in your credential area, differentiate instruction, and lead an inclusive, well-managed classroom

Department/Grade-Band Coordinator (Entry-Level)
Lead pacing, common assessments, and data cycles to support team coherence and student outcomes

Instructional Coach / Teacher Leader (Early Career)
Support colleagues with lesson design, observation feedback, and evidence-based strategies

Substitute Teacher (Credentialed)
Maintain instructional continuity across content areas while managing diverse secondary classrooms

Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator (Entry-Level)
Develop pacing guides, build common assessments, and analyze results to inform instruction

Education Policy / Program Analyst
Compile evidence on K–12 initiatives, evaluate program effectiveness, and draft decision briefs for districts or agencies

EdTech Implementation Specialist (Secondary)
Train teachers on classroom technologies, collect adoption feedback, and troubleshoot integrations

Community Engagement & Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Build partnerships with employers and nonprofits, coordinate placements, and track college- and career-readiness outcomes

Saint Mary's Testimonials

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“During my undergraduate studies I majored in Justice, Community, and Leadership on the Teachers for Tomorrow track. My graduate studies were done at SMC as well in the Masters of Education program. Both programs provided many opportunities to connect with knowledgeable professionals in an intimate educational environment. All of the lessons I learned during my five years have been applicable to my life and career as a teacher.”

Kaydee Valliere, Class of 2017