Middle Level Education (4-8)
Teaching Middle School students requires teachers prepared to consider that there are more than two sides to an equation. There’s a human quotient. Commonwealth University teaches you to factor that into every lesson. And it works.
- Degrees & Offerings
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- B.S.Ed.
- Location
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- Bloomsburg
- Lock Haven
- Mansfield
- Program Contact
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Chair, Department of K-12, Health and Physical Education, Middle Level & Secondary Education
Become the teacher who inspires your middle school students to greater heights. You'll pair a strong foundation of knowledge with quality field experiences. From this combination, you will leave with an understanding of effective classroom teaching and how to put ideas and research into practice. You’ll learn how to adapt to an ever-changing classroom environment so you can make a difference in the educational, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students.
Middle-Level Education offers you the chance to blossom as a collaborative educator, so you become the kind of teacher that has an impactful role in the life of a developing youth through mentoring, advocating, and fostering learning. As the youth learner develops, the teacher continues to be a big influence in the classroom as a role model and support mechanism.
Program Overview
- Our students can substitute teach in local school districts after completing 60 credits.
- Includes field experiences beginning in the first year and culminating with a 16-week supervised student teaching experience.
- Courses are taught by faculty — not graduate assistants—with extensive experience in PK-12schools as teachers, supervisors, principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents.
- Includes specialized training in non-academic barriers (social, emotional and mental health, suicide prevention) through the McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence.
- Continue your climb in one of our graduate programs like the M.Ed. Reading, M.Ed. Special Education, M.S. School Counseling, M.S. Instructional Design and Technology, or M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction. Our graduate programs can enhance your existing skills and knowledge as an middle education major, increase your earning power, and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.
Course Delivery Format
Bloomsburg
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Lock Haven
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Mansfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Clearfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Courses and Curriculum
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
- Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate basic pedagogical knowledge in all four content areas: English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and general Science. (varies concentration-to-concentration)
- Middle Level education teacher candidates understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to adolescent development and provide opportunities that support student development and learning.
- Middle Level education teacher candidates understand and use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, standards, research and structures of content to plan and implement curriculum that develops student competence in subject matter.
- Middle Level education teacher candidates understand and use the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to data-driven instruction and assessment, and they employ a variety of strategies for a developmentally appropriate climate to meet the varying abilities and learning styles of learners.
- Middle Level education teacher candidates will demonstrate understanding the complexities of teaching in grades 4-8, and engage in professional development to continually improve their practices and behaviors.
- Middle Level education teacher candidates will apply culturally relevant practices to embrace diversity, provide opportunities for student equity, and practice inclusivity.
In CU’s teacher education programs, you will student teach at two different sites. You will likely have a choice of urban, rural, or suburban schools. You are also encouraged to student teach abroad at any of our partner universities.
The Student Experience
Careers
The current retirement rate of “baby boom” generation teachers is creating a high demand for teachers at all levels. As a graduate of one of CU’s education programs, you will be prepared to teach in your chosen area. Demand is high for teachers in all areas, particularly in rural and inner-city districts.
Certificates
Students who graduate and meet the chosen teacher education program's requirements can apply for PA State Teacher Licensure. This licensure provides individuals with the opportunity to teach in all Pennsylvania public schools. Graduates seeking to teach outside of Pennsylvania may have additional requirements to meet.
Accreditation
Accredited by:
- PDE: Pennsylvania Department of Education
- CAEP: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- AMLE: Association for Middle Level Education
Clubs and Organizations
- S-PSEA: Student Pennsylvania State Education Association
- CLMA: Collegiate Middle Level Association
The Commonwealth Difference
McDowell Institute
The McDowell Institute is dedicated to supporting the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings. This mission is accomplished through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.
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