Female Commonwealth University student instructing middle school students at local school.

Middle Level Education (4-8) (Minor)

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In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), this professional preparation degree program enables teacher education candidates to meet professional core competencies within a Bachelors Middle Level Education degree program. This provides “generalist” methodology for teaching English, Math, general science, and Social Studies.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Interim-Associate Dean
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The Professional Core courses, competencies and experiences for the grade 4-8 teacher preparation program have been designed to address the broad set of issues, knowledge and competencies that are relevant to middle level teaching and learning. The program therefore prepares teachers who will be able to ensure students’ mastery of academic standards and the content assessment anchors. This program aligns with standards outlined by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).

As a benefit, Teacher Education students choosing to add a minor in Middle Level Education will be prepared for success when taking the 5th and 6th grade Praxis II licensure exam as an add-on to their current area of certification. Non-Education students will benefit from the practical experiences and foundational knowledge and skills within the minor, helping them as they work and interact with adolescents in community-based experiences.

Students interested in the Middle Level Education Minor should consult their advisor for information on course requirements.

Other Programs You May Be Interested In

Courses and Curriculum

The minor in Middle Level Education involves a developmental sequence of 18 credit hours geared toward students interested in working with young adolescent (ages 10 – 14) learners in both school and community settings.

  • EDUC 222: Principals and Structures of Teaching & Learning (3 cr.) 
  • EDUC 334: Connecting Research and Classroom Practice (3 cr.) 
  • MSED 110: Introduction to Middle and Secondary Education (3 cr.) 
  • MSED 420: Content Area Literacy, Grades 4-12 (3 cr.) 
  • MSED 440: Teaching Middle Level Language Arts & Social Studies (3 cr.)
  • MSED 450: Teaching Middle Level Science and Math (3 cr.) 

Note: Students interested in the Middle Level Education Minor should consult their advisor for information on course requirements.

  • Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate basic pedagogical knowledge in all four content areas: English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and general Science.
  • 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. 
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Middle Level Education Because..

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.

Accreditation

Nationally accredited by: 

  • PDE: Pennsylvania Department of Education 
  • CAEP: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation 

Program Faculty

Evehart

Brett Everhart

  • Chair, Department of K-12, Health and Physical Education, Middle Level & Secondary Education
  • Lock Haven

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