About the Program:

Middle Level Education is an academic program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.  The purpose of the program is to prepare culturally responsive educators who are knowledgeable about the developmental aspects of early adolescence and have a sound academic foundation in two or more content disciplines. The program provides a systematic study of developmentally responsive planning, teaching, and assessment and practice in authentic settings.

Standards

Program work within Middle Level  Education is developed and guided by a strong conceptual framework, standards from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), criteria from the State of Texas, guidelines from the National Middle School Association (NMSA), and the sound professional judgment of an experienced and caring faculty

Degree/Certification programs of study

The Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies is for undergraduate students seeking initial certification to be a 4th through 8th grade teacher. These individuals will focus their work in either English Language Arts/Reading and Social Studies or Mathematics and Science.  Cohorts of undergraduate students progress  through the four semester program beginning in the Fall semester.
The second program is for individuals who already posses a bachelor’s degree but want to earn the 4th through 8th grade teacher certification through a post-baccalaureate program in English Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Science. Certification in two content areas is encouraged.
Field experiences in Block I focus on the young adolescent learner and include a four day experience at the Junction Outdoor School (link to their website). Field experiences in Blocks II and III focus on classroom teaching experiences with small and large groups of students.