Middle Level Teacher Education
About
Middle level teacher education is a major in which university students learn to teach students in grades four through eight in specific subject areas.
Concentrations are English/language arts and reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Students are prepared for state licensure exams, which they must pass to earn teaching positions in public schools.
Teaching is rewarding, especially when a student has that ‘Aha!’ moment, and you know you have taught in a way that he or she finally gets it!
Sandra Pesavento, M.Ed.
Faculty Specialist
Why is Eduation in demand?
“Regardless of temporary economic conditions, hiring practices, budget cuts or any other factors that impact the education system, the need for teachers is timeless and universal. Society will always need educators, and in that respect, teaching is one career in which you can be confident you will always have a purpose.” – Teach.com
“There is always a need for K-12 teachers. Currently, some of the greater needs and more lucrative job opportunities for K-12 teachers are in math, science and bilingual education. However, opportunities for teachers of all subjects are regularly available and usually dependent upon geography.” - Lorenzo and Associates, Education, Research, Writing and Publishing
Is it for me?
Are you:
- Determined and hard working?
- Passionate about a specific subject area (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)?
- Compassionate in working with students of diverse abilities and backgrounds?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Middle Level Teacher Education
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You’ll learn how to:
- Teach successfully in your chosen subject area
- Utilize proven teaching methodologies and technology
- Produce lesson plans linked to clear learning goals
- Effectively evaluate students
- Work with children who possess a range of abilities
- Understand and leverage the distinctive development and challenges of the middle years to help students thrive
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
For the middle level teacher education major, coursework is specialized around a chosen area: English/language arts and reading; mathematics; science; or social studies. All students take courses in adolescent social, physical and cognitive development. In addition, students take courses in instructional methods, assessment and education of diverse learners. Student teaching in the final year is essential for education majors of all interests.
Before progressing beyond 48 credits (usually before the third year of study), students must apply for and earn Teacher Candidate Status.
Click here to see the curriculum and details about Teacher Candidate Status.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
Education majors are required to perform 40 hours of community based learning in order to graduate. In the first year, community based learning requirements are earned through the Panuska College of Professional Studies’ T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. Program. Community based learning is aligned with designated courses throughout the program of studies and is related to the content of the courses. Education students work with underprivileged children, teaching literacy skills through child advocacy centers.
Students have field experiences in middle school classrooms during their freshman, sophomore and junior years, before their extensive student teaching in senior year. They interact productively with young adolescents and teach as part of their training. Throughout their years of study, Scranton education majors learn to teach students of diverse backgrounds and skills.
Careers
Where will a Degree in Middle Level Teacher Education Take Me?
Education graduates are prepared to teach, not only in traditional classroom settings, but also in other settings. Graduates have gotten jobs in cyber schools, in prison education programs and on military bases.
Here are some examples of job titles of recent graduates:
- Teacher
- Co-teacher
- Para-professional
- Teacher’s Assistant
- Learning Support Aide
- Permanent Substitute Teacher
Leading Employers:
You’ll find Scranton graduates working in numerous school districts as well as other organizations including:
- Oyster Bay, New York School District
- Quakertown, Pennsylvania School District
- Teach for America
Top Graduate Schools
Many graduates choose to continue their education in master’s degree programs and have been accepted at leading universities, including:
- The University of Scranton
- Pennsylvania State University
- Marywood University, Scranton
- Montclair State University
The graduates from Middle Level Program may continue their graduate studies in M.S. Special Education program, which leads to P-8 certification in the state of Pennsylvania
I feel confident as a first year teacher in Philadelphia because of the course topics, work load, observations in middle schools and the strong relationships from my professors.
Kelly Judge ’14
6th grade Social Studies at Boys' Latin Middle School, Philadelphia
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
The significant field experiences that Scranton education students complete prepare them to teach in the classroom and also to interact in a professional environment. Graduates report that they are exceptionally prepared to put together lesson plans and assessments of student progress, and they can hit the ground running as teachers.
Close relationships with professors are also a great asset. At Scranton, professors have had the opportunity to get to know students in small classes. They write personalized letters of recommendation based on students’ talents and experience. Professors stay in touch with graduates, serving as mentors, especially early in the teaching careers of alumni.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Education Department
Maria J. Oreshkina, Ph.D.
Chair
(570) 941-6244
maria.oreshkina@scranton.edu
Tata Mbugua, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Program Director
(570) 941-5884
tata.mbugua@scranton.edu