Middle Level Education

Overview

The Middle Level Education degree program from Wilkes University prepares teachers to meet the needs of adolescent learners and equips candidates with the knowledge and pedagogy to apply for Pennsylvania’s grades 4-8 certificate in Mathematics, Science, English/Language Arts, or Social Studies.

Why Study Middle Level Education at Wilkes?

By earning the first 30 credits in the program, students will gain the knowledge and pedagogy necessary for teaching today's 4-8 students while earning their master's degrees.  Students will have the option to explore a specialization in mathematics, science, social studies, or English/language arts. Our professors hold leadership positions in districts across the state, and they use their expertise to successfully guide and prepare students to succeed as middle level educators.

What Will You Learn as a Middle Level Education Student?

• You will take foundational courses in adolescent development, as well as cognition and learning to set you up for success in subsequent courses in subject matter pedagogy and assessment.
• You will be able to select one of four concentrations in order to dig deeply into best practices regarding the teaching of the discipline.  Concentrations include: Middle Level Mathematics, Middle Level Science, Middle Level Social Studies, or Middle Level English/Language Arts.
• You will develop lessons that address key academic standards, identify the learning needs and levels of young adolescent students, and apply best practices in content delivery, assessment, and communication with students, parents, fellow teachers, and other school stakeholders.

• You will apply research-based strategies to promote social inclusion, achieve effective classroom management, and incorporate classroom practices that are most appropriate for middle level learners.

Careers & Outcomes

Our program graduates hold positions as middle level educators in a variety of subjects, including mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Many take on leadership roles in their districts, helping to guide the curriculum or implement new teaching strategies.

Outside of the classroom, those with master’s degrees in middle level education can pursue careers as curriculum or assessment writers, working closely with educational media or publishing companies that specialize in producing content for grades 4-8.

Job Titles: Middle Level Mathematics Teacher, Middle Level Science Teacher, Middle Level Social Studies Teacher, Middle Level English/Language Arts Teacher, Middle Level Department Chair, Curriculum Author, Assessment Writer