宾州州立大学帕克分校

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Middle Level Education major prepares graduates to teach all subjects in grades 4-6 and English, Mathematics, or Social Studies in grades 7-8. The Middle Level Education major supports candidates' understanding of subject-specific content as well as methods of teaching appropriate for early adolescents in grades 4-8. Upon graduation, students will have met all coursework and field experience requirements for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) 4-8 English, 4-8 Mathematics, or 4-8 Social Studies Instructional I Certificate. In addition, they will have been prepared for the appropriate teacher certification exams as required by PDE for initial certification.

This program undergoes accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) with a Specialized Professional Association (SPA) review conducted by the American Middle Level Association (AMLE).

CAREER PATHS

Education is a profession, and all teachers are expected to continue studying and developing new skills throughout their careers. In most U.S. states, teacher certification is a multi-stage process, with graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree expected early in a teacher’s career. Graduates of this program who work in public schools usually go on to earn a master’s degree, and often use those studies to earn additional credentials in areas like counseling, reading, teaching English learners, or special education. Graduates who work in middle schools or nonformal settings also have the option of earning advanced degrees, and, as with public school teachers, have access to continuing education (CE) through school intermediate units, museums and other nonprofits, and web-mediated CE systems. Alumni who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level through Penn State can do so at University Park and through the University’s World Campus.

CAREERS

In addition to resources like the College’s Advising and Certification Center and Penn State Career Services, the University hosts large education career fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, which bring recruiters to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.