middle level education student and teacher in lab

Middle Level Education

B.S.Ed.

Guide adolescents through a critical stage of their education.

The middle grades are crucial years of education—a time when children pass through the tumultuous time of adolescence. By earning a bachelor’s degree in middle level education, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher of students in the fifth through eighth grades.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125

Why major in middle level education at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

The University of North Dakota offers the most comprehensive teacher education program in the state, and one of the few in the region. Our program graduates teachers who enter classrooms in North Dakota, Minnesota and across the nation.

The middle level program prepares teachers to meet the unique needs of the adolescent students in grades 5-8. The program draws from elementary and secondary education but focuses on developmental, curricular and philosophical considerations to provide teachers the skills needed to serve this challenging age group.

With the Bachelor of Science in Education with major in MIddle Level Education, you'll concentrate in two subjects taught at middle schools:

  • Math
  • Science
  • English
  • Social studies
  • Health

Our courses are designed to provide real-world classroom experiences. The middle level program has a strong clinical (field-based) component. You will have an opportunity to complete in excess of 175 hours in the classroom prior to student teaching. Your program culminates in a student teaching assignment where you'll have responsibility for instruction and assessment.

Middle Level Education Degree

  • On graduation, you'll work with a certification officer to complete materials needed to obtain the appropriate teaching license and/or endorsement. UND offers the only middle level teacher education program in the state.

  • Earn additional teaching credentials such as a double major in middle and elementary education. You may add minors and endorsements in fields such as athletic coaching, health education and literacy, English language learners and special education.

  • You'll have the opportunity to work with teachers and students in partner schools for about 800 hours.

  • Enhance your experience by studying abroad with opportunities at universities in Finland, Ireland, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway and elsewhere. 

  • The college offers opportunities to be involved in scholarly research, including the search for grants and other funding. 

  • All teacher education programs at the University of North Dakota are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Middle Level Education degree is also approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and LIcensing Board.

Middle Level Education Careers

60K

Median annual wage for middle school teachers in 2019

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Projected job growth for middle school teachers through 2028

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Demand for Middle School Teachers

Graduates begin their teaching careers in middle school classrooms at public and private schools in North Dakota, Minnesota and across the nation. Many have been named "Teacher of the Year" in their states and districts while others have gone on to serve leadership roles.

  • Graduates find there is highest demand in large cities as well as rural districts.
  • School districts report shortages of teachers in all content areas, especially in math, science and special education. English language learner and bilingual teachers also are needed.

What Middle School Teachers Do

Middle school teachers typically do the following:

  • Create lesson plans to teach students a subject
  • Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
  • Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class or to smaller groups
  • Grade students’ assignments and exams
  • Communicate with parents or guardians about their child’s progress
  • Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
  • Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
  • Develop and enforce classroom rules
  • Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detention

Middle Level Education Courses You Could Take

T&L 341. Foundations of Middle Level Education. 2 Credits.

This course promotes understanding the needs of early adolescent students and of the interdisciplinary, collaborative teaching approaches associated with the middle school philosophy. The course addresses the components of organization. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F.

T&L 465. Middle Level Curriculum and Methods. 5 Credits.

This methods course takes a hands-on approach to increasing understanding and application of the various methods and strategies for teaching early adolescent students. This course addresses techniques, strategies, materials, and a content area knowledge base necessary for promoting student learning and success in a middle school setting. Prerequisite: T&L 341. Corequisite: T&L 486. S.

T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.

T&L 432. Learning Environments. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this class is to study psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence classroom behavior and to examine elements that contribute to a positive learning environment. An additional 15 hour field experience is required for the course over a three-week period. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S.

T&L 339. Educational Technology. 2 Credits.

Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts and operations that not only support classroom curriculum but provide an avenue for continuing professional development. Students will learn to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. The class will help students understand the social, ethical, legal and human issues that surround the use of technology in PK-12 schools. F,S,SS.

T&L 251. Understanding Individuals with Different Abilities. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to foundational knowledge of individuals with different abilities addressing the identification, supports, range of services, assessment components, and evidence-based teaching practices. Historical, legal, cultural, and societal influences that impacts educational success will be explored. F,S,SS.

Lead Your Way

UND's Middle Level Education program focuses on student teaching and real world experience.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Naomi McGaughey
Program Director
P 701.777.5939
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