The middle childhood education program prepares you to be a highly qualified teacher. In addition to developing a comprehensive knowledge of middle childhood education, you will develop a personal and professional commitment to the teaching profession and concentrate your studies in two areas (mathematics, science, social studies, or reading and language arts).
Middle childhood education courses cover many areas including educational psychology, classroom management, middle childhood principles and practices, human relations, general and specific methods for teaching, media aids and technology applications, multicultural education, teaching reading, professional ethics, and diagnosing and prescribing for effective teaching.
Throughout all four years, you will participate in teaching experiences in area schools, completing extensive hours of field-based experience before student teaching. During these experiences, you will be supported by department faculty and cooperating teacher educators on local schools staffs.
In your junior and senior year, you'll integrate middle childhood courses and field experiences in year-long cohorts — the Teaching and Learning Cohort year and the Methods/Student Teaching Cohort year.
In order to be approved for student teaching and recommended for licensure, you must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, both in professional education courses and in your teaching field.
Licensure
The School of Education and Allied Professions is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Generally, Ohio licensure granted in the School of Education and Allied Professions extends to most states. By the end of your first year, you must pass the Praxis I, which assesses reading, writing and mathematics skills. Licensure is contingent on successfully passing a state-mandated exit examination, Praxis II, that tests your knowledge in the principles of learning and teaching, and the content area of specialization. Passing scores for the Praxis II are established by the state of Ohio.
Students completing the middle childhood education program will receive a two-year Ohio Provisional Teacher License (grades four through nine).
Career Opportunities
When it comes time for you to graduate, Career Services will assist you in securing a teaching position. Teaching career fairs and interviews with prospective employers are conducted on campus. Immediate possibilities for a career in teaching vary, depending on geographical area and particular teaching field. Presently, graduates in mathematics and science are in demand. National projections indicate an improving job market throughout the next decade.