About
Young adolescents are a unique age group, in the midst of developing their adult identities. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education prepares students to teach in sixth through ninth grades and be an advocate for this developmental age group. The degree leads to a North Carolina teaching license. Because middle school teachers often teach in interdisciplinary teams, Appalachian’s program prepares students to work alongside others when planning instruction, developing curriculum, and working with students and their families.
At Appalachian, we require our teacher candidates to pursue two concentrations among language arts, math, science, and social studies. This degree, Middle Grades Education (BS) – Language Arts and Mathematics, is one of six pairing options available to students. Candidates tell us they prefer this approach over having to learn all content areas, a requirement for elementary majors, or having to focus on only one subject, as with secondary education majors.
After Graduation
Employment: Our students are typically hired throughout North Carolina as well as in surrounding states such as South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. While the majority of graduates opt to stay in the region, some graduates have been hired on the West Coast and some have accepted international teaching opportunities.
Graduate School: Qualifying students can participate in Appalachian’s Accelerated Admission from Baccalaureate to Master’s Program by taking graduate coursework during the senior year. This fulfills both undergraduate and graduate course requirements. Students will then take three semesters of graduate level courses to complete their Master of Arts in Middle Grades Education at Appalachian.
Appalachian’s Graduate Certificate in Middle and Secondary Teaching is a 19- or 24-credit-hour alternative teacher licensure program for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. It leads to recommendation for an N.C. initial teaching license and includes three semesters of coursework followed by a related field-based practicum.
Courses
Core courses, not including those from the academic concentration, are:
- Literacy, Language, and Culture in the Middle Grades
- Middle Grades Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
- Middle Grades Internship
- Middle Level Education
- Teaching Young Adolescents
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required. However, the program requires teacher candidates to pursue two concentrations among language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Appalachian Educators – Open to all education majors. It sponsors service events and provides professional development and leadership opportunities.
Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA) - Its purpose is to better the advancement and recognition of middle grade educators.
Association for Middle Level Education
Kappa Delta Pi - The national honorary education fraternity
View all student organization contacts
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching (PDF).
Admission Requirements
Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.
Why Appalachian?
- Graduates are hired quickly and often receive multiple job offers.
- Appalachian was the first institution of higher education in North Carolina to offer specialized degrees for middle grades teachers.
- This program has a long-standing commitment to excellence in middle level teacher preparation and is well-respected at the local, state, national and international levels.
- This is a small, personal program in which teacher candidates take courses and participate in field experiences together for two semesters in a cohort. All students are known well by each other and by the middle grades professors.
Number of Students
More than 100 students in all Middle Grades Education degree programs combined.
Method of Delivery
On campus, plus off campus in Catawba County in either a full- or part-time program.
Learn more about Middle Grades Education Online and Distance Programs.
Careers
- Adult Education Teacher
- Athletic Coach
- Athletic Director
- Curriculum Specialist
- Guidance Counselor
- Instructor, College/University
- Media Center Specialist
- Middle School Teacher
- Missionary Worker
- Resource Teacher
- School Psychologist
- Special Education Teacher
- Teacher, Adventure/Outdoor Education
- Teacher, Industrial Arts
- Training Specialist
- Tutor
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Laurie A. Ramirez
Middle Grades Program Director
828-262-8008
ramirezla@appstate.edu