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. Middle school teachers often teach in interdisciplinary teams, so 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) – Mathematics and Science, 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 Master’s Program by taking graduate coursework during the senior year. Students can currently choose from Reading Education and Special Education.
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.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required, however we require our 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.
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.
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Location
Boone and Hickory
Learn more about the online Middle Grades Education program (science and social studies concentration).
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
Contacts
Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
Dr. Damiana Gibbons Pyles
Program Director
828-262-2277
pylesdg@appstate.edu