Female Commonwealth University student instructing middle school students at local school.

Middle Level Education (4-8)

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Teaching Middle School students requires teachers prepared to consider that there are more than two sides to an equation. There’s a human quotient. Commonwealth University teaches you to factor that into every lesson. And it works.

Degrees & Offerings
  • B.S.Ed.
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Chair, Department of K-12, Health and Physical Education, Middle Level & Secondary Education
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Become the teacher who inspires your middle school students to greater heights. You'll pair a strong foundation of knowledge with quality field experiences. From this combination, you will leave with an understanding of effective classroom teaching and how to put ideas and research into practice. You’ll learn how to adapt to an ever-changing classroom environment so you can make a difference in the educational, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students.  

Middle-Level Education offers you the chance to blossom as a collaborative educator, so you become the kind of teacher that has an impactful role in the life of a developing youth through mentoring, advocating, and fostering learning. As the youth learner develops, the teacher continues to be a big influence in the classroom as a role model and support mechanism.

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Program Overview

  • Our students can substitute teach in local school districts after completing 60 credits.
  • Includes field experiences beginning in the first year and culminating with a 16-week supervised student teaching experience.
  • Courses are taught by faculty — not graduate assistants—with extensive experience in PK-12schools as teachers, supervisors, principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents.
  • Includes specialized training in non-academic barriers (social, emotional and mental health, suicide prevention) through the McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence.
  • Continue your climb in one of our graduate programs like the online M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction program which offers a track in Middle Level or Secondary Education and leads to teacher certification. CU's Grad School also offers an M.Ed. Special Education, M.S. School Counseling, and M.S. Instructional Design and Technology. Our graduate programs will enhance your existing skills and knowledge as a secondary education major, increase your earning power, and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.

Course Delivery Format

  Bloomsburg

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Lock Haven

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Mansfield

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

Courses and Curriculum

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Upon successful completion of this program, Middle Level Education teacher candidates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate basic pedagogical knowledge in all four content areas: English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and general Science. (varies concentration-to-concentration)
  2. Understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to adolescent development and provide opportunities that support student development and learning.
  3. Understand and use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, standards, research and structures of content to plan and implement curriculum that develops student competence in subject matter.
  4. Understand and use the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to data-driven instruction and assessment, and they employ a variety of strategies for a developmentally appropriate climate to meet the varying abilities and learning styles of learners.
  5. Demonstrate understanding the complexities of teaching in grades 4-8, and engage in professional development to continually improve their practices and behaviors.
  6. Apply culturally relevant practices to embrace diversity, provide opportunities for student equity, and practice inclusivity.

Middle Level Education (BSED)

  • English/Language Arts (4-8)
    • Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and content area competence.
  • Mathematics (4-8)
    • Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and content area competence.
  • Science (4-8)
    • Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and content area competence, including basic principles of the nature of science, scientific method and inquiry based laboratory experiences.
  • Social Studies (4-8)
    • Middle Level education teacher candidates demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and content area competence.

In CU’s teacher education programs, you will student teach at two different sites. You will likely have a choice of urban, rural, or suburban schools. You are also encouraged to student teach abroad at any of our partner universities.

Department of Middle Level, Secondary, K-12 Education Student Resources
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The Student Experience

Careers

The current retirement rate of “baby boom” generation teachers is creating a high demand for teachers at all levels. As a graduate of one of CU’s education programs, you will be prepared to teach in your chosen area. Demand is high for teachers in all areas, particularly in rural and inner-city districts.

Accreditation

Accredited by: 

  • PDE: Pennsylvania Department of Education 
  • CAEP: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation 
  • AMLE: Association for Middle Level Education

Clubs and Organizations

  • S-PSEA: Student Pennsylvania State Education Association 
  • CLMA: Collegiate Middle Level Association 

Learn More 

The Commonwealth Difference

CAEP logo
Accreditation
CAEP accreditation ensures we prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
96% +
Employment Rates
Additionally, our education majors can substitute teach in local school districts after completing 60 credits while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
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College of Distinction
CU has earned national recognition as a College of Distinction for its education programs, honored for its quality and high-impact teacher preparation.

Continue to Explore

Jacob Anderson Middle Level Education Alumni Profile

The Middle Level Education program at the Lock Haven campus was instrumental in developing my career in education. The combination of knowledgeable professors, engaging coursework, and real-world classroom experiences gave me the tools I needed to succeed. The program’s focus on understanding the unique needs of young adolescents helped me develop a deeper connection with my students and equipped me to make a meaningful impact in their lives

Jacob Anderson '20
Assistant Principal, Curtin Intermediate School
Kolby Dehaas Alumni Profile

This department completely inspired and influenced my love for teaching. Coming from earning a General Associates Degree at Wenatchee Valley College I was not positive that teaching was the right path for me. That changed when I started classes and had the opportunity to get into the classroom right away in this program. The professors and curriculum at Lock Haven prepared me to be the best educator I can be.

Kolby Dehaas '19
5th Grade Teacher, Havre de Grace Elementary
Kylee Weaver Alumni Profile

The Mid-Level program at Commonwealth University has been instrumental in shaping my career. It has provided a strong foundation in both theory and practical application. I have gained critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership that are essential in being a teacher. The professors and mentors I had helped me gain confidence in my career choice and guided me into securing my first position directly out of college. Overall, the education I received has not only equipped me with important knowledge but also instilled a strong baseline for reference that I use everyday in my job.

Kylee Weaver '23
Middle Level Education
Jacob Smith Middle Level Education Alumni

When I enrolled in the Middle-level Education program, I expected to come out on the other side having acquired the expertise and know-how to teach students the skills they need for success. What I did not expect, however, is how much being a CU student in this program would teach me about myself. An integral part about being immersed in the teaching lifestyle is realizing that we never stop being students ourselves. My coursework at CU guided me through the mental, physical, and emotional factors that go into creating an ideal environment for genuine learning to take place. Joining the mid-level education program will give you the opportunity to work alongside dedicated peers, passionate professors, and delve into enthralling discourse about how we can best suit ourselves to educate the up and coming generations that will form our future.

Jacob Smith '24
Middle Level Education
Chelsea D’Ulisse

The education I received from Lock Haven was incredible and truly prepared me for my career. All the highly experienced professors made a difference, because they never just spoke from theory but with real stories of being in the classroom. Going into my first year of teaching, I was faced with many challenges. I was able to rely on my teacher education training to help problem solve and get through that tough year. I’m so grateful for my education at Lock Haven, and to all my professors that made it possible!

Chelsea D’Ulisse
ELA Teacher, Allentown School District
Kolby Dehaas Alumni Profile
Kylee Weaver Alumni Profile
Jacob Smith Middle Level Education Alumni
Chelsea D’Ulisse
Jacob Anderson Middle Level Education Alumni Profile
McDowell Institute

McDowell Institute

The McDowell Institute is dedicated to supporting the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings. This mission is accomplished through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.

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Connect with our Faculty

Evehart

Brett Everhart

  • Chair, Department of K-12, Health and Physical Education, Middle Level & Secondary Education
  • Lock Haven

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