Cleveland State University

The Middle Childhood Education program focuses on the nature and needs of early adolescents as they particularly relate to the design, delivery, and evaluation of culturally and developmentally responsive instruction. The acquisition of progression knowledge and skills is aided by reflective practice and inquiry. The program includes participation ins a strengthened curriculum with more than 700 hours of clinical experience - similar to the preparation used in legal and medical professions. Rigorous preparation helps to include the likelihood that students will be hired upon graduation. The Middle Childhood Education Program prepared candidates for teaching children from grades 4 through 9 (ages 8 to 14) at the undergraduate level.  

WHAT CAREERS CAN THIS MAJOR PREPARE YOU FOR?

Middle childhood education graduates have a wide number of career paths to choose from. After graduating with a bachelor's degree some people take the teaching licensure exam, which opens up countless opportunities at public and private schools, elementary, middle and high schools. They also have the choice of continuing their education, and carrying out research work in middle childhood education in order to address the critical issues in this field. After three to four years of research work, students submit their thesis to professors for approval, and defend their work and findings at a public dissertation. Thereafter, they are awarded they PhD or Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction, which opens up countless opportunities in the academic and research sector at colleges, universities and research organizations throughout the world. Many graduates go on to become: Elementary School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, High School Teacher, Childcare Center Director, Teachers Assistant, Home-Based Service Provider, Instructional Coordinator, Librarian, Sales Representative, Consultant, Researcher, Writer or Editor, Professor, Museum Educator.

WHAT SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED WITHIN THIS MAJOR?

Skills developed within this major include: develop age-appropriate curriculum; learn to teach health, safety and nutritional skills, employ principles of child psychology and human development, learn teaching strategies for language and literacy development, Research skills as demonstrated in papers, case studies and exams; Visual analysis; Analytical skills; Communication skills; Time management skills; Problem solving skills; and passion for teaching and learning with children and youth.

TEACHING CREDENTIAL

Ohio four-year Resident Educator teaching license in Middle Childhood (ages 9 to 14 and grades 4 to 9) for two content areas. Requires successful completion of all program requirements and acceptable scores on applicable state licensure examinations as mandated by the Ohio Department of Education.

PORTFOLIO

All teaching licensure students are expected to maintain a portfolio while completing their professional coursework and field experiences.