As critically reflective practitioners, MCE teacher candidates are committed to empowering their students with the skills and competencies to become active, productive, and informed citizens within a democratic society.

Program Learning Objectives:

The MEd program focuses on the study of young adolescents and middle grades education (grades 4-9) and is designed to prepare beginning teachers to develop:

• ??? Rigorous research skills to be able to evaluate, conduct and apply action research in the classroom to improve their own practice as educators and promote student learning.
• ??? An understanding of young adolescent development with a emphasis on how does the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical characteristics of young adolescents impact student learning
• ??? An awareness of how to construct supportive environments that is equitable and culturally responsive to young adolescents and welcoming to family and community members.
• ??? A strong foundation in middle level curriculum, assessment, and instruction
• ??? Skills and dispositions that will allow them to critically reflect on their own practice and to become change agents and leaders within their classrooms, schools, and broader education community.

Program Overview:

The Middle Childhood Education program is nationally recognized by the Association of Middle Level Educators.? Courses within the MCE program are designed and taught by nationally noted scholars and innovative practicing teachers. The Middle Childhood master?s program is offered for applicants seeking an initial Ohio teaching license for grades 4-9. A program of study will be developed to prepare the candidate for teaching in two areas of concentration in the teaching fields of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Coursework within the MCE program include the studying of content specific teaching methods, young adolescent development, educational theories, supporting diverse learners, examining the relationship between society and schools, the philosophy behind the middle school movement, and teacher action research methods.? A key feature of the MCE program is its required yearlong clinical experience culminating in a professional internship and a Master?s research project. This field intensive program combined with research based coursework ensures that graduates of the program acquire boh theoretical understandings and practical experience to prepare them to become successful middle level educators. The MCE Master?s program can be completed in 3 or 4 academic terms if students (a) begin their program of study during the summer academic term, (b) follow a prescribed sequence of courses, and (c) submit official documentation demonstrating they have successfully passed the required content exam of the Assessment for Ohio Educators