Middle Level Education
University of Northern Iowa

Major: Middle Level Education, BA- Teaching

Teaching at the middle level has challenges and rewards no other level of schooling offers. Young adolescents need teachers who can appreciate their diversity and who can adapt and create an environment in which they can grow academically and personally. If you enjoy collaborating with others, designing creative ways to learn, and helping young adolescents make the transition from childhood to young adulthood, then middle level education may be for you.

The undergraduate major in Middle Level Education offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Northern Iowa is ideal for those students interested in a broad subject area preparation. The Middle Level Education major is a dual major -- students are also enrolled in the Elementary Education program or in a Secondary Education program.

The Middle Level Education program offers students a unique advantage when seeking employment in middle level schools. When making employment decisions, middle level administrators tend to favor teachers specifically trained to teach at the middle level. By completing this major, students learn about effective teaching strategies, organizational patterns, programs and practices, and the characteristics of young adolescents in middle level schools.

The Division of Middle Level Education is committed to ensuring UNI students are prepared to be reflective, responsible decision makers in a global and diverse democratic society.

A Typical Course Sequence

Middle Level Education majors at UNI complete five courses specifically designed for middle level educators. Other courses, which often coincide with courses being taken in the Elementary or Secondary major, complete the 30-hour major.

Unique Program Features

Three courses specializing in middle level curriculum and instruction are needed to complete the middle level major for most Elementary/Middle Level majors.

Five courses specializing in middle level curriculum and instruction are needed to complete the dual major for most Secondary/Middle Level majors.

A week-long, full-day practicum experience is included during Middle Level Classroom Management in addition to other field experiences in the Elementary or Secondary major.

Guided development of a teaching portfolio by faculty.

At least one student teaching placement in a middle level departmentalized or team setting.

The Student Association of Middle Level Educators (SAMLE) offers peer/faculty support and bi-monthly programs.

A yearly teacher education induction convocation to honor students admitted to teacher education.

All-Iowa Teacher Recruiting Fair, regarded worldwide as one of the foremost teacher recruiting events.

Facilities

Housed in Schindler Education Center featuring extensive clinical areas, media facilities, and a curriculum laboratory.

Malcolm Price Laboratory School for observations and practical experiences.

Iowa Communications Network transmission and receiving sites within the Schindler Education Center.

Career Opportunities

University of Northern Iowa Middle Level Education majors are recruited by school districts all over the nation. In a survey of teaching majors who have graduated from UNI, all responding Middle Level Education majors reported being employed.

Iowa currently offers an endorsement for middle level educators. Approximately 35 states have some form of middle level licensure. The UNI Middle Level program may meet some or all licensure requirements in other states. Contact UNI Placement and Career Services (273-2061, SSC Room 19) or the State Department of Education in the state you are interested in teaching for more information about certification reciprocity policies and requirements.

Scholarships

The R. Paul Brimm Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior, senior or graduate student exemplifying a commitment to middle level education and young adolescents.  = Contact Dr. Donna Schumacher-Douglas for questions about the application.  Contact the Office of Financial Aid for access to the online application.

Middle Level Education Faculty

Donna Schumacher Douglas, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Associate Professor and Middle Level Program Coordinator, Ph.D. Florida State University. Middle Level Curriculum, Middle Level Socialization and Instructional Strategies, Middle Level Classroom Management, Elementary Classroom Management, Seminar: Level Education, Research: Middle Level Education, Issues and Trends in Education.

Jean Schneider, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Professor, Ed.D. University of Northern Iowa.  Middle Level Curriculum, Middle Level Socialization and Instructional Strategies, Literacy Education for Middle and Secondary Teachers, Issues and Trend in Education, Recent Developments in Middle Level Curriculum.

Suzanne Freedman, Department of Psychology and Foundations, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin at Madison. Psychology of Adolescence, Development and Growth of the Middle School Aged Child

Radhi Al-Mabuk, Department of Psychology, Associate Professor, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin at Madison. Psychology of Adolescence