Middle Education, Grades Six Through Eight Master’s Level Licensure

Middle Grades Education

The middle grades education major is an undergraduate program designed to develop content-area teachers of grades 6-8. In middle grades education, students learn the developmental characteristics of students aged 10 to 14; the social, emotional, physical and intellectual abilities and needs of diverse middle school students; and the design of appropriate cross-disciplinary curriculum and instruction while completing multiple field experiences in local middle school classrooms. The middle grades education major and approved licensure area minors are necessary to receive a recommendation through JMU for a teaching license at the middle school level. 

The middle grades education major provides students with course offerings and experiences that form the required foundation for licensure in middle education through James Madison University. Students major in middle grades education while completing licensure area minors/content areas in a discipline closely associated with the desired teaching area. The state approved licensure areas in middle education are English, mathematics, science and social studies. Students must earn licensure in one content area; it is also possible to work toward licensure in two content areas. In most cases, licensure courses may be counted towards a minor. Licensure endorsements for specialized teaching areas (e.g., algebra I, journalism, TESOL, gifted education) are available as add-on programs. Students interested in pursuing any licensure option must consult with a middle grades education adviser regarding requirements and scheduling.

For successful completion of the middle grades education major, students must earn a grade of “B-” or better in all major courses offered through the College of Education. Satisfactory completion of both the middle grades education major and licensure area minor are necessary to receive a recommendation through JMU for a teaching license

Students should consult with a middle grades education adviser as soon as possible (e.g., in the first year) to obtain information concerning completion of the major and other requirements. In addition to declaring the middle grades education major, students must apply for and meet the requirements for admission to Teacher Education. Students must be fully admitted to Teacher Education prior to registering for MSSE 240.

Note: Actual teacher licensure requirements may differ from the listed catalog requirements because of changes enacted by the Virginia Department of Education and/or national accrediting agencies. Students are encouraged to confer regularly with their adviser to determine their progress toward graduation.