Middle Grades Education
Why Study Middle Grades Education at TFC?
The Middle Grades Education major equips future servant leaders with knowledge of the diverse learners and content they will teach, skills in planning instruction, assessing, and managing, as well as character reflecting appropriate interaction with the school community, life-long learning, and a calling as a Christian servant leader with a Biblical worldview for kingdom service. The Professional Teaching Objectives for this major is based on the TAPS standards. The Middle Grades degree leads to certification in grades 4 through 8 and offers concentration areas in Language Arts, Social Science, Mathematics and Science. Students choose two from these offerings as concentration areas in their studies.
Teacher Education majors in their senior year have the opportunity to complete a one-year, paid student teaching internship with Stephens County School District. In this program, students are the teacher of record and have their own class/set of students. Because we believe middle grades teaching is a calling, the Teacher Education Department seeks to cultivate a uniquely Christian learning community through coursework with in-field experiences, a yearlong clinical practice, and faculty support of candidates in their pursuit of truth with godly character for service in public, private and international schools teaching at the middle grade level.
Concentrations:
- Language Arts
- Social Science
- Mathematics
- Science
Teacher Education
“TFC has an amazing reputation in our community; these teachers are known for their quality, and that comes from the base that we provide at TFC with the curriculum and the support that we give our students.”
Dr. Lisa Glover
Chair, Teacher Education Department
Middle Grades Education Courses
Each candidate in this program declares two areas of concentration from the four general areas offered: language arts, social studies, math, and science. Fifteen hours in each area of concentration are required in addition to methodology classes and practical application involvement. This is a 127 hour program that includes 48 hours of general education courses (including 15 hours of Bible & Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 64 hours in Education-specific courses.
Featured Courses:
- Curriculum & Assessment
- Philosophy of Classroom Management
- Clinical Practice
Testimonial
What can you do with a Middle Grades Education degree?
When you earn a Middle Grades Education degree, you will find that there are many career opportunities available to you. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of jobs, such as:
Middle School Teacher
Naturally, many middle grades education graduates go on to teach at middle schools. Students will be prepared to teach at public, private or international schools.
School Administration
While further education may be required, some middle grades education students aspire to become a school administrator, seeking roles as a principal or headmaster.
Social Worker
Some job opportunities that may be available for middle grades education graduates might include working as a guidance counselor at a middle school, working as a social worker or at a non-profit centered on serving students in some form. These job opportunities allow graduates to live a life of service while relying on the Christian education knowledge that they acquired during their degree program to provide actionable, faith-based advice.
Camp/Mission Educator
With a degree in middle grades education, graduates may seek careers in camp or mission ministry. As a camp director or overseas educator, students will be prepared to lead, provide vision, and offer an education for students that is centered on Christ.