Middle Grades Education
Prepare to teach, mentor, and inspire students in grades 5–9
The Middle Grades Education program at Kentucky Wesleyan College equips students to teach in grades 5–9 with expertise in core content areas. With coursework in child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management, graduates are prepared for licensure and impactful teaching careers.
Middle Grades Education Program Features
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Middle Grades Education program blends subject knowledge with practical teaching experience. Students choose one or more concentration areas—English, mathematics, science, or social studies—while completing core education courses in instructional methods, assessment, and educational psychology. Faculty mentors provide individualized support, ensuring graduates are confident and well-prepared for licensure. Engaged learning includes field placements in local schools beginning early in the program, service-learning projects, and a semester of full-time student teaching. Small class sizes foster collaboration, discussion, and professional growth. By graduation, you’ll have the subject expertise, practical experience, and professional portfolio needed to begin your teaching career with confidence.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Applications for admission to the teacher education program and for admission to student teaching are filed in the Teacher Education Office on or before September 15 or February 15 of each academic year.
The admission process includes:
- Successful completion of ENGL 111 and ENGL 112, ED 100 and ED 200
- Passing scores on the ACT, SAT, and/or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Required scores are:
- ACT Composite (22 or higher) or SAT (1110); or a combination of the following:
- ACT Reading (20 or higher), SAT Reading and Writing (490 or higher), or Praxis CASE Reading (156 or higher); and/or
- ACT English/Writing (18 or higher), SAT Reading and Writing (490 or higher), or Praxis CASE Writing (162 or higher); and/or
- ACT Math (19 or higher), SAT Math (510 or higher), or Praxis CASE Mathematics (150 or higher)
- ACT Composite (22 or higher) or SAT (1110); or a combination of the following:
- Submission of a beginning e-portfolio
- Interview with the admissions review team
- Disposition recommendations
- Appearance before the Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC)
Admission, retention, and exit from the teacher education program require: (a) a 2.75 overall GPA; (b) a 2.75 GPA and a minimum grade of C- in professional education courses; and (c) a 2.75 GPA and a minimum grade of C- in the area(s) of academic emphasis or major.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required before enrolling in 300- and 400-level education courses.
Middle Grades Education Program Requirements
The Middle Grades Education major requires approximately 65–70 credit hours, combining education coursework with content-area concentrations. Core classes include Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Instructional Methods, and Classroom Management. Students also complete literacy instruction and assessment courses tailored to middle-grade learners. Content concentrations require advanced coursework in English, math, science, or social studies, ensuring deep subject mastery. Field experiences begin in freshman year, allowing students to observe and participate in classrooms before student teaching. A semester-long student teaching placement serves as the capstone, providing hands-on experience in planning, instruction, and assessment. Graduates meet Kentucky certification standards and are prepared for careers in middle-level education.
