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.
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 the sophomore 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.
The Secondary Education major requires approximately 65–70 credit hours, including both education and subject-area coursework. Core education courses include Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Instructional Strategies, Assessment in Education, and Classroom Management. Students also complete specialized methods courses aligned with their chosen teaching field (English, math, history, or science). Field placements begin early in the program, giving students direct classroom experience under the mentorship of licensed teachers. A full semester of student teaching in a partner school serves as the capstone, providing intensive preparation for licensure. Graduates meet Kentucky teacher certification standards and are well-prepared for careers in middle and high school education.
Applications for admission into 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 application for admission process includes:
- Successful completion of ENGL 111 and ENGL 112, ED 100 and ED 200
- Passing scores on the ACT and/or PRAXIS series Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
- Submission of beginning e-portfolio
- Interview with admissions review team
- Disposition recommendations
- Appearance before the Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).
Admission, retention and exit in the teacher education program requires: a) 2.75 GPA overall b) 2.75 GPA and minimal grade of “C-” in professional education courses c) 2.75 GPA and minimal grade of “C-” in area(s) of academic emphasis or major.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required as a prerequisite to enroll in 300 and 400 level courses in education.
