The Middle Level Endorsement

I N T R O D U C T I O N

The Middle Level Endorsement prepares teachers to meet the special needs of young adolescents in grades 5-9. It is an additional area of expertise for those teachers who already hold a Michigan elementary or secondary teaching certificate. 
WHAT IT DOES

For teachers with elementary certification and subject area endorsements for grades 6-8, the Middle Level Endorsement will extend their subject area endorsements to grade nine. For teachers with secondary certificates, the middle level endorsement will extend their certification to grades five and six. 
THE AREAS OF MLE

Candidates for the Middle Level Endorsement must have preparation in two teaching fields which are broad, multidisciplinary and encompass the major areas within these fields, have a minimum of 19 semester hours of credit plus a field experience in grades 6-8. The areas of Middle Level Education as defined by the State Board of Education and NCATE are:

  • Nature and Needs of Young Adolescents 
  • Young Adolescent Development in the School Context 
  • Philosophy & School Organization 
  • Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment 
  • Collaboration 
  • Teaching Fields and Pedagogy 
An individualized Plan of Work will be developed for each student, based on prior applicable course work and experience. This will be done as a part of TED 5250 offered in the Fall Semester. Please see Classes for the Middle Level Endorsement for further information.

The Bottom Line-

As of September 1, 1999, the State of Michigan requires passage of the Middle Level Test for the Middle Level Endorsement (Field 685) plus two courses (6 hours min.) in reading; a Content Reading class plus one of the Assessment and Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners class.