Middle Level Professional Specialization prepares teachers to meet the special needs of young adolescents in grades 5-9. It is an additional area of expertise for those students who are currently earning a Michigan elementary or secondary teaching certificate.

Middle Level Professional Specialization leads to an endorsed elementary or secondary Michigan teaching certificate which extends their State of Michigan subject area endorsements to grades 5-9. Those desiring specialization must have or be acquiring certification (major/minor) in two teaching fields which are broad, multidisciplinary, and encompass the major areas within those fields.

Students applying for Middle Level Professional Specialization must exhibit a minimum of 20 semester hours of credit encompassing six areas plus a field experience. The areas of Middle Level Education as defined by the State Board of Education and NCATE/NMSA 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 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 the Classes for Middle Level Professional Specialization for further information.