Program in Middle School Education
The Middle Level Education program (MLED) will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful teachers in grades 5-8. Candidates choose a minimum of one discipline to earn their endorsement from Social Studies, Math, Science, and/or Language Arts. Subject area endorsements require 21 hours of approved content courses in the discipline. MLED Candidates complete two clinical experiences in grades 5-8 classrooms totaling 200 hours and full-time student teaching in their endorsement area for 16 weeks. Candidates who complete the MLED program qualify for the Illinois Middle Grade Professional Educator License to teach in their endorsement area(s).
Program Outcomes:
Students completing the Middle School Education major will:
- Have the knowledge and skills to create dynamic, creative, critical, and developmentally responsive middle grade classrooms for the 21st century
- Possess the skills and knowledge to design interdisciplinary curriculum based on inquiry, projects, authentic literacy, and standards
- Work collaboratively with a middle grades team, parents, and the school and local community
- Have a wide repertoire of teaching strategies for diverse middle grade students
- Cultivate a safe and caring classroom community for all students
- Teach culturally diverse and global knowledge
- Integrate principles of social justice and active citizenship for democracy
- Integrate technology in their classroom
- Understand a variety of assessment strategies
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Middle-Level Education
Middle-Level Education students must complete the same NEIU General Education requirements that are currently required for Elementary Education students. However, MLED students may be required to take additional general education courses to complete their subject area endorsement(s).
The MLED professional program requires 48 credit hours for graduates with a Literacy endorsement and 51 credit hours for graduates with an endorsement in Math, Science, or Social Studies (in addition to any required general education courses to complete their endorsement). All MLED majors take all literacy methods courses (ELED 313, MLED 306, and WIP MLED 302) that are taken for the Literacy endorsement. Math, Science, and Social Studies candidates also take their endorsement area methods course (MLED 304 or MLED 305 or MLED 310).
Degree and Program Completion/Entitlement Requirements
In order to graduate from the program and be entitled to state licensure, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, which include the following requirements:
- University General Education Program Requirements
- Professional Education Coursework
- Approved Area of Concentration
- Additional Courses and Tests required for State Licensure
Required Professional Education Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDFN-305 | Philosophical And Historical Foundations Of Public Education | 3 |
| EDFN-319 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| ELED-308 | Instructional Design | 3 |
| SPED-382 | Strategies For Differentiating Instruction For Students With Exceptional Learning Needs | 3 |
| MLED-302 | Writing Intensive Program: Foundations Of Teaching English Language Arts In Middle Grades | 3 |
| BLBC-339 | Culturally Responsive Teaching in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| MLED-328A | Clinical Experience English Learners In Middle Grades | 3 |
| Methods Of Teaching Science In Middle School (Taken for Science endorsement only.) | ||
| ELED-313 | Literature And Literacy In The Content Areas | 3 |
| Inquiry-Based Social Studies In The Middle Grades (Taken for Social Studies endorsement only) | ||
| Math Methods In The Middle Grades (Taken for Math endorsement only) | ||
| MLED-306 | Methods Of Literacy Education In Middle School | 3 |
| MLED-328B | Clinical Experience Literacy In Middle Grades | 3 |
| EDFN-350 | Philosophy Of Curriculum Integration In Middle Grades (or MLED 350) | 3 |
| ELED-316 | Critical Issues In Education | 3 |
| BLBC-340 | Teaching English Learners In Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| MLED-329 | Student Teaching In The Middle School | 7.5 |
ELIGIBILITY FOR TEACHER CANDIDACY & THE MIDDLE-LEVEL EDUCATION PROGRAM
To register for Block One, students must have declared their majors and met the requirements for licensure candidacy in the Goodwin College of Education. Students should meet with program advisors to plan their programs before taking EDFN 319. Students should complete the necessary procedures to declare their majors before or while enrolled in EDFN 319.
Each block of courses must be completed before moving forward.
-
Completion of a minimum of 60 hours or Junior status
-
Completion of EDFN 305 and EDFN 319 with grades of B or better
-
NEIU GPA of 2.5 or better
-
Creation of an ELIS teacher licensure account, if one has not already been created, by visiting https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Information-System.aspx.
Block 1
Complete ELED 308, SPED 382, MLED 310 (for Math endorsement only) and MLED 302 with an average GPA of 3.0
- For approval to enroll in MLED 306 and MLED 328B, a disposition form with a rating of Satisfactory must be obtained from student's instructor in ELED 308. A second disposition form, also with a Satisfactory rating, must be obtained from the student's instructor of MLED 304, MLED 305 OR MLED 310. See Program Advisor for more information.
- Attend mandatory clinical information meeting and apply for Clinical Field Experience clinical-experiences-and-student-teaching.
- ELED 308 and MLED 302 must be completed with a "B" or better.
Block 2
Complete BLBC 339, MLED 328A (with a grade of B or better), ELED 313, MLED 305 (for science endorsement only) or MLED 304 (for social studies endorsement only). Attend mandatory Student Teaching information session and apply for Student Teaching field placement.
Block 3
Complete MLED 306, MLED 328B (with a grade of B or better), ELED 316, MLED 350 or EDFN 350.
- Pass the ILTS Content Area Examination in the appropriate endorsement area--see program advisor.
- Attend mandatory CEST student teaching orientation meeting.
Block 4
Complete Student Teaching - MLED 329.
- Completion of edTPA in MLED 329 Student Teaching
Floating Courses
The following floating courses may be taken any time after Block 1 and before Block 4: BLBC 340: Methods of Teaching English Learners.
Licensure Requirements
In order for students to be entitled by NEIU for the Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed in middle school (grades 5-8), they must receive a "B" or better in student teaching. In order for students to be licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education, they must pass the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
Prior to student teaching, all Middle School Education majors must complete a minimum of 200 clock hours of clinical experience to be eligible for licensure In the State of Illinois. These clinical experiences (completed concurrent with BLBC 339 and MLED 306) require placement in a public or private school with a state licensed teacher. To request placement for clinical experience, students must register in the Office of Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching. (Please see the section, Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching in this catalog)
In order to be considered for Clinical Experiences, students must be admitted to the College of Education and accepted into the Middle School Education program. In addition, students must have completed courses in Block 1 (in order to take MLED 328A) and Block 2 (in order to take MLED 328B).
To qualify for Student Teaching, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the Professional Sequence coursework and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and have passed the ICTS Content Area Test. No required professional education course may be taken more than twice to achieve an acceptable grade. To be entitled for licensure by the State of Illinois, a student must earn a grade of "B" or better in student teaching.
EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
- Successful completion of all NEIU General Education requirements
- Minimum credit hours for degree: 120 credit hours
- Maintain cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Maintain professional sequence GPA of 3.0
- Evidence of passing the content area test in the appropriate endorsement area
- B Grade or better in Student Teaching
In addition to the successful completion of the Middle School Education major and area of concentration, students must complete the general education requirements for the College of Education. These requirements overlap with NEIU's General Education Requirements.
General Education Requirements which are not on the Gen ED list:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| ENGL-102 | Writing II | 3 |
| CMTC-101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CMTC-202 | Voice and Diction | |
| MATH-149 | Math For Elementary Teachers I | 4 |
| MATH-150 | Math For Elementary Teachers II With Problem Solving | 5 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE
- Successful completion of Block 4 with evidence of passing score on the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
It is recommended to consult with your advisor at least once each semester.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Non-Western/Third World Course | 3 | |
| Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MATH-149 | Math For Elementary Teachers I | 4 |
| CMTC-101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL-102 | Writing II | 3 |
| HIST-214 or 215 | United States History 1607-1877 | 3 |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MATH-150 | Math For Elementary Teachers II With Problem Solving | 5 |
| EDFN-305 | Philosophical And Historical Foundations Of Public Education | 3 |
| ENGL-205 | Literatures And Literacies | 3 |
| GES-104 | World Geography | 3 |
| Term Hours | 14 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ESCI-121 | Introduction To Earth Science | 3 |
| PSCI-216 | American National Government | 3 |
| CHEM-110 or PHYS 110 | Chemical Concepts | 3 |
| ESCI-121 | Introduction To Earth Science | 3 |
| EDFN-319 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| FINE ARTS COURSE | 3 | |
| Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| SPED-317 | Inclusive Teaching Strategies | 1.5 |
| ELED-300 | Instructional Design In The 21st Century Classroom | 1.5 |
| BIOS-110 | Introduction To Biology For Educators | 4 |
| MLED-302 | Writing Intensive Program: Foundations Of Teaching English Language Arts In Middle Grades | 3 |
| MLED-310 (For Math endorsement only) | Math Methods In The Middle Grades | 3 |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| BLBC-339 | Culturally Responsive Teaching in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| MLED-328A | Clinical Experience English Learners In Middle Grades | 3 |
| ELED-303 | Children's And Young Adult Literature | 1.5 |
| MLED-309 | Reading And Writing In The Content Areas | 1.5 |
| MLED-305 (For Science endorsement only) | Methods Of Teaching Science In Middle School | 3 |
| EDFN-343 | Using Technology In Classrooms | 2 |
| MLED-304 (For Social Studies endorsement only) | Inquiry-Based Social Studies In The Middle Grades | 3 |
| Term Hours | 17 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Content Area Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MLED-306 | Methods Of Literacy Education In Middle School | 3 |
| MLED-328B | Clinical Experience Literacy In Middle Grades | 3 |
| ELED-320 | Classroom Management | 1.5 |
| ELED-342 | Classroom Assessment | 1.5 |
| PEMT-235 | Teaching Physical And Health Education Concepts For Classroom Teachers | 3 |
| EDFN-350 | Philosophy Of Curriculum Integration In Middle Grades | 3 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MLED-329 | Student Teaching In The Middle School | 7.5 |
| EDFN-308 | Teaching And Learning | 1.5 |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours: | 129 | |