The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed.) degree in Middle Level Teaching and Learning is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare future practitioners with the content knowledge and pedagogical approaches necessary to serve the needs of young adolescent learners in specific disciplines for teacher licensure in middle level education. As a condition for obtaining a middle level teaching license (grades 5-8) in Illinois, candidates prepare for teaching in one major content area endorsement: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Sciences. In addition, the program has been designed so that candidates will earn endorsement in an additional area. Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated edTPA may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.
All students seeking admission are required to have an overall minimum NIU GPA of 2.50. Additionally, students must obtain a grade no lower than C or equivalent in all professional education and content-area coursework for licensure including:: EPS 300, EPS 382, and EPS 419. These requirements must be met prior to enrollment in MLTL 302, Clinical Experience in Middle Level Curriculum and Instruction. Candidates seeking professional educator licensure must pass any state-mandated tests for licensure/certification prior to student teaching. Candidates must also pass the content tests required by their licensure field prior to student teaching. See also "Educator Licensure Information." Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated edTPA may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.
Advisement services are available to students from freshman year through graduation. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and required course sequence, all students must plan their program of study with their middle level academic advisor. Students are responsible for utilizing advising services by responding to the periodic posted notices of deadlines for professional semester applications and schedules for registration. Teacher candidates must complete a Criminal Background Check for early clinical placements and for student teaching. See "Educator Licensure Requirements."
Check departmental information for additional requirements.