Programs: Middle Grades Education 5-8 (B.A.)

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Middle Level Education (5–8) C O N C E N T R AT I O N S

Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Science

The Middle Level Education degree prepares teacher candidates to guide and inspire students in fifth through eighth grades. The College of Education operates like a family, nurturing and challenging its students in a supportive environment. Referred to as “Fraternitas,” that familial environment allows USF students to develop the true heart of a teacher.

A high priority is placed on real-world experience and getting students involved in actual teaching as soon as possible.

After their first semester freshman year, students are able to complete a field experience in a classroom every semester.

That’s a very unique feature not available at other schools.

ACCREDITATIONS The University of St. Francis is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). College of Education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (ncate.org).

The College of Education also focuses on excellence and prepares teacher candidates to excel on their first day in their own classrooms. Graduates gain confidence that allows them to be successful in helping students reach their fullest potential. USF has one of the best teacher education programs in the state, with 100% pass rates on all required tests. This reputation for excellence sets our graduates apart and results in USF teacher candidates being highly sought for employment after graduation.

Middle Level Education (5–8)

The University of St. Francis has given me so many opportunities to be successful.

With a very supportive and committed staff, and Franciscan values, I felt at home at USF. I felt I was very prepared to enter the field and take on my own classroom. While the classes were not easy, I was challenged academically and I feel that, ultimately, it made me a better teacher. If you have the heart of a teacher, USF is the school to attend!

Monica Davidson ’15

W H AT C A N YO U D O W I T H THIS DEGREE?

G R O W T H R O U G H R E A L- W O R L D EXPERIENCE

The Middle Level Education degree at the University of St. Francis prepares teacher candidates to guide and inspire students in fifth through eighth grades. However, there’s a lot more you’ll do as a middle level teacher than take attendance, make lesson plans and grade papers. As an excellent teacher with a true teacher’s heart, you will get the chance to become a better communicator, develop creativity, introduce exciting new ideas, inspire minds, mentor others, instill a sense of value and purpose in your students, initiate positive change and shape the future of our communities and our world.

Middle school teacher candidates get a world of experience as they learn. Through beginning field experience, the candidate is placed in a middle level education classroom in their designated content area for approximately 12 weeks. Experiences can include working with small groups or individual students, assessing student work, and supporting the classroom environment. In the school-based practicum, candidates enroll in a one credit hour experience in a setting that will broaden their teacher preparation experiences.

Finally, through year-long internships, candidates spend a year in a middle school classroom, where they get to apply their knowledge and implement their skills in a carefully supervised setting.

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