Median Pay: $61,810 per year

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Number of Jobs: 625,500

Job Outlook: Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 42,200 openings for middle school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

It is the student’s responsibility to consult the College Catalog regarding requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program and student teaching. These include, but are not limited to, a 2.75 GPA overall, in pre-professional requirements, in professional requirements and in teaching emphasis for admission to student teaching.

Appropriate PRAXIS II and PLT Tests must be successfully completed for certification. Also see Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching.

I - Pre-Professional Courses

Pre-professional courses for students preparing to teach Middle Grades (5-9). Minimum 2.75 GPA required.

Liberal Education Core (or General Education transfer equivalency)

MATH 230 Elementary Probability & Statistics

Descriptive statistics, probability, random variables, variance and standard deviation, various probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, chi-square distribution, t-tests, regression, and correlation. Goals: (1) to understand the basic concepts used in probability and statistics; (2) to equip students for applying the concepts in appropriate real-life situations; (3) to be able to analyze data presented in graphical and numerical forms; and (4) to enable students to solve typical problems in statistical inference and hypothesis.

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

EDUC 283 Educational Technology (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores classroom applications of educational technology. Students will examine the integration of educational technology in classroom settings through web- based resources, video case studies, in-class discussions, and field experiences. Students will evaluate and use digital applications and tools in addition to educational web sites and software. The use of technology in designing and implementing various types of assessment (preassessment, formative, and summative) will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of issues and techniques related to the use of technology in P12 educational settings. This is a hybrid course with face-to-face, online meetings, and assignments.

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

SPAN 213 Spanish for Professional Practice

This course will present students with elementary Spanish grammar review utilizing vocabulary, practice exercises, and model dialogues focusing on specific professional practice applications (medical, social work, education). This course is ideal for students with at least one (1) year of elementary Spanish or its equivalent, who wish to focus on Spanish in a professional context. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or permission from instructor.

II - Professional Preparation

Professional preparation for Middle Grades Teachers (5-9). The following requirements cannot be satisfied by CLEP, independent study, or the pass/fail option. A GPA of 2.75 is required, and no grade below “C” is acceptable. To be eligible for Student Teaching: (a) All Professional Courses excluding EDUC 488, Professional Interaction in the School, must be completed, and (b) All PRAXIS II content area and PLT tests must be passed. Student must be admitted to Teacher Education to take dvanced Block classes.

Note: teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Additional fees may be required. Before registering for certification tests, refer to the EPSB website at www.kyepsb.net for current requirements or call (502) 564-4606 or call toll free (888) 598-7667.

Courses in each semester are Corequisites and must be taken together. Courses listed by semester block.

Novice

The Novice Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. 

EDUC 231 Schooling in American Culture (3 Credit Hours)

This course will expose students to the many facets of education, especially teaching. It is designed to help the students make the important decision about a professional career. Students will be guided through the history and philosophy of education, the requirements and responsibilities of the teacher, the nature of the curriculum, an introduction to behavioral theory, and social issues that impact schooling. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 211.

EDUC 211 Early Involvement Seminar (2 Credit Hours)

A practical course in which students are introduced to the culture of teaching. The course focuses specifically on dispositions and the key aspects of Kentucky's Unbridled Learning Initiative and Kentucky Core Academic Standards. Students set up their web-based electronic student portfolios. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 231.

EDUC 210 Early Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

Students are assigned to a school classroom and meet periodically to discuss and generalize their experiences. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 211 and EDUC 231. Additional fees will apply.

Total Hours Required for Novice Block: 6 Credit Hours

Intermediate

The Intermediate Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

EDUC 310* Intermediate Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

The second of three public school field experiences during which students spend fifty (50) hours observing and participating in developmentally appropriate classroom teaching activities. Course is to be taken by (a) elementary majors concurrently with EDUC 374, EDUC 470, and SPED 321; (b) middle school majors concurrently with EDUC 375 and SPED 321; and (c) secondary majors concurrently with EDUC 376 and SPED 321. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: completion of Novice Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 374, EDUC 375, and EDUC 376.

SPED 321 Survey of Exceptionalities (3 Credit Hours)

An introductory course examining characteristics, identification criteria, and teaching modifications related to the education of exceptional learners. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required.

EDUC 375* Instructional Design Delivery Middle School (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design elements and delivery mechanisms of curriculum in the classroom. Students will develop competencies in instructional focus and assessment and the relationship between these concepts. The students will produce a Standards Based Unit of Study. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: Novice Block. Corequisite: EDUC 310.

EDUC 470 Learning Theories for P12 Educators (3 Credit Hours)

Students will research, examine, and apply the major historical and modern learning theorists/theories utilized by P12 school districts to advance the cause of student achievement for all learners. Further, students will evaluate, implement, and assess key concepts, models, and strategies related to commonly recognized learning theories including but not limited to: behaviorism, constructivism, cognitivism, and connectivism. A significant focus of the course also centers on preparing Education students to successfully pass the Principals of Teaching and Learning (PLT) exam required for Kentucky teaching licensure.

*Must be taken concurrently

Total Hours Required for Intermediate Block: 10 Credit Hours

Advanced

The Advanced Block for middle school majors is offered mainly during the spring semester 

of each academic year. All classes are restricted to those students who have been admitted 

EDUC 338 Teaching Reading in Content Subject (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design, planning, and implementation of instruction while recognizing the unique literacy demands of contentarea coursework. Emphasis is placed upon comprehension and study strategies, the reading and writing connection, the role of technology in today’s classrooms, the importance of differentiated instruction that respects cultural differences, and the needs of the diverse learner. Students participate in in-class microteaching demonstrations, develop a content-area instructional unit, and submit an electronic portfolio entry as a result of off-site visits to minority classrooms. Twenty-five (25) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 388 Literacy in the Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

Education 388 focuses on the principles, techniques, and materials for the teaching of reading in the primary grades, with an emphasis on the methods and materials which provide for developmental and differentiated instruction. Also included will be discussion of various reading philosophies, practices, and terminology; evaluation of instructional methods and materials; independent completion of a word attack tutorial for teachers; development of a literature focus unit; and reading and discussion of children’s literature selections. Sixteen (16) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 437* Methods and Materials in Middle School (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on instructional strategies and materials needed for releasing the potential for the middle grade student, leading from concrete to abstract learning. The course will include curriculum concepts and designs, innovative activities using hands-on experiences, techniques of writing lesson plans, the development of a unit of work, materials for journal writing, class demonstrations, and evaluation. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Corequisite: EDUC 410.

EDUC 410* Advanced Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

To be taken concurrently with courses in Advanced Block. Specific assignments to be completed in the field will come from Corequisite courses. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 437 or EDUC 447.

*Must be taken concurrently

Total Hours Required for Advanced Block: 10 Credit Hours

Final

The Final Block is offered during fall and spring semesters.

EDUC 478 Supervised Student Teaching Middle Grades (12 Credit Hours)

Supervised student teaching in the middle school for a period of 70 instructional days and 525 clinical hours. Students will work closely with two classroom teachers, a college supervisor, and the school principal in a team approach to apply knowledge and skills acquired in their coursework. Prerequisite: passing score on specific PRAXIS II Content Area and PLT Tests. See requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 488.

EDUC 488 Professional Interaction in the School (3 Credit Hours)

This is a senior level course designed to help students understand the predicaments of teaching. Understanding the dynamics of interaction between students and teachers is a particular focus. Professional relationships between teachers, parents, and administrators are also investigated. Classroom management and discipline and how teachers establish positive control of the learning environment are particular concerns. Prerequisite: admission to Student Teaching. Corequisite: EDUC 458, EDUC 478, or EDUC 498.

Total Hours Required for Final Block: 15 Credit Hours

III – Teaching Fields

Each student will complete a minimum of 23 semester hours in two fields of study, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 required in each teaching field, and no grade below a “C” is acceptable. Students who choose English/Communication as an academic emphasis must complete a 200-level English course prior to taking courses within the English/Communication emphasis.

Refer to the Teaching Fields dropdown for the collection of courses.

III – Teaching Fields

Each student will complete a minimum of 23 semester hours in two fields of study, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 required in each teaching field, and no grade below a “C” is acceptable. Students who choose English/Communication as an academic emphasis must complete a 200-level English course prior to taking courses within the English/Communication emphasis.

English / Communication | 24 Total Hours

COMM 221 Introduction to Media Studies (3 Credit Hours)

Examines the history of mass communication with an emphasis on the evolution of media. This course enhances media literacy by addressing the history of media through the societal, economic, technological, and political spectrums through which the media is influenced and influences. Formerly ENCO 221.

ENGL 310 Major Author (3 Credit Hours)

This course closely examines a single canonical author or a small number of closely connected canonical authors through a variety of critical methods, with the aim of understanding texts in their historical, social, and cultural contexts. English majors should take this course in the fall of their junior year.

EDUC 363 Language Arts Instruction for Elementary & Middle Grades Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of language arts instruction for elementary and middle grades teachers across the P-8 grade spectrum. Special emphasis of the course is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students.

ENGL 421 History of the English Language (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the origins and development of the English language and its grammar from Anglo-Saxon times to the present. Odd years only.

ENGL 471 Shakespeare (3 Credit Hours)

A critical approach to selected histories, comedies, and tragedies, focusing on historical context, the plays as cultural phenomena, and human, literary and dramatic qualities. Odd years only.

ENGL 315 Creative Writing (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the craft of writing in a specified genre: fiction, poetry, or literary nonfiction. Genres rotate from semester to semester. May be repeated twice for credit.

English Genre Course (3 credit hours), select 1 of the following:

ENGL 351 The English Novel I (3 Credit Hours)

This course offers a study of the early novel in England from 1700-1850. In addition to examining representative works from this period, the class will also trace the historical and cultural contexts which contributed to the emergence and development of this new literary form.

ENGL 352 The English Novel II (3 Credit Hours)

The English novel from Dickens through the present. Even years only.

ENGL 451 Modern Poetry (3 Credit Hours)

A critical and historical study of poetry in English from Whitman and Dickinson, to the present. Even years only.

ENGL 452 American Novel (3 Credit Hours)

A critical and historical study of American fiction from its beginnings to the present. Odd years only.

English Period Course (3 credit hours), select 1 of the following:

ENGL 320 Medieval English Literature (3 Credit Hours)

A study of major texts of the Middle Ages in England, with special emphasis on generic diversity and development. Even years only.

ENGL 321 Early Modern Literature (3 Credit Hours)

A study of major texts in the Early Modern Period, including Spenser, Marlowe, Jonson, the Metaphysical Poets, and early Milton, with special emphasis on generic diversity and development. Even years only.

ENGL 322 Restoration/Eighteenth Century Literature (3 Credit Hours)

A study of major poetry and prose of 1660-1798, covering Milton, Dryden, Behn, Pope, Swift, Johnson, and their contemporaries. Odd years only.

ENGL 323 Nineteenth Century Literature (3 Credit Hours)

Major poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction prose of the nineteenth century. Even years only.

ENGL 431 Contemporary American Fiction (3 Credit Hours)

A critical and historical study of novels and short fiction, from the nineteen-fifties to the present. Even years only.

Mathematics | 22 Total Hours

MATH 110 Topics in Contemporary Mathematics (3 Credit Hours)

Selected topics from consumer mathematics, set theory, counting methods, probability, statistics, systems of linear equations, graphs and solutions of linear and quadratic equations using graphical methods. Modeling and problem-solving techniques will be illustrated to give students an understanding of the nature and applications of mathematics. Designed as a terminal course for the non-math or science major.

MATH 131 College Algebra (3 Credit Hours)

This course contains topics selected from the following: applications of linear and quadratic equations; solving inequalities including quadratic inequalities; graphing equations; graphs of functions; combining functions and finding inverse functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; polynomial functions; and systems of equations.

EDUC 305 Elementary Math for Teachers (3 Credit Hours)

Utilizing both Kentucky and National Council of Teachers for Mathematics (NCTM) standards, this course will provide a comprehensive overview of mathematical instruction for elementary teachers across the P-6 grade spectrum. Special emphasis is placed on content mastery expectations, knowledge and implementation of pedagogical theories, and differentiated instruction needs for all students as they relate to the success of an elementary teacher. An additional focus for the course is to address mathematic components of the PRAXIS II exam.

MATH 230 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3 Credit Hours)

Descriptive statistics, probability, random variables, variance and standard deviation, various probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, chi-square distribution, t-tests, regression, and correlation. Goals: (1) to understand the basic concepts used in probability and statistics; (2) to equip students for applying the concepts in appropriate real-life situations; (3) to be able to analyze data presented in graphical and numerical forms; and (4) to enable students to solve typical problems in statistical inference and hypothesis.

MATH 241 Differential Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Review of algebra, limits, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative, extrema, and the antiderivative. Prerequisite: MATH 134 or permission from instructor.

MATH 301 Principles of Geometry (3 Credit Hours)

Mathematical Proof: conjunctions, disjunction, implications, and truth tables. Proofs using triangles, polygons, and circles; transformations, area, and space geometry. Prerequisites: MATH 131, MATH 133, or MATH 204.

Choose 1 of the following:

MATH 133 Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry (3 Credit Hours)

Right triangle ratios, trigonometric functions, graphing trigonometric functions, identities, inverse trigonometric functions, laws of Sines and Cosines, polar coordinates and complex numbers, and analytic geometry.

MATH 242 Intermediate Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Course contains the integral, applications of the integral, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, techniques of integration, L’Hospital’s Rule and indeterminate forms, and improper integrals. Prerequisite: MATH 241.

MATH 321 Discrete Mathematics (3 Credit Hours)

Logic, methods of proof, sets, relations, functions, equivalences, combinatorics, induction, recursion, and elementary number theory. Prerequisite: MATH 241 or permission from instructor. Prerequisite to all MATH courses listed below.

Sciences | 24 Total Hours

BIOL 111 General Biology (4 Credit Hours)

A course emphasizing general concepts of modern biology for freshman biology majors. Topics surveyed include molecular and cell biology, bioenergetics, molecular and Mendelian genetics. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisites: high school biology and chemistry and permission of instructor

BIOL 232 General Zoology (4 Credit Hours)

A survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on physiological systems, evolution, and diversity. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Biology 111 or consent of instructor.

GNSC 105 Physical Science (3 Credit Hours)

An introduction to the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Completion of the core math course is strongly advised before enrollment.

GNSC 106 Physical Science Lab (1 Credit Hour)

Optional laboratory to accompany GNSC 105.

PHYS 111 College Physics I (3 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence, these courses are intended for life science and non-science students. They must be taken sequentially. PHYS 111 topics include mechanics of motion; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and thermal phenomena. PHYS 112 topics include wave motion and vibrations; electricity and magnetism; optics; and selected topics in modern physics. Does not count toward a minor. Corequisite: MATH 131 or permission from instructor.

PHYS 113 College Physics Lab I (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory experiments accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively to illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

BIOL 112 Organismic Biology (4 Credit Hours)

An introduction to evolution, physiology, and diversity of organisms, designed for elementary education majors. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BIOL 109 and BIOL 110 or equivalent.

Choose 1 of the following groups:

PHYS 112 College Physics II (3 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence, these courses are intended for life science and non-science students. They must be taken sequentially. PHYS 111 topics include mechanics of motion; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and thermal phenomena. PHYS 112 topics include wave motion and vibrations; electricity and magnetism; optics; and selected topics in modern physics. Does not count toward a minor. Corequisite: MATH 131 or permission from instructor.

PHYS 114 College Physics Lab II (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory experiments accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively to illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

Or

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I and Lab (4 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

Social Studies | 24 Total Hours

INSS 103 Cultural Geography (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the concepts of place, region, spatial interaction, landscape interpretation, and landscape evolution. Deals with the graphic media of geography - maps, graphs, and scale models. Case studies illustrate geographic principles to familiarize students with various parts of the world. For future teachers as well as students of the natural and social sciences.

HIST 311 American History to 1848 3 credit hours

An examination of colonial society and culture, the Revolution, the Constitution, the early national period, Jacksonian Democracy, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in history or permission from instructor.

HIST 312 American History from 1848 to 1919 (3 Credit Hours)

A consideration of the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, and historiography. Prerequisite: a previous 200-level course in History or permission from instructor.

ANTH 221 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the archaeological and biological history of mankind as it relates to the development of man and his culture, with comparisons drawn between the cultures of primitive people and western civilizations.

Or

SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology (3 Credit Hours)

The interaction of individuals, within a larger social context, in order to help students develop “sociological imagination” about their own lives. The course examines how group life is organized and how it functions at both micro and macro levels; the process of socialization as well as the various axes of inequality, including race, social class, and gender and looks at a variety of social institutions including the family, education, health care, and religion.

PLSC 101 American National Government (3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the principal characteristics of the American National Government; examination of constitutional principles, federalism, political participation, institutions of government, and the politics of public policy. Please see the Department of History, Religious Studies & Languages section of the catalogue for information on the History and Political Science Major.

Or

PLSC 231 International Politics (3 Credit Hours)

Basic historical, economic, and cultural factors in the international political system including the rise and development of Western nation-state systems; the foundations of national power; sovereignty, nationalism and imperialism; the development of international organizations and cooperation.

ECON 203 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to macroeconomic theory including a study of the economizing problem, pure and mixed economics systems, demand and supply, the economic functions of government, national income accounting, the business cycle, employment theory, money and banking, and fiscal policy.

Or

ECON 204 Principles of Microeconomics (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce the student to microeconomic theory, including demand and supply analysis, elasticity, the production function, price and output determination, costs of production, pricing and employment of resources, and market structures.

1 non-U.S. History course (3 credit hours)

Or

HIST 110 Roots of Civilization (3 credit hours)

A study of civilizations of the ancient world designed to introduce students to the study of history and allied disciplines such as religious studies and art history. The course includes a brief survey of the rise of the first cities in river valleys of the ancient world and focuses on the development of one or two major civilizations of the ancient world; for example, those of Greece, Rome, India, or China.

1 Elective (choose 1, 3-hour course) at the 300+ level from: History, Economics, Political Science, or Sociology (3 credit hours)

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

Students requesting admission to student teaching must meet all eligibility requirements (full listing obtained from the department), must be approved by the Director of Student Teaching, and presented to the Teacher Education Committee.

Requirements for student teaching are:

• Admittance to the Teacher Education Program.
• Completed application for student teaching by midterm of the semester immediately preceding the term in which student teaching will occur.
• Senior standing with at least 96 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Union Commonwealth University (Union Commonwealth University coursework only), and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, including all Union Commonwealth University coursework and all accepted transfer work, if applicable. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in each subsection (pre-professional, professional, emphasis area, teaching fields) of the appropriate education curriculum plan.
• All coursework successfully completed in each subsection (pre-professional and professional) of the appropriate education curriculum plan, and no more than 6 hours of content coursework remaining. The appropriate Methods and Materials course (EDUC 388, Literacy in the Elementary School; EDUC 437, Methods & Materials in Middle School; and EDUC 447, Methods & Materials Secondary School) must also be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Moral, social, and ethical behavior that meets requirements of the College and the EPSB, and a signed Kentucky Teachers’ Code of Ethics statement to support such behavior.
• Submission of a current medical examination (within the preceding 12 months) and a current tuberculosis test (within the preceding 12 months).
• Submission of a current criminal record check (within the preceding 12 months) and documentation of tort liability insurance coverage or waiver (some school systems require criminal record checks for the preceding 6 months).
• Completion of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Submission of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Students cannot schedule any activities, including employment, during the time (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) of student teaching.
• Submission of a preliminary student teaching agreement (contract) with all necessary signatures.