Middle School Education (5-8)

Education

The Education Department offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

Objectives for Programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education (Initial License)

The Education Department of Fitchburg State University fully recognizes and embraces the diversity and challenges that teachers face in today’s public and private schools. The comprehensive program of study is one which deliberately integrates and celebrates these challenges by providing an inclusive model for teacher preparation. Each course provides research-based methods to assess student needs in order to differentiate instruction. Techniques and strategies that address the needs of all learners in the inclusion classroom are emphasized. Courses have been specifically designed to provide teacher candidates with content and strategies to be knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and caring educators in the 21st century.
 

The Department prepares its graduates to be teachers of Early Childhood (PreK-2), Elementary (1-6), Middle School (5-8), Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) with Elementary Licensure, Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (5-12), and Severe Disabilities (all levels).

Program of Study

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education  majors graduate with two majors—one in Education and one in  Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS).  See Interdisciplinary Studies Section for IDIS major requirements for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Special Education majors.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education majors are also required to complete an Interdisciplinary Studies minor in one of the following areas:

• African-American Studies Minor  
• American Studies Minor  
• Art Minor  
• Art History Minor  
• Asian Studies Minor  
• Biology Minor  
• Chemistry Minor  
• Entrepreneurship Minor  
• Earth Systems Science Minor  
• Geographic Science and Technology Minor  
• History Minor  
• Honors Minor  
• International Studies Minor  
• Italian Studies Minor  
• Literature Minor  
• Mathematics Minor  
• Music Minor  
• Neuroscience, Behavior, and Cognition Minor  
• Peace Studies Minor  
• Philosophy Minor  
• Political Science Minor  
• Professional Writing Minor  
• Psychological Science Minor  
• Social Science Minor  
• Sociology Minor  
• Spanish Minor  
• Studio Art Minor  
• Theater Minor  
• Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies  

Education majors place emphasis on college coursework that honors cultural, racial, linguistic, and social diversity.

Field-based experiences begin freshman year and are enhanced by strong departmental collaboration with exemplary schools and practitioners in the region. During their final year in the program teacher candidates enroll in a semester long professional experience. In the semester preceding practicum they participate in a minimum of a 125-hour or a 150-hour field-based experience that is linked to pedagogical courses. This allows candidates to readily apply what they are learning in the classroom setting. Many students enjoy opportunities to foster attitudes and skills for creative, collegial teaching in the diverse and changing environment of our McKay Arts Academy, an Innovation School on the University campus.

The Education Club, the Student Association of Massachusetts (S.E.A.M.), a student chapter of M.T.A., and the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society offer students the opportunity to grow professionally while meeting with students of similar interests.

Requirements for the Major in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

In addition to the two majors, the Speaking/Listening requirement is met through the Practicum or Student Teaching experience.

Computer Literacy and Jr/Sr Writing Requirements are met through SPED 4300  or IDIS 4000  

Middle School Education (5-8)

Graduates of the Middle School Education program are well prepared to provide classroom instruction to young adolescents with various learning needs in grades 5-8. They develop effective learning strategies in the teaching of the subject matter of the license for which they will be endorsed.  The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure required for this program are Communication and Literacy and the content area test for the license sought.  Candidates have a choice of six (6) licensure tracks:  English, History, Humanities, Mathematics, Mathematics-Science, and General Science.

Required Courses for All Concentrations

• SPED 2210 - Understanding Diversity and Disability 3 cr.
• EDUC 2300 - Foundations of Inclusive Education 3 cr.
• EDUC 2830 - Arts Integration 3 cr. *
• EDUC 3070 - Middle School Concept 3 cr.
• EDUC 3122 - Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) 3 cr.
• EDUC 3300 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Middle School 3 cr.
• SPED 3720 - Classroom Management and Behavior Support 3 cr.
• EDUC 3740 - Onsite Immersion Field Experience 3 cr.
• SPED 3800 - Secondary Programs for Adolescents (14-22) with Disabilities 3 cr.
• EDUC 4550 - Collaboration: Co-Teaching, Building Communities, and Working with Families 3 cr.
• ENGL 4700 - Teaching Reading and Writing Across the Content Area 3 cr.
• EDUC 4885 - Practicum in Middle School Education I 6 cr.
• EDUC 4886 - Practicum in Middle School Education II 6 cr.

• * (for History, Humanities, Math-Science and General Science only)