Middle School Education, M.Ed., Non-Licensure

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Graduate Program Chair

William Cortezia, PhD

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
William Cortezia, PhD
Danette Day, EdD
Anne Howard, PhD
Ruth Joseph, EdD, co-chair
Richard Masciarelli, MEd
Nancy Murray, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Annette Sullivan, EdD

Program Description

This Middle School Education degree is geared to teaching the pedagogy (art/science/profession) of middle school education and not specific subject content knowledge. The non-licensure concentration in the M.Ed. in Middle School Education program is designed for teachers who already hold licensure, or who do not need to earn their initial license in one of the four content areas available at Fitchburg State University, but who are interested in learning the art and science of teaching students at the middle and secondary levels. The program is carefully designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to meet the educational challenges of the middle school pedagogy.

Candidates do not complete the Special Methods courses in the content areas, the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) course, or the Practicum, which are required for all licensure candidates. Instead of those courses, candidates are able to choose electives that will help them address their particular pedagogical and professional goals. However, candidates for the non-licensure concentration will still learn pedagogy that adheres to the four Professional Standards for Teachers:

•   Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment standard: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an on-going basis, and continuously refining learning objectives.
•   Teaching All Students standard: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency.
•   Family and Community Engagement standard: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
•   Professional Culture standard: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply, a candidate must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admissions section of the catalog. Candidates do not need to hold a license. Candidates will need a bachelor’s degree.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Students must complete three graduate elective courses (9 credits) in areas of interest for their academic and career goals.