Kent State University's College of Education, Health, and Human Services offers several licensure and non-licensure programs in Middle Childhood Education to prepare teachers for grades 4 through 9 (ages 8 to 14) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Middle Childhood Education (MCED) licensure program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Ohio's State Department of Education.
Initial Licensure in Middle Childhood Education
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Middle Childhood Education with two concentrations (students select from Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts) and the teaching of reading.
Generalist License in Middle Childhood Education
This license can be added to the Middle Childhood License for those interested in teaching additional subjects (subjects not listed on original license) in grades 4-6. Available for KSU grads only.
Middle Childhood Reading Endorsement
Students are automatically eligible for the Middle Childhood Reading Endorsement. Those who did not apply for the endorsement at the time of licensure may add it for a $10.00 fee. Students must apply for the endorsement through the College of Education, 306 White Hall.
Additional License in Middle Childhood Education
Teachers with an elementary, secondary, or K-12 license may apply for an additional license in Middle Childhood Education. Those with a Secondary License (grades 7-12) in Integrated Language Arts, Integrated Science, Integrated Mathematics and Integrated Social Studies may work toward an additional Middle Childhood License in ONE concentration. Those with other types of licenses, for example, Elementary, Music, PE, Special Education, Life Science, must obtain TWO licensure areas.
Two options are available for the additional license:
- Graduate non-degree program. (Prior to applying for the Graduate non-degree program, students may enroll in undergraduate concentration courses as a post-undergraduate to avoid having to pay graduate fees.)
- Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Middle Childhood Education.
The Middle Childhood License as described by the Ohio Department of Education reads:
Middle childhood license is valid for teaching learners from ages 8 through 14 and grades 4 through 9 in the curriculum areas. The middle childhood teacher preparation program shall include preparation in the humanities (including the arts) and areas of concentration in at least two of the following: reading and language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. A minimum of 12 cumulative semester hours in the teaching of reading as described in Section 3319.24 of the Revised code shall be required for the professional Middle Childhood license.
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Middle Childhood Education
Those seeking a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction may choose to specialize in Middle Childhood Education. This program does not include a license in Middle Childhood Education. Coursework is distributed over general curriculum, foundations of education, content area, methods, special education, and technology.
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Middle Childhood Education (no license)
Those seeking a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction may choose coursework in middle childhood education as preparation for teacher education and school/district/teacher leadership positions.
For further information, contact the Middle Childhood Education Coordinator:
Dr. Bette Brooks, ebrooks@kent.edu
