The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed.) degree in Middle Level Teaching and Learning is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare future practitioners with the content knowledge and pedagogical approaches necessary to serve the needs of young adolescent learners in specific disciplines for teacher licensure in middle level education. As a condition for obtaining a middle level teaching license (grades 5-8) in Illinois, candidates prepare for teaching in one major content area endorsement: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Sciences. In addition, the program has been designed so that candidates will earn endorsement in an additional area. Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated edTPA may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.
All students seeking admission are required to have an overall minimum NIU GPA of 2.50. Additionally, students must obtain a grade no lower than C or equivalent in all professional education and content-area coursework for licensure including:: EPS 300, EPS 382, and EPS 419. These requirements must be met prior to enrollment in MLTL 302, Clinical Experience in Middle Level Curriculum and Instruction. Candidates seeking professional educator licensure must pass any state-mandated tests for licensure/certification prior to student teaching. Candidates must also pass the content tests required by their licensure field prior to student teaching. See also “Educator Licensure Information.” Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated edTPA may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.
Advisement services are available to students from freshman year through graduation. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and required course sequence, all students must plan their program of study with their middle level academic advisor. Students are responsible for utilizing advising services by responding to the periodic posted notices of deadlines for professional semester applications and schedules for registration. Teacher candidates must complete a Criminal Background Check for early clinical placements and for student teaching. See “Educator Licensure Requirements.”
Check departmental information for additional requirements.
Special Requirements
Transfer students with an A.A. or A.S. degree must fulfill all general education requirements set forth by the entering catalog in order to meet educator licensure requirements.
Middle level education students must successfully complete all professional course work with a grade of C or better, or S, to continue to enroll in any of the professional courses.
Retention
Retention in the middle level education program is contingent upon maintaining a NIU cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher, having a grade of C or better in all professional education courses, and successful completion of all clinical experiences. All course requirements (in the major content area option and minor content area option) require a grade C or better.
Students who successfully complete the program will have completed all required ISBE and CAEP standards for educator licensure.
Students must take an official ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and score at Intermediate High or above before student teaching. This test can be scheduled and proctored by the Foreign Language Teacher Licensure advisors.
