Middle Level Education, Certifying to Teach, B.A.

Program Chair: Gretchen Whitman, Ph.D.

Available in the Day and Evening* Colleges.

*Social Studies content area is the only area offered in the Evening College.

Click here for Teacher Education Program Information, Requirements, and Policies   

The Middle level programs at Columbia College prepares you to be an effective classroom teacher for grades 5th-8th. Middle-level majors are involved in early and on-going experiences in classrooms and learning to work both independently and collaboratively to affect positive change in schools and society. Middle Level Education is recognized by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the South Carolina Department of Education, and is nationally accredited by the NCATE/CAEP through Fall 2022. 

Mission:   The mission of the Middle Level program is to prepare middle level educators who know, understand, use, and reflect on the major concepts, principles, theories and research related to the learning and development of young adolescents.  Candidates are able to develop learning opportunities that support diverse learners’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Candidates exhibit a commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning, and reflective practice. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Middle level teacher candidates demonstrate the professional knowledge required to be effective in middle level classrooms, including best practices in middle school, adolescent development and accommodating diverse learning, social, and cultural needs (AMLE Standards 1 & 3).  
2. Middle level teacher candidates effectively use multiple methods of assessment to plan instruction and make data driven instructional decisions (AMLE Standards 2 & 4). 
3. Middle level teacher candidates can plan and effectively implement instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners (AMLE Standards 2 & 4).  
4. Middle level teacher candidates can demonstrate professional behaviors and ethical practice (AMLE Standard 5).