Program Chair: Gretchen Whitman, Ph.D.
Available in the Day College.
Click here for Teacher Education Program Information, Requirements, and Policies
Recognized by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), and the South Carolina State Board of Education under the guidance of the 2022 CAEP standards, the Columbia College Middle level programs prepares effective classroom teachers 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.
Graduates of the program are “learner ready” on day one as educators who embody the attitudes and skills of dedicated professionals, committed to working with others to provide a quality education for middle level students.
The Division of Education provides opportunities for future teachers to exercise leadership in their careers and has built a strong reputation for providing well-trained teachers to the public schools of SC and beyond.
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
The successful student will:
- 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).
- Effectively use multiple methods of assessment to plan instruction and make data driven instructional decisions (AMLE Standards 2 & 4).
- Plan and effectively implement instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners (AMLE Standards 2 & 4).
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and ethical practice (AMLE Standard 5).