MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION
The School of Education at UIS offers a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grade Education that leads to an Illinois Middle Grades (5-8) Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of four content areas – Language Arts, Math, General Science, or Social Science. The BA in Middle Grade Education is designed with elective credits built into the major to allow students the opportunity to earn another content area endorsement or additional teaching areas like LBS1, ESL, or Secondary (9-12) licensure. Candidates seeking the BA in Middle Grades Education degree should expect that their total program of study (including general education, teacher education, content, and ECCE coursework) can usually be completed within the four-year time frame. Students wishing to add additional teaching areas should discuss these goals with their School of Education Advisor for additional details.
Middle Grades Endorsement Options
- For a middle-grades math endorsement, 24 hours of math content, which shall include three hours of content-specific methods focused on the middle grades; or include three hours of content-specific methods focused on the middle grades
- For a middle-grades science endorsement, 24 hours of science content (including three hours of content-specific methods focused on the middle grades) to include coursework in each of the following areas: physical, life and earth and space sciences
- For a middle-grades social science endorsement, 24 hours of social science content (including three hours of content-specific methods focused on the middle grades) to include coursework in each of the following areas, in relation to Illinois, the United States and the world: history, geography, civics and government and economics
- For content areas other than those specified in this subsection (b), 24 hours of content specific to the endorsement sought, which shall include three hours of content-specific methods focused on the middle grades.
Content tests are required for licensure. Find test taking resources here.
Contact your advisor if you have questions.
