Master's in Middle School Education, MA
藏精阁's master's in middle school education program is designed for working professionals without an undergraduate degree in education to transition into teaching. The program results in an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with the opportunity to add additional endorsements to your teaching license.
藏精阁's program is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with an Exemplary rating, the highest possible mark of excellence.
The 2-year program consists of a mix of online and in-person evening classes on the Chicago campus. Your final semester will include an in-person student teaching placement at a field experience site. Admissions are open for fall start dates only.
Why 藏精阁 for Your Master鈥檚 in Middle School Education?
Social Justice Focus
藏精阁 is well-known in Chicagoland for its commitment to social justice, which extends into our master's in middle school education program.
You鈥檒l build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners, all while immersing yourself in diverse school and community cultures.
Flexible and Engaging Coursework
藏精阁's middle school education program offers a mix of online and in-person evening classes that include engaging discussion, small group projects, and intensive two-week field experiences in diverse schools and classrooms.
In your final semester, you鈥檒l complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor. The program has strong partnerships with schools in District 54 in Schaumburg and Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
edTPA Exam Preparation
The middle school education program prepares you for the edTPA, the capstone assessment for an Illinois teaching license.
You can add one or more of endorsements to your teaching license, increasing your employability and earning potential:
- Bilingual/ESL
- Special Education (LBS 1)
What can I do with a master's in middle school education?
A master鈥檚 in middle school education can prepare you to teach core subjects in junior high school while developing advanced skills in instruction, curriculum design, and student support. It may also create opportunities for leadership roles like curriculum specialist or school administrator.
What is a Professional Educator License (PEL)?
A Professional Educator License (PEL) is the primary teaching license in Illinois, required for most public school teaching positions. The MA in Middle School Education program at 藏精阁 results in an Illinois PEL.
Can I add any endorsements to my PEL?
Yes. Adding endorsements to your educator's license is a sound way to increase employability and earning potential. At 藏精阁, you can add endorsements in Bilingual/ESL or Special Education (LBS 1).
鈥淚 just love my students and our program. As a former principal, nothing gives me greater joy than seeing our students go on to become outstanding teachers.鈥
Linda Pincham
Associate Professor of Secondary Education, 藏精阁
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