Student teaching at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington

Middle school teaching is an exciting and rewarding profession.

Our nationally accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) for Middle Level Education (grades 5-9) will prepare you to make a difference in the lives of students in this dynamic age group.

Why is our program right for you?

"UVM's philosophy on internships is all about getting students into the classroom, and the thing I liked most about it was that I was in the classroom for a whole year." Chris Magistrale, Winooski Middle School

We believe learning happens best when it's experiential. That is why our program places you in a middle school working with kids from the beginning. Learn about theory, research, and strategy on campus one day, then try out what you've learned at the school the next day.

We also offer two different pathways to attain your graduate degree (see Two Pathways to Your Graduate Degree below).

Our Teaching Approach

Our program is built around several core themes that are central to our curriculum:

  • Middle level best practices that address the nature and needs of young adolescents
  • Interdisciplinary teaching approaches that promote student voice in their learning
  • Teaching approaches that emphasize real-world learning such as place-based, problem-based, and project-based learning
  • Teaching approaches that engage young adolescents in democratic citizenship such as social justice education and sustainability education

Our Unique Vermont Context

Due to our unique Vermont context, we prepare our students for teaching in personalized, proficiency-based learning environments. With this in mind, students in our program have multiple opportunities to experience proficiency-based learning and personalized learning approaches that emphasize student voice and individual growth.

Scholarship Opportunities

We offer a limited number of merit-based scholarships each year. Since these are awarded via rolling admissions, we recommend applying early if you hope to be considered for a scholarship. For additional information regarding how to fund your graduate degree, see UVM Financial Services.

Fully-funded Professional Development Opportunities

All middle level graduate students are eligible for funded attendance — including registration, airfare, and housing — to the following annual professional conferences:

  • Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) national conference
  • New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) regional conference

This opportunity is subject to the availability of funds from a generous donor.

High Job Placement Rate

We are proud of our job placement rate over the past 8 years. We attribute this to both the high quality of our program and the high quality of candidates whom we are fortunate to accept.

Multiple Licensure Options

One factor that contributes to the high job placement rate is our multiple endorsement options. As part of the application process, we determine which content areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, English) you would eligible to teach. We also coach you to add one or two additional areas if you're close to having the prerequisites fulfilled. That way, you exit our program highly marketable and ready to be hired in more than one content area.

Two Pathways to Your Graduate Degree: MAT or AMP

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

If you have already earned your Bachelor’s degree from UVM or another institution OR if you are a senior at the University of Vermont without room for 3-9 middle level education credits before graduation, the MAT program is the right choice for you.

When does the Middle Level MAT program start?

The MAT program begins with a foundational summer course: EDML 207 Young Adolescent Learning: Behavioral & Cognitive Perspectives. Admission in the fall can also be negotiated, however, on an as-needed basis.

Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP)

If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont with room in your schedule to take 3-9 Middle Level Education credits before graduation, the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) is a great opportunity to begin your graduate coursework early and save money on graduate tuition.

MAT/AMP Course of Study

Summer (3 cr.)

EDML 207. Young Adoles Learning, Behavior & Cognitive Perspectives. 3 Credits. (Varies)

The middle school concept is based on the developmental traits of young adolescents. Participants will explore the social, emotional, physical, moral, and intellectual traits of the 10-15 year-old and understand school structures and teaching strategies that support such needs.

Fall (12 cr.)

EDSP 201. D2: Foundations of Special Ed. 3 Credits. (PM class 1x/wk)

Examination of historical and current trends in the treatment of individuals with disabilities including effects of discrimination, advocacy, litigation, legislation and economic considerations on educational services and community inclusion.

EDML 287. Content Literacy in Mid Grades. 3 Credits. (AM class 1x/wk)

Examination of disciplinary literacy, culturally responsive pedagogy, and strategies for supporting English
Language Learners in middle level content areas. Special emphasis placed on the development of a social justice
project.

EDML 260. Teaching Young Adolescents. 3 Credits. (AM class 1x/wk)

Focus on understanding and reflecting on an integrative and developmental approach to the design of middle level
curriculum with special emphasis on problem-based learning, project-based learning, and place-based learning.
Taken for 6 credits if also taking Social Studies Methods (EDML 260 Part B).

EDML 261. Mid Lev Teaching Practicum II. 3 Credits. (Full day 3x/week & 1x/wk seminar)

Teaching practicum on middle level team in one or two areas of academic concentration, acquiring knowledge of
and skills in curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Special emphasis placed on personalized

Spring (15 cr)

EDML 285. Middle Level Student Teaching. 9 Credits. (5 days/week)

Full-time supervised student teaching internship as a member of a middle school team.

EDML 286. Internship Support Seminar. 3 Credits. (PM class 1x/wk)

Support seminar designed to prepare and reflect on internship experiences with special emphasis places on working through teaching dilemmas and developing middle level advocacy skills. Seminar also supports candidates in the development of the Vermont Licensure Portfolio.

EDML 270. Middle School Org & Pedagogy. 3 Credits. (PM class 1x/wk)

Focus on exploring theory and practice in responsive school organization for young adolescents, including interdisciplinary/partner teaming, block scheduling, and teacher advisories. Taken for 6 credits in the Spring if also taking Science Methods (EDML 270 Part B).

Methods Courses (3-6 credits; only those that apply to your focus area[s])

Fall:

  • EDML 260 Part B (Social Studies Methods) (AM class 1x/wk)
  • EDML 177. Young Adolescent ELA Methods (PM class 1x/wk)

Spring:

  • EDML 200 Math Methods (PM class 1x/wk)
  • EDML 270 Part B (Science Methods) (PM class 1x/wk)
Middle Level MAT 2017 cohort at graduation

Questions?

Please email: Penny.Bishop@uvm.edu

Apply Now

How to Apply

Deadline: Rolling admission beginning in January

Candidates must have:

  • minimum of 18 credit hours in one academic discipline
  • minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework and in the academic disciplines
  • resume
  • writing sample
  • demonstrated commitment to working with children and young people

Application Instructions:

On page 3 of the Graduate College online application:

  • Go to “Curriculum & Instruction.”
  • Select “Degrees Name - MAT.”
  • Select term.
  • Choose Specialty Concentration (i.e., "Middle Level Education").

Attending Graduate College at UVM

For more information about attending Graduate College at UVM, including funding opportunities and academic policies, please see the Graduate College website.