Earn a master's degree and gain licensure to teach in just one year! Tuition scholarships are available for qualified candidates.

Middle school teaching is an exciting and rewarding profession. Our nationally accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for Middle Level Education (grades 5-9) prepares you to make a real difference in the lives of students during a critical stage in youth development.

"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 Teacher

Our award-winning program teaches you how to create engaging curricula and learning environments for the unique needs of young adolescents. Formerly middle school teachers themselves, our teaching faculty are internationally recognized for innovative work in the field of middle level education.

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

“I love the community, the energy, the challenges, and the school-spirit that gives you pride to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Working alongside professionals who support you to be a better educator is a profound feeling.”  See why Erica Indiano loves the MAT program.

Our Unique Approach

Our proficiency-based program is built around several core themes within a distinctive Vermont context:

  • Place-based, problem-based, and project-based learning
  • Social justice and sustainability education to engage young adolescents in democratic citizenship
  • Best practices that address the nature and needs of young adolescents
  • Interdisciplinary teaching approaches that promote student voice in their learning
  • Personalized and proficiency-based curriculum designed to support your learning and growth

Become a Part of the Middle Level Education Community

Enjoy mentoring from award-winning faculty and researchers who are eager to connect you with our vibrant local and national middle level education community. Engage with the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education, the Middle Grades Collaborative, and attend regional and national conferences with your cohort. There are also opportunities to learn from our global connections with colleagues in New Zealand and Hawaii.

Scholarship Opportunities

We offer a limited number of merit-based scholarships each year. These awards coincide with rolling admissions, so apply early if you want to be considered for a scholarship. For additional information regarding how to fund your graduate degree, see UVM Financial Services.

Fully-Funded Professional Development

All middle level graduate students are eligible for funded attendance — including registration, airfare, and housing — to the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) national conference, and the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) regional conference. These fully-funded opportunities are subject to the availability of funds from a generous donor.

High Job Placement Rate and Multiple Licensure Options

Our graduates are in great demand, and enjoy a high job placement rate in middle schools throughout Vermont and across the country. Earning a middle grades specific license, along with endorsements in multiple content areas, positions you very well for the job market.

Reach out to us! We are happy to help you determine your next steps for licensure in one or more content areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, and English).

Two Pathways to Your Master's Degree and Teaching Licensure: MAT or AMP

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

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

Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP)

If you are an undergraduate student at UVM with room in your schedule to take middle level education courses (3-9 credits) before graduation, our Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) is a great opportunity to save time and money by beginning your graduate coursework early.

Course of Study

Summer (3 cr.)

EDML 207. Young Adolescent 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)

In this class we examine 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 200. Social Justice Education. 3 credits. (AM class 1x/wk)

This class explores social justice issues in education, exploring what it means to be a social justice educator, ultimately envisioning ways to disrupt systems of oppression and envision a more liberatory, anti-oppressive education system.

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

Our focus in this course is to better understand and reflect 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. Middle Level 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 learning.

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)

This support seminar is 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

Interested or Have Questions?

Email: Penny.Bishop@uvm.edu

Graduate Tuition Scholarships

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.