Is UVM's Middle Level Education Graduate Program right for you?
“I was just so intrigued by the middle level students...I want to be able to look back and know that I made a connection with every one of my students.” Emily Ranquist
We believe learning happens best when it's experiential. That's why our program places you in a middle school working with kids from day one. Your internship lasts for the whole year and is directly connected to your on-campus coursework. Learn about theory, research, and strategy on campus one day; try out what you've learned at the school the next.
Small Cohort Model
Learning requires dialogue and support. Each year we select a small group of applicants for the program. This cohort of graduate students goes through the sequence of courses together and is placed together at internship sites as well. We believe the support and dynamics of your cohort are an essential part of your graduate school experience.
Small Classes and Interactive Pedagogy
The small cohort size also results in seminar-style classes. We believe in modeling the type of learning opportunities that we hope you will then use with your middle grade students. As a result, you won't find yourself listening to lectures. Instead, you can expect to participate in collaborative learning, hands-on tasks, and active learning.
International Study
We believe there is much to learn from our international colleagues. Our formal partnership with New Zealand educators allows us to offer an optional two-week study abroad experience for graduate students. You will visit New Zealand to examine teaching and learning in primary, intermediate and secondary schools on the other side of the globe.
Internationally Renowned Faculty and Opportunities for Research
Your professors have extensive experience in middle level education, both in research and in practice. They've all been middle grades teachers themselves, and they now conduct fascinating research that regularly receives national and international attention. (And what's more, they're really fun.)
There are always opportunities to get involved in research. Interested in early adolescence? Brain development? Literacy? Educational technology? Click here to learn more about our faculty and some of the cool research you could join.
Full-Time, One-Year Program (with Part-Time Option)
We know that making a career change is a big step. Our full-time program offers you the chance to complete the licensure requirements in just one academic year. Start the program one August, be a licensed teacher with your own classroom (and salary) the next.
Of course full-time study isn't ideal for everyone. That's why we also offer a part-time, two-year sequence.
High Job Placement Rate
We know that making a career change is a big risk. Although we can't guarantee you a job upon completion of the program, we are proud that we've averaged a greater than 90% job placement rate over the past 8 years. We attribute this impressive statistic to both the high quality of our program and the high quality of candidates whom we are fortunate to accept.
Multiple Endorsement Option
One thing that contributes to that high job placement rate is our multiple endorsement option. 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.
