"My student teaching internships at Edmunds Middle School and Williston Central School were amazing and prepared me very well for the job I will be starting. I’m feeling extremely excited and thankful and cannot wait to start." - Molly Wagner '22
Immerse yourself in the excitement and wonder of the middle school teaching profession. If you’ve spent time with kids this age, you know that they are energetic, curious and funny. Our award-winning program prepares you to create engaging curriculum and learning environments that are responsive to the needs of young adolescents.
Our Unique Approach
Drawing on our distinctive Vermont context, the following core themes are central to our curriculum:
- Experiential learning in middle school classrooms beginning in your first year
- Place-based, problem-based, and project-based learning
- Social justice and sustainability education to engage young adolescents in democratic citizenship
- Best practices addressing the nature and needs of young adolescents
- Interdisciplinary teaching approaches that promote student voice in their learning
- Personalized, proficiency-based curriculum designed to support your learning and growth
“The program is so focused on equitable teaching, individualized learning, and social-emotional learning. It strikes a really good balance. We have a proficiency-based system in Vermont, and a progressive mindset about education. We’re preparing students to be proficient citizens, not just to ace tests.” See why Camilla Thomassen-Tai ('20) is excited about our program and her future as a middle level educator.
Our Commitment to Your Success
Enjoy ongoing support and mentoring from award-winning faculty and through our cohort model. We make it easy to develop enduring connections with classmates, faculty, and mentor teachers in the field.
Deeply committed to your success as a future middle school teacher, we strive to connect you with our vibrant local and national middle level community. Opportunities abound with our Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education, the Middle Grades Collaborative, and the chance to attend regional and national conferences.
Multiple Minors and Licensure Pathways
In our highly individualized program, you can choose two of the four following areas of concentration: English, Math, Social Studies and Science. In addition, you can pursue a minor or accelerated master's degree pathway in Special Education or a minor in Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. We also offer a certificate in Place-Based Education as well as minors in Coaching, Human Development and Family Science, and more.
High Job Placement Rate and Licensure Reciprocity with Other States
Our graduates enjoy a high placement rate in Vermont and around the country. Because UVM's nationally accredited teacher education programs enjoy reciprocity with many other states, you will be prepared to teach almost anywhere. See our Licensure page for more information.
Explore the World
Explore study abroad opportunities in New Zealand, Portugal (Azores Islands), and other countries around the world. Learn more about resources and support for students by visiting UVM's Office of International Education.
Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)
Our Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) is a great pathway that can lead you to complete a master's degree and gain licensure to teach in just one year. Students apply during their junior year. We also offer accelerated master's degree pathways in Special Education and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
