Be adventurous

Student Walking to Davis Center
Middle school-aged children working at computers
Students in New Zealand
Lake Champlain Sunset
Middle school-aged children working at computers
Middle school student smiling
Student teaching at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington
Student biking on UVM path

"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 approach:

  • 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. We’re preparing students to be proficient citizens, not just to ace tests.”  See why Camilla Thomassen-Tai 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, making it easy to develop enduring connections with classmates, faculty, and mentor teachers in the field. We will connect you with our vibrant local and national middle level community through the Middle Grades Collaborative and regional and national events like the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) Annual Conference.

Multiple Minors and Licensure Pathways

You can choose two of the four following areas of concentration: English, Math, Social Studies and Science. Plus, you can pursue a minor or accelerated master's degree pathway in Special Education, a Childhood Studies Minor or an Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Minor. We also offer a Place-Based Education Certificate as well as minors in Coaching, Human Development and Family Science, and more. 

High Job Placement Rate & 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.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP)

If you are a junior or senior at UVM, our Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) is a great opportunity to complete a graduate degree and gain licensure to teach in just one additional year at UVM. Students typically apply during their junior year. We also offer accelerated master's degree pathways in Special Education and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Major requirements

Concentrations

Is UVM's Middle Level Education Program for you?

Our nationally recognized program is distinguished by:

  • Early and often field placements in diverse settings
  • Commitment to social justice and sustainability
  • Multiple licensure and minor pathways
  • Personalized advising
  • Research and study abroad opportunities
  • National accreditation

Apply Now 

Brochure (PDF)

Learn By Doing

Questions?

cessstsv@uvm.edu / 802-656-3468

Graduate employment rate

98%

Careers

  • Middle Level Teacher
  • English Language Learner (ELL) Educator
  • Special Educator
  • Non-Profit Sector Administrator/Manager
  • Peace Corps Volunteer

Where alumni work

  • Teaching Fellow, Citizen Schools, Boston, MA
  • Middle School Humanities Teacher, Peoples Academy, Morrisville, VT
  • Math Teacher, Lake County High School, Leadville, Colorado
  • Graduate Student, University of Vermont
  • Youth and Family Field Specialist in Science, Durham, NH
  • Middle School Science and Math Teacher, Browns River Middle School, Underhill, VT

Related Information