• UVM

 

Earn a master's degree and gain licensure to teach in your academic degree area.

Launch a rewarding career in high demand where you can apply your degree to share your passion, inspire future generations, and make a lasting impact on your community and the world. Our nationally accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program allow you to earn a graduate degree and become licensed to teach grades 5-9 in your academic degree area. 

Flexibility: Full-Time in One Year, or Part-Time in Two Years

With a strong focus on developmentally and culturally responsive educational needs of this age group, our program prepares you to make a real difference in the lives of students during a critical stage in youth development. full-year teaching internship placement in a local school supported by our nationally recognized faculty and a mentor teacher. 

Scholarships are available for qualified candidates in all licensure areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies).

Two Pathways to Your Master's Degree and Teaching Licensure

Traditional Pathway

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, you can complete the program full-time in one year or choose a more flexible part-time option.

Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP)

If you are an undergraduate student (junior or senior) 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. 

"UVM's philosophy on internships is all about getting students into the schools, and the thing I liked most was that I was in the classroom for a whole year."  - Chris Magistrale, MAT graduate

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 teaching license along with endorsements in multiple content areas give you an advantage in the job market, and a master's degree equates to a higher pay scale. We are happy to help you determine your next steps for licensure in one or more content areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, and English).

Our Unique Approach

Core Values and Themes

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 the Middle Grades Collaborative and attend regional and national conferences with your cohort. There are also study abroad opportunities to learn with colleagues in New Zealand and Hawaii.

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.

Course of Study

Summer (3 credits)

EDML 207/6070. 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 credits)

EDSP 201/5100. 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 200/6990. 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 260/5600. Middle Level Integrated Curriculum & Pedagogy. 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 261/5890. Equitable Middle Grades Learning Environments. 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 credits)

EDML 285/6991. Internship: Student Teaching. 9 Credits. (5 days/week)

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

EDML 286/5860. 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 270/5700. Middle Grades Organization. 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 260/5270 Inquiry for Sustainability (AM class 1x/wk)
  • EDML 177/5770. Culturally Sustaining ELA Methods (PM class 1x/wk)

Spring:

  • EDML 200/5257 Teaching Math in Secondary Schools (PM class 1x/wk)
  • EDML 270/5270 Inquiry for Sustainability (PM class 1x/wk)

Core Faculty

Kathleen Brinegar, Ed.D., Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator

Areas of Expertise:

  • Adolescent identity development
  • Equitable/culturally responsive curriculum design
  • Disciplinary literacy
  • Inclusive pedagogies

Visit Faculty Profile

Jessica DeMink-Carthew, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Social Justice Education
  • Middle Grades Education
  • Teacher Advocacy

Visit Faculty Profile

 

Information Sessions (Online)

Formerly middle school teachers, our faculty are nationally recognized for innovative work in the field of middle level education. Meet our team and learn more about the program at one of our virtual information sessions:

See dates & register

Application Process & Deadlines

 

Request Information

 

Funding & Scholarships

Middle Level Education MAT/AMP Brochure (PDF)

Graduate Student & Program Services

 

Questions?

Email: teachuvm@uvm.edu

“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.” –Erica Indiano G'20

UVM is recognized as one of the Best Graduate Schools of Education by U.S. News and World Report