Middle Grades Education
As you determine the kind of teaching in which you can make the most difference, consider the students you most want to teach. The middle grades are a crucial time in a student's education and can be a great focus for teachers looking to make an impact on young lives.
The Crossroads in Education
What is Middle Grades Education? In the state of Georgia, middle grades education refers to the fourth through eighth grades. Students who choose to earn their degree in this area can look forward to playing a critical role in the education and the lives of their young students. Why? The 10 to 15-year olds who make up the middle grades are in the process of grasping more and more complex ideas in reading, writing, science and math. They are also experiencing developmental physical and social changes that might affect their learning.
Because the middle grades encompass such a unique developmental stage in children's lives, many consider them to be at a crossroads in education. What students learn in this time will often determine success in high school and beyond. Therefore, teaching the middle grades not only requires strong substantive knowledge, but also a firm understanding of the needs of young adolescents and how to teach them effectively.
What are the Requirements? As with all University System of Georgia Teacher Preparation Programs, a passing score on the GACE I exam or the equivalent score on either the SAT, ACT or GRE is required for admission. A 2.5 grade point average or higher is required to enter into teacher education.
What Can I Expect? There's no better way to get a sense of what it might be like to make your career in middle grades education than to consider the experiences of those who are already doing it.