Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8, English/Language Arts Concentration with Special Education, BSEd

The Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8, English/Language Arts Concentration with Special Education, BSEd program prepares you to obtain the certification required to teach grades 4-8 in Pennsylvania’s public school system. It also prepares you to teach in special education settings. This program meets high national standards of excellence because it is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers, Association of Middle Level Education and Council for Exceptional Children. Additionally, Shippensburg University has the only public elementary lab school in the state.

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What Will I Learn?

You will learn how to support middle level students’ academic growth in language arts. Learning experiences will focus on:

Literary texts intended for grades 4-8 (i.e., novels, short stories, traditional stories, and poems; and exploring the meanings conveyed by these texts)
Core writing genres (i.e., narrative writing, informative writing and argument writing)
Best practices in reading and writing instruction

Much of your learning will come through active participation and collaboration. You are required to complete core concentration courses in language arts as well as professional core courses focusing on adolescent development and learning, instructional methods, assessment and intervention, adaptation and accommodations for diverse learners, and literacy. There is also a required capstone seminar and practicum in middle level student teaching.

What are the requirements for this degree?

You are required to complete 45 credit hours of general education courses as well as concentration area courses, required math courses, core professional courses and coursework in special education.

What Degrees Are Similar or Might Pair Well With This Program?

You may pursue a Reading Minor or the Disability Studies Minor. Both are great complements to this major.

What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?

Completing this program at Shippensburg University prepares you to obtain the certification required to teach in Pennsylvania's public school system. Many graduates also go on to find work in private academies or as personal tutors. Others use their degree as a springboard to employment in social work, child and youth care or other related fields.