Why Study Middle Level Education?

At Concordia Nebraska, education students can choose from many programs of study that will result in their eligibility to teach in public or private school settings. From secondary to early childhood to K-12 music education, future educators can choose not only a desired grade level but also from different content areas. Although some students come to college with a particular education program in mind, many do not – and the following reasons are the most pertinent that students should consider middle level education as a major.  

Middle level education preparation at Concordia Nebraska 

The middle level education program at Concordia Nebraska enables its students to graduate with the ability to pursue certification as a teacher and work with students in grades 5-9. Middle level education majors must specialize in at least two content areas, which include literacy, math, science, social science, Spanish and more. They’ll gain 100 field experience hours during their time in the program and take part in two eight-week student teaching experiences prior to graduation.  

In addition to being a stand-alone program, middle level education can also serve as an endorsement for other education programs like the secondary or elementary education majors. By adding an endorsement to one of these other programs, students could become certified to teach students from grades K-9 or 5-12, an opportunity that stands out as unique among Nebraska universities.  

Middle school: A transitional life stage 

Middle schoolers are at a stage in their life that is highly transitional – many don’t see themselves as children anymore, at least in the same way they might have in elementary school, but most are not even teenagers yet. It is for this reason that middle school is often an awkward, albeit momentous time in children’s lives. As they explore what it means to be an adolescent in the modern world, you, as a middle level educator, will be there for the journey. Offering support to young minds now is vital, whether you’re there to talk to them about friendships or help them discover what subjects in school excite them the most.  

Middle school is exciting! 

Furthermore, middle school is an exciting – and, yes, often unpredictable – time. If you crave novelty and look forward to laughing with students daily, it’s likely that you’ll feel at home in a middle school setting. Middle schoolers are often prone to joking, making brutally honest statements and overall, making life fun. Although the middle school years can be a challenging time for students, on the flip side, they can also lack seriousness, making even typically “boring” subjects fun and entertaining.  

You can help students learn about themselves 

Of course, middle school also has its difficulties. Children’s brains and bodies are developing at a rapid rate and attempts to fit in with peers can lead to tension among friend groups and risky decisions. As a middle school teacher, you’ll be responsible for addressing these issues head-on, but you’ll also be able to use these struggles to make an impression on your students.  

Plus, middle school educators have the unique opportunity to shape future generations. In middle school, students are just beginning to come into their identities and finding possibilities for future passions. With students at this stage in life, you can assist them in developing a sense of excitement about school and the world.  

As a middle school educator, you’ll need to be firm yet empathetic. It can be difficult to be a student between grades 5-9, but having educators who are able to understand students’ struggles while also exercising a constructive authority over them can make all the difference. So if you crave excitement and desire to leave a lasting impact on students, consider majoring in middle level education and teaching middle school!  

The middle level education program at Concordia Nebraska prepares students to teach grades 5-9 in subject areas of their choice. It prepares students to shine the light of the Gospel in the world, both through public and private school practice. Learn more about the middle level education program here.