Program Overview
Initial Certification
Candidates interested in Middle School Education have a number of options. First, candidates seeking initial certification to teach in middle schools may study at either the masters or sixth-year level. A thirty-three credit course of study followed by a twelve-week student teaching experience leads to the Masters. The Sixth Year degree is comprised of thirty semester hours, and student teaching. Following this course of study leads to recommendation for a Connecticut initial educator certificate. Candidates may elect to pursue their degree by engaging in an internship. Otherwise, candidates may study on a part-time schedule and progress at their own rate toward the degree and eventual certification. Interns are full-time students and pay no tuition for academic course work. Traditional students may be part-time or full-time and pay their own tuition. The middle level academic subject programs offered by the University of Bridgeport include: Science, English, Mathematics or History and Social Studies.
Future Opportunities for Advanced Study
Certified middle school teachers are often interested in developing a career path that includes study at the advanced level. The School of Education at the University of Bridgeport offers middle school educators a number of interesting options, including:
- Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts. This program leads to an initial educator certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts, grades K-12.
- Reading and Language Arts Consultant. This sixth-year degree program prepares students for the roles of a curriculum and instructional leader.
- Educational Leadership. Candidates interested in leadership, department chair and administrative positions at the middle school level will elect this sixth-year diploma program.
- Education: MODMAP (Teacher Leader). This unique program is designed for certified teachers interested in a professional development, degree-awarding program which enhances their work at the classroom level. Working with an advisor, students design a course of study at the masters or sixth-year level that allows them to pursue an area of their own interest.
- Doctor of Education. The doctoral program appeals to experienced middle school educators who want to make a lasting impact on the profession. The program is designed to improve the effectiveness of experienced professionals by integrating the study and practice of sound educational principles.