
M.Ed. Middle Grades Education
The 30-semester hour M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education program is designed to meet the needs of teachers in grades 4-8. Completion of the planned program (including the prerequisite Level 4 certificate in MGE) leads to eligibility for master's level certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The program offers a wide scope of advanced course content intended to expand the knowledge and skills of certified teachers and focuses on leadership development, advocacy for all learners, best practices in pedagogy, and applied research skills. Students also have the option to pursue up to two endorsements in one of the following areas: Autism, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Mathematics (K-5), Reading, Science (K-5), or STEM. Diverse field-based experiences also enhance classroom instruction.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to:
- Understand how culture, students’ approaches to learning, and exceptionalities impact middle school students and their families
- Understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to develop middle level curriculum and assessment
- Create learning experiences that make content meaningful for students in grades 4-8
- Design, and implement appropriate formal and informal assessment tools
PROGRAM DELIVERY MODELS
Students may complete the program fully online or in a blended combination of online and in-person classes. On campus classes for the blended format are offered on Mercer's Atlanta campus. Opportunities to make personal connections with faculty and classmates are offered across all formats, including the online option. Classes are delivered in a mixture of 8-week and 16-week terms, and students may complete the program in 16 months. The program enrolls students three times per year in March, May, and August.
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