Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th Grades)

The Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th grades) Program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. After successful completion of the Program, students receive an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree. Most graduates then transfer to a four year institution where they earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education and are eligible for Certification to teach Grades 4-8. The curriculum helps students to apply the knowledge, concepts, and skills essential for successful elementary/middle years instruction.

Because students have options with respect to specific content areas they would like to pursue, and because transfer institutions require specific courses, it is highly recommended that students consult catalogues of schools to which they might transfer and transfer worksheets available in the Career and Transfer Center, as well as their advisor to make appropriate course selections.

According to Pennsylvania mandates, under Chapter 354, students need a 3.0 G.P.A. for entry into upper level education courses and teacher certification programs at four year schools. In addition, they must pass the Pre-Professional Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) before being admitted into these upper-level courses at four year schools.

Careers

Find your path.

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School - est. salary $119,615
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School - est. salary $109,421
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education - est. salary $56,317*

 

**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
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Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th Grades) degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes
ENGL 101 - English Composition I 3 credits  
CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology 3 credits  
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology 3 credits  
HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era 3 credits  
MATH 151 - Linear Mathematics 3 credits  
  • This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate's degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits  
BIOL 106 - General Biology I 4 credits  
ED 201 - Foundations of Education for Middle and Secondary Years 3 credits  
PSYC 209 - Adolescent Psychology 3 credits  
MATH 152 - Probability 3 credits  

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes
ED 214 - Cognition and Learning in the Classroom 3 credits  
ED 255 - Teaching English Language Learners 3 credits  
MATH 161 - Precalculus I 3 credits  
ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology 3 credits  
CHEM 105 - Inquiry into Chemistry 4 credits  

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes
ED 265 - Introduction to Special Education and Inclusive Practices 3 credits  
ART 103 - History of Art I 3 credits  
Content Elective 3 credits See Content Electives chart below.
Content Elective 3 credits See Content Electives chart below.

Content Electives

Students should choose five content electives based on the subject they plan to teach as illustrated below

English Five courses in literature, creative writing, or other humanities
Foreign Languages Recommended minimum of two semesters in the language they plan to teach and three humanities electives. (Students who are already fluent in the language they intend to teach should take five humanities electives instead.)
Social Studies Choose any five:
POLS 111
ECON 181 or 182
HIST 101, 102, 1032, 121, 122, 220, 221
GEOG 101, 103, 180, 222
SOC 101, 233
ANTH 112
Art ART 103, 104, 105, 109, 115 

Students who intend to teach art at the secondary level should also prepare a portfolio.
Music Five music courses are required. MUS 105 and 106 are particularly recommended. MUS 116, 118, 120 and 121 are also recommended. 
Most baccalaureate programs in music education require testing and/or auditions for incoming transfer students. CCP students who intend to teach music should contact their intended transfer institutions for details.
  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.

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Featured Career

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach students in one or more subjects in public or private schools at the middle, intermediate, or junior high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable laws and regulations.

Median Salary
$56,317

Number of Jobs
4,136
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+2.5%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  • Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and correct student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

How well does it pay?

 

Wages

New workers generally start around $33,115. Normal pay for Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education is $56,317  per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $89,443.

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Program Information

Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th Grades)

Degree Type:

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

61

Online Learning Availability:

70% or Greater

Related Programs: