We offer several licensure and non-licensure programs in Middle Childhood Education (MCED) to prepare teachers for grades 4 through 9 (ages 8 to 14), at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The MCED licensure program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Ohio State Department of Education.

Professional Licensure Disclosure:  This program area includes courses of study that are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

We offer a Bachelor of Science in Education with two concentrations - students select from Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts - and the teaching of reading. Graduates of this baccalaureate program receive an Ohio Resident Educator Teaching License in Middle Childhood Education (4-9), valid for four years. This license is required for teaching and may be used for substitute teaching.

Read more about the Bachelor's Degree in Middle Childhood Education

The Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement can be added to a Middle Childhood 4-9 license if you graduated from the Kent State Middle Childhood education program after 2004. Endorsement candidates need to earn a C or better in all courses that apply to licensure. The MC Generalist License will allow teachers to teach grades 4-6 only (in the concentration areas that are listed on the license). This is a non-degree endorsement offered at the post-undergraduate level only.

Read more about the Middle Childhood Generalist License

Students are automatically eligible for the Middle Childhood Reading Endorsement. Those who did not apply for the endorsement at the time of licensure may add it for a $20.00 fee. Students must apply for the endorsement through the Vacca Office of Student Services, 304 White Hall.

Two programs are offered for licensure preparation in middle childhood education, including:

Initial Licensure Preparation - The Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation program is for degree-holders seeking to earn their initial Ohio teaching license in Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9). Candidates must first specialize in two subject areas as a post-undergraduate non-degree student before applying to the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation program. This is a graduate-level licensure only/non-degree program. Candidates are reviewed 3 times per year for formal admission to the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) program. See the Initial Licensure Preparation page for application deadlines.

Additional Licensure Preparation - The Middle Childhood (4-9) Additional Licensure Preparation program is for teachers who hold a valid (unexpired) Ohio 4-year Resident Educator or 5-Year Professional Teaching License and would like to earn additional licensure in Middle Childhood Education (4-9). Candidates must first specialize in a minimum of one subject area as a post-undergraduate non-degree student before applying to the Middle Childhood (4-9) Additional Licensure Preparation program. This is a graduate-level licensure only/non-degree program.

The School of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Studies offers a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Middle Childhood. The program prepares educators for continuing professional development, education in a multicultural society and leadership for curriculum reform and renewal. The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction in Middle Childhood does not lead to teacher education licensure. Those interested in earning initial or additional licensure in Middle Childhood Education (4-9) must apply to the appropriate Graduate Non-Degree Licensure Preparation program. Those candidates interested in building initial or additional licensure coursework into the M.Ed. in C&I (MCED), must also be fully admitted into the master's degree program and complete the prescribed coursework for the master’s degree in addition to courses that are prescribed for licensure.

Read more about the Curriculum & Instruction M.Ed.

About the Middle Childhood Education Program

Contact Information

Dr. Danielle Gruhler
Middle Childhood Program Coordinator
404 White Hall
dgruhler@kent.edu

Lisa Froning
Academic Advisor Coordinator;
Middle Childhood Undergraduate Advising & Questions;
Undergraduate Transfer
304 White Hall
lfroning@kent.edu

Erin Harwood
Graduate Senior Advisor/ Licensure Specialist;
Graduate Non-Degree Initial Licensure Preparation/ Additional Licensure Preparation Programs;
Transcript review/ Graduate Advising & Questions
418 White Hall
eharwood@kent.edu