Middle Level English and Language Arts

Program Description: Middle Level English and Language Arts at Slippery Rock University

The Middle Level English and Language Arts program at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare future educators to teach and inspire students in grades 4 through 8. This comprehensive program combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to foster literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication in young adolescents. Students will explore a broad curriculum that includes literature, writing, grammar, language development, and instructional strategies tailored to middle school learners. The program emphasizes the importance of creating engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that cater to diverse student needs.

Throughout their coursework, students will engage with a variety of teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, and technological tools to enhance classroom instruction. The curriculum is structured to provide deep understanding of adolescent development, literacy education, and the integration of reading and writing across disciplines. Students will participate in supervised practicum placements in local middle schools, gaining hands-on experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment under the mentorship of experienced teachers. This experiential learning ensures that graduates enter the teaching profession confident and ready to make a positive impact.

In addition to pedagogical training, the program fosters a strong foundation in research and scholarly inquiry related to language arts education. Students will explore current trends, theories, and best practices in teaching literacy and language arts to middle school students. The program also emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for reading and writing, inspiring students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

Graduates of the Middle Level English and Language Arts program will be eligible for Pennsylvania middle level teaching certification, opening doors to rewarding careers in education. The program aims to develop reflective practitioners who are committed to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in teaching practices. With a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, the program prepares educators to meet the unique challenges of today’s diverse classroom environments, ensuring all students have access to quality language arts education.

Ultimately, the Middle Level English and Language Arts program at Slippery Rock University is dedicated to cultivating passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative teachers who are prepared to shape the future through effective literacy instruction and meaningful engagement with young adolescents.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

• SEFE 230 - Production and Utilization of Instructional Technology Credits: 3
• SEFE 245 - Middle Level Learning Theory Credits: 3
• SEFE 250 - Pre, Early, & Adolescent Development Credits: 3
• SEFE 270 - Educational Measurements, Assessment and Evaluation Credits: 3
• SEFE 300 - Middle Level Cognitive Development Credits: 3
• SEFE 325 - Teaching in the Middle Level Grades Credits: 3
• SEFE 326 - ELL Strategies and Practice Credits: 3
• SEFE 337 - Teaching Middle Level Language Arts Credits: 3
• SEFE 338 - Standards-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusionary Classroom Credits: 3
• SEFE 380 - History and Philosophy of Education Credits: 3
• SEFE 422 - Practicum in the Middle-Level Grades Credits: 1
• SEFE 456 - Student Teaching - Middle Level Grades Credits: 12
• SPED 121 - High Incidence Disabilities Credits: 3
• SPED 315 - Special Education Issues in Diverse Secondary Classrooms Credits: 3

Required 24 semester hours from the following courses. All grades must be “C” or above.

An additional 9 credits from Liberal Studies courses. Check with academic adviser for course selections.

• ENGL 305 - Practicum: Teaching Writing Credits: 3 REQUIRED COURSE
• ENGL 230 - Introduction to Linguistics and Grammar Credits: 3

OR

• ENGL 331 - Historical Development of the English Language Credits: 3
• ENGL 263 - World Literature Credits: 3
• ENGL 317 - British Literature I Credits: 3

OR

• ENGL 318 - British Literature II Credits: 3
• ENGL 319 - American Literature I Credits: 3

OR

• ENGL 320 - American Literature II Credits: 3
• ENGL 328 - Young Adult Literature Credits: 3 REQUIRED COURSE
• ENGL 332 - Modern English Grammar and Syntax Credits: 3
• COMM 362 - Mass Media and Society Credits: 3 REQUIRED COURSE

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable

• SAT or ACT Scores

• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.
Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.