The Middle Grades Education with Licensure (M.Ed.) program is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial Professional Educator License with an endorsement in middle grades education (grades 5-8).

Middle Grades subject areas include general science, language arts, mathematics, and social science. The program is for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are seeking a teaching license.

At the University of St. Francis, you will:

  • Interact with experienced faculty who model teaching strategies inspired by the latest research.
  • Grow through the direct application of concepts you are learning while collaborating with teaching professionals in schools in the surrounding area.
  • Benefit from the College of Education’s excellent reputation with area schools and be highly employable after graduation.

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).

The College of Education has several years of experience preparing teacher candidates to successfully complete the edTPA, a national assessment designed to lead aspiring teachers to a high level of professional performance. The assessment requires teacher candidates to demonstrate substantial academic and cultural knowledge of their students, as well as use data to improve instruction. USF teacher candidates can count on extensive support and guidance to ensure positive results on the edTPA. 

The Middle Grades Education degree at the University of St. Francis will prepare you to guide and inspire students in fifth through eighth grade. You will do much more in the classroom than take attendance, make lesson plans and grade papers. As an excellent educator with a true teacher’s heart, you will continue to refine your communication skills, develop creativity, introduce exciting new ideas, inspire minds, mentor others, instill a sense of value and purpose in your students, initiate positive change, and shape the future of our communities and our world.

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Coursework Evaluation

Due to the time required to evaluate individual transcripts, evaluation worksheets are required to begin the credential review process with USF’s Licensure Officer. Evaluation worksheets are not intended as a substitute for information provided on ISBE’s website, but rather to assist with the organization of requirements.

Evaluation Worksheets