Why Earn Your Middle Grades Education - Social Science Degree at Saint Leo University?
As a social studies teacher, you’ll help youth navigate a vast world of people and cultures—to arrive at a better understanding of their place in society. You’ll show them the value of having a voice in government, knowing their roots, and working for the welfare of others.
Learn innovative methods to teach history, geography, government and economics, with an emphasis on a multicultural and pro-social education. Create lesson plans that foster curiosity and respect for diversity—and try them out in the classroom as a student teacher.
The Middle Grades Education Program is a state-approved teacher education program and therefore meets the Florida State standards and coursework requirements for graduates to obtain teaching certification. English specialization majors will receive the ESOL and Reading Endorsement. Middle grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9 of the Florida Teacher Certificate Exam. All graduates are also eligible to receive teaching certification in the secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.
Learning Experience:
Campus
Education Center
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Middle Grades Education - Social Science Program Details
Accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by the end of your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of your own as a certified social science teacher.
In 2011, Saint Leo’s Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo graduate as a first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for rehiring.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
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What are the benefits of earning your degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering middle grades education - social science degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Florida Teacher Certification
Middle Grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9. All graduates are also eligible to receive certification in the secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. Graduates from Saint Leo's state-approved program are also eligible for the Florida DOE Reading Endorsement.
Student teaching
Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a middle school one semester your senior year. A Saint Leo supervisor observes and coaches you throughout each placement.
Professional seminar
Prepare yourself for the job market: Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
21st century classroom
Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the Mimio Teach and MimioVote™ assessment system and interactive SMART Boards.
Conferences
Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Council of the Social Studies.
Co-curricular activities
Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.
What are the top middle grades education degree jobs?
- History Teacher
- Social Studies Teacher
- Geography Teacher
- Civics Teacher
- Economics Teacher
- Reading Teacher
- Textbook Editor
Where are Saint Leo middle grades education graduates now?
Our students find success as certified teachers in school districts around Florida and outside of the state, thanks to interstate agreements between the Florida Department of Education and many states. Saint Leo graduates often assume leadership positions in their schools—as team leaders and department chairs—within three to four years of employment. Many Saint Leo graduates have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for their schools and even their entire school districts.
Student Stories
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
“As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
Education Center, Education
“I had never experienced something as holistic and rewarding as research. Saint Leo University inspired me to take a huge step outside my comfort zone, and I have never looked back.”
Karl Nyman ’22
University Campus, Biology
“Saint Leo inspired me to enjoy learning again, and they had a patient ‘let’s figure this out’ approach.”
Lauren Thomas ’22
Education Center, Management
“Saint Leo believes in me. My professors have impacted my perception of what I can accomplish.”
Tayhana Taylor ’24
University Campus, Accounting
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.