Education Studies B.A. with Middle Grades Science Certification, 5-9
This degree emphasizes the integration of content knowledge, educational theory, and pedagogical practice within appropriate teaching contexts leading to middle-grades certification. Candidates who meet the requirements for the major will complete the program below in nine (9) terms including completion of the pre-professional term (eighth term) and Student Teaching (ninth term). No other courses may be taken during the Student Teaching term. Candidates must also meet all criteria for admission into and completion of this Teacher Education Program, including the required admission Written Assessment and the Exit Portfolio.
Degree Requirements
A major in Education Studies with Middle Grades Science Certification (5-9) is achieved by completion of the following requirements (including portfolios), in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| EDS 150 | Int-Ed:Think About Lrng,Tchg | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 228 | Adolescent Dev & School Struct | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 324/EDS 325 | Methds I Teach. Middle Grades | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 338 | Methds II STEM Disciplines | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 340 | Stdts with Spec Needs P-5 & Mi | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 346 | Literacy in the Content Area | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 349 | Education and Culture | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 479 | MethdsIII Learning & Assessmnt | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 355 or EDS 395E | Experiences in Alternative Settings | 1 Course Credit |
Required Professional Year Courses
| EDS 471 | Midl Grades Student Tchg Sem | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 472 | Midl Grades Student Teaching | 3 Course Credits |
| EDS 484 | Capstone Teaching Practicum | 1/2 Course Credit |
Note: The Professional year courses EDS 471, EDS 472 and EDS 484 are structured to take place in the Fall term (generally a student's 9th term).
Required Collateral Courses for Academic Specialization
| BIO 110 | Modern Biology | 1 Course Credit |
| BIO 113 | Experimental Zoology | 1 Course Credit |
| BIO 114 | Botany | 1 Course Credit |
| CHM 131 | Accelerated General Chemistry | 1 Course Credit |
| | or | |
| CHM 134 | Accelerated Environmental Chem | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 115 | College Algebra with Modeling | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 201 | Found/Tchg Elementary Math I | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 202 | Found/Tchg of Elem Math II | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 111 | Introduction to Astronomy | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 217/PHY 127 | General Physics I with Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| SENS 100 | Intro-Sustainability & Environ | 1 Course Credit |
See Other Considerations below
Exploring the Major— Students will begin the Education Studies program with EDS 150 (see course sequencing below). Those students past their first year (including transfers) will be given priority for registration in EDS 150. Prior to the first day of the EDS 150 class, students must have completed a state criminal records clearance which takes 6-8 weeks to be processed. Students will learn about this procedure during pre-registration. While taking EDS 150, students will be assigned a mentor who will begin work with them in their sophomore year.
Admission to the Major— Grades of C or higher in EDS 150 and B- or higher in one other EDS course (preferably EDS 228); a minimum overall GPA of 2.5; and demonstration of appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings. Education Studies majors, together with their advisors, will also construct a well-developed Curriculum Plan. Also see “Requirements for All Students Seeking Certification” for information about the TEP, Student Teaching, and Recommendation for Certification.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within nine terms)— Students planning to major in Education Studies with Middle Grades Certification (5-9) are strongly encouraged to take EDS 150 in the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of the sophomore year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) Students will take courses in this approximate sequence, leading up to the pre-professional 8th term and Student Teaching in the 9th term: EDS 228, MAT 201, MAT 202, and EDS courses and specialization courses in consultation with the Education Advisor. EDS 484 is to be taken in the pre-professional term, which is the Spring Term of the senior year. Student teaching will take place in the ninth term (Fall). Throughout their preparation, students should seek to make connections between each of their General Education courses and their professional preparation as teachers.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— Students must meet all criteria for admission and retention at each stage of the Teacher Education Program. (See Requirements for all Students Seeking Certification.) In addition to completing specified course requirements and required written assessments, portfolios, and performance assessment, each student must satisfy program standards for written and oral communication, demonstrated through the portfolio and course work; and demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.
Other Considerations and Recommendations— Transfer students should contact Education Studies as early as possible because special rules may apply. Throughout their preparation, majors are expected to seek out rich and substantive experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with EDS courses. Such activities include Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS)-related service work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, summer camp experiences, etc. Berea College does not currently offer geology courses. Therefore, students must complete this requirement through Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) or another approved college or university. An agreement with EKU currently allows Berea College students to take this course without tuition charges. Consult your advisor when planning how to complete this requirement.