Middle School Education, B.A./B.S.

The Middle School Licensure program (B.A./B.S.) is designed to prepare future educators with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to teach effectively in grades 6-8. Rooted in Belmont University’s mission of academic excellence and service, this program equips candidates to create engaging, developmentally appropriate, and standards-aligned instruction for diverse middle school learners.

Candidates will complete a strong foundation in general education, a sequence of professional education courses, and specialized methods courses in the core content areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning, effective use of technology, differentiated instruction, and assessment practices that foster critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration among middle school students.

The program incorporates progressive clinical experiences, beginning with early field observations and culminating in a full semester of student teaching. Through these experiences, candidates apply theory to practice in real classroom settings, gaining the skills necessary to manage instruction, support varied learning needs, and build positive classroom communities.

Graduates of the Middle School Licensure program will be prepared to:

• • Demonstrate mastery of content knowledge and pedagogy in alignment with both state and national standards.
• • Design, implement, and assess instructional practices that engage middle grades learners in meaningful learning across content areas.
• • Use developmentally appropriate strategies to foster student motivation, literacy across the curriculum, and college- and career-readiness skills.
• • Reflect on their teaching practice and demonstrate commitment to continuous professional growth.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and will be recommended for a Tennessee Middle Grades (6-8) teaching license with endorsements in the approved subject areas.