The mission of the Middle School Teacher certification program is to prepare candidates to become a middle school teacher who motivates and inspires their students. Junior high teacher degree candidates design and implement middle school specialized content instruction derived from careful analysis of student performance data. Candidates also become adept at reflecting on student learning outcomes, which helps guide their future practice and plan professional development that addresses targeted areas for their own individual growth. Through the Bachelor’s Degree in Education program, candidates learn to manage the student learning experience from beginning to end, with thoughtful consideration given to classroom procedures, student assessment, and active learning strategies that facilitate a constructivist approach.
The purpose of educator preparation programs at University of the Cumberlands is to prepare candidates in the use of research-based pedagogical practice, enabling them to address the diverse needs of P-12 students throughout Kentucky and beyond. Middle school teacher degree majors learn to apply content knowledge in a manner consistent with state and national expectations. Through the education degree program, candidates learn to exemplify the dispositions of communication, critical/creative thinking, and professionalism.
To accomplish this purpose, the School of Education implements rigorous coursework aligned to state/national standards. The School also prescribes field/clinical experiences aligned to coursework, creating meaningful connections between educational theory and practice. Finally, candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge, skills, and dispositions at various formative and summative checkpoints throughout the program.