MAE Middle Grades Education
for Teacher Leaders

Purpose

The Teacher Leader programs are designed to empower teachers to address authentic needs in classroom management, differentiated instruction, and most importantly improve student learning. Teacher leaders are essential in leading schools to overcome student barriers to learning, particularly those that emerge from high-need environments. Placing highly trained teachers who are prepared for systemic change and leadership in schools will help close achievement gaps, facilitate learning for all students, and develop equitable practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.

• To directly impact student learning
• To include a Professional Education Core rooted in Pedagogy, Leadership, and Content applicable to all programs of study in teaching
• To allow individualized programs based on the candidates' professional learning goals

Program Requirements

The Middle Grades Education program requires 30-37 hours, and is divided into two instructional components:

1. Professional Education (9-16 hours) provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in a wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas, and is available completely online.
2. Specialization (14-21 hours) directs the student into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth consistent with the goals of each candidate. TCHL 520 and an advisor approved content specific course are required. The remaining hours will be selected from appropriate elective courses from the discipline in which the student is certified; academic disciplines related to P-12 common core standards; CEBS content courses in exceptional education, interdisciplinary early childhood education, library media education, literacy, or psychology; approved endorsements (e.g., English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented Education, Environmental Education, Instructional Computer Technology); and courses identified as prerequisites for Instructional Leader programs. View a complete list of online specialization and endorsement areas by clicking here.

Admission Requirements (criteria vary, depending on the student’s undergraduate institution and GPA)

WKU Graduates

Applicants who are alumni of WKU teacher preparation programs must submit a current, valid teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility for Middle Grades (Grades 5-9).

Graduates of Higher Education Institutes other than WKU, including Out-of-State Graduates

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from accredited universities must have a 2.75 GPA for all previous undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 GPA for previous graduate coursework or qualifying GAP/GRE scores and must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Middle Grades (Grades 5-9). A copy of the certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application.

Applicants whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll for only six hours before they must apply to the EPSB for reissued certificates. After completion of six hours, a student admitted with an expired certificate must submit a copy of the reissued certificate before being allowed to register for any additional courses.

Please Note: Non-degree Planned Fifth-Year/Rank II Middle Grades Education for Teacher Leader candidates follow the same program requirements as the MAE candidates. However, the admission requirements are notably different. Planned Fifth-Year/Rank II candidates must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Middle Grades Education (Grades 5-9). No GRE or minimum GPA is required. The Planned Fifth-Year/Rank II program does not lead to a degree.

Non-Degree Planned Fifth Year/Rank II for Teacher Leaders

• Available in elementary, middle, and secondary education programs
• Designed for students who do not meet the admission requirements of a degree program
• Results in Rank II salary classification in Kentucky, renews the teaching certificate, and permits entry into a Planned Sixth-Year/Rank I program
• Total Program Hours: 32

Contact Information

Program Contact: Dr. Rebecca Stobaugh
Email: rebecca.stobaugh@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-4497
Web: http://www.wku.edu/ste/mged/mae_mge_advising_sheet.pdf