Overview:  Faculty in the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and K-12 Education invite professionals with an interest in the adolescent learner to work collaboratively with them in addressing the rewards and challenges found in teaching contemporary adolescents. Those who join this program will graduate as reflective thinkers who have strong academic backgrounds, solid research agendas, and informed commitments to young adults. Members of the Middle and Secondary Grades Graduate Faculty at UNC Charlotte are dedicated to the preparation of quality professionals who are excellent lifelong learners and leaders. Successful completion of this program leads to M level certification.
 
The Program:  This 39-hour program is designed to provide programs of advanced study which are built upon a body of knowledge and expertise common to educational professionals. The program is composed of five strands that concentrate on developing knowledgeable, effective, reflective and responsive practitioners who will become leaders in the profession. The program includes study in areas such as educational research methodology, curriculum theory, analysis of teaching, advanced methodology, and curriculum material development including the application of technology in teaching. In addition, the program includes advanced coursework in the candidate's respective discipline (i.e., Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science). Courses are also appropriate for teacher licensure renewal or individual professional growth.  The program is advanced licensure and requires that teachers are currently employed in at least the last 9 hours of the program. 

Program Goals:  Successful graduates will possess a comprehensive pedagogical, conceptual, and reflective knowledge base that can be applied to their classrooms through a well-honed and effective skills set. This developed and applied knowledge will be, in turn, shared with other professionals through a variety of leadership opportunities. Structure for the entire program is provided by both the College's Conceptual Framework and the following goals:

1.	Self-direct their personal and professional growth;
2.	Respond effectively to children's differences which are influenced by development, exceptionalities, and diversity;
3.	Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the content and pedagogy of the curriculum;
4.	Improve educational practice through self-reflection, self-evaluation, and applied research; and
5.	Serve as collaborative educational leaders.

Departmental Admission Requirements:
 

	•	A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
	•	A 3.0 GPA range in undergraduate work
	•	A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
	•	A North Carolina Class A teaching license in an appropriate Middle Grades field
	•	A minimum of two years' teaching experience
	•	Strong letters of recommendation

Financial Support:  The Department has a limited number of graduate assistantships. Typical stipends range from $7,000-$10,000 for the academic year. Applications are available from , Office Manager, Department of Middle Grades, Secondary and K-12 Education (704-687-8877).

Faculty:

For more information contact:
 
Dr. Warren J. DiBiase
Middle Grades Graduate Coordinator
Department of Middle Grades, Secondary and K-12 Education
UNC Charlotte 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-8881 (voice) / (704) 687-6430 (fax)
Email:  wjdibias@uncc.edu
Web address: http://education.uncc.edu/wjdibias/

For advising, please visit our new MDSK Advising Center:
http://education.uncc.edu/mdsk/MDSK-Advising_Center.htm

The University Catalog, application forms and materials can be obtained from: Graduate Admissions UNC Charlotte Admissions Building,  9201 University City Blvd Charlotte, NC 28223-0001 (704) 687-3366 (704) 687-3279 (Fax)

Graduate Admissions Office Web Address:
http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss

Note: the University Catalog and current Schedule of Courses are available online at: http://www.uncc.edu/registrar