College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehhs/tlcs

About This Program

The Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Social Studies and Language Arts/Reading Initial Licensure Preparation program prepares you to become an effective teacher and leader in the classroom, providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach a diverse range of students. With a focus on interdisciplinary teaching and learning, you'll be equipped to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers and engaged citizens. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Danielle Gruhler | dgruhler@kent.edu | 330-672-6517
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcript(s)
• Minimum 2.750 overall GPA
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• An interview will be conducted prior to full acceptance into the program.

Applicants already licensed as a teacher in Ohio, at any level, cannot apply to this program.

Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, academic or professional references, nonacademic dimensions, and other specific program criteria. 

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: June 15

• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1

• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: February 15

Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

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Teacher candidates are only permitted to repeat a field experience course once. Please see Repeating Field Experience Courses in Teacher Education Programs policy for details.

Graduation Requirements

• Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum C grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Middle Childhood Education non-degree program.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). A qualifying score on the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) for the Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) and content tests is required for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Students who do not apply for license within 12 months of program completion may be subject to additional course requirement, based on Ohio licensure standards in force at the time of application.

Residence Requirement Policy for Non-Degree Teacher Education Licensure/Endorsement Preparation Programs

• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs  that are a total of 15 credits or above: Students must complete 60% of the coursework at Kent State University, including the course that addresses the CAEP A.1.1 Standard as designated by the program area.
• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs that are less than 15 total credits: Students must complete 100% of the coursework at Kent State University.
• Students are permitted 6 years to complete licensure  programs and  4 years to complete endorsement programs at Kent State University.
• Coursework transferred from another university cannot be more than 6 years old at the time the licensure/endorsement program is completed.
• Students who do not meet the residence requirements will not be recommended for licensure by Kent State University.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this non-degree program will be able to:

1. Describe the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession.
2. Describe the Ohio Standards for Professional Development.
3. Describe the Ohio School Operating Standards.
4. Describe the Ohio Value Added Progress Dimension(s).
5. Demonstrate knowledge and skills consistent with the AMLE standards.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and skills identified in CAEP Initial Standards.

Full Description

The Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Social Studies and Language Arts/Reading Initial Licensure Preparation non-degree program prepares students to obtain the Ohio Middle Childhood 4-9 teacher license in social studies and language arts/reading. Completion of the prescribed coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

The program includes intensive pedagogy courses that prepare students to understand the unique social, physical, cognitive and emotional needs of the young adolescent; these courses are taken as a cohort. Student teaching occurs during the final semester of the program.

This program does not culminate in a master's degree. Students interested in a master's degree at Kent State must be fully admitted into and complete requirements for the master's program, in addition to courses that are prescribed for licensure.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.