Middle Grades Academy

CREATE CONFIDENT, CARING
middle school
TEACHER LEADERS
who are COMMITTED
to the PERSONAL
and ACADEMIC SUCCESS
of EARLY ADOLESCENTS
in a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY.

What is the Middle Grades Academy?

The Middle Grades Academy is a four-year middle grades teacher preparation program that combines exciting experiences, high quality university class work, research, and service for its members. Led by a group of dedicated, expert faculty, the Middle Grades Academy offers a close-knit community where students work and learn collaboratively with their professors, teachers in the field, and student mentors.

Students enrolled in the Middle Grades Academy will have academic extracurricular experiences that follow these themes:

FRESHMAN YEAR: What do I bring to the teaching profession?
SOPHOMORE YEAR: Who are early adolescents?
JUNIOR YEAR: How do I teach early adolescents?
SENIOR YEAR: How do I become a teacher leader?

What will I get to do in the Academy?

Middle Grades Academy students will have a number of unique experiences designed to enhance their individual and professional development as soon-to-be middle school teachers. These experiences include but are not limited to:

Yearly school-based experiences with middle school teachers and students
Developmental excursions across North Carolina -- from Murphy to Manteo
The Raleigh Trolley and area historical locations
Attendance at state and national professional conferences
Service-learning opportunities
Technology-enhanced connections with middle school teachers and students
Leadership in campus student organizations

What will I become?

Graduates of the Middle Grades Academy will be prepared to be the teacher leaders of tomorrow, teachers who are both change agents and team players, teachers who can both see and create the future, teachers who are both problem-finders and problem-solvers. Most importantly, Middle Grades Academy graduates are the guides and facilitators of their students' learning and development. They care about their students, and they find ways to ensure their success.

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Residing in the College of Education as part of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University, the Middle Grades Academy has an active partnership with the Centennial Campus Middle School (located on the NC State Centennial Campus) and other North Carolina middle schools. NC State students who enroll in the Academy can earn a North Carolina license to teach language arts/social studies, mathematics, and/or science in grades 6-9.

Math/Science
Faculty Contact:
Dr. Glenda Carter
email: glenda_carter@ncsu.edu

Language Arts/Social Studies
Faculty Contact:
Dr. Candy Beal
email: candy_beal@ncsu.edu

NC State University | College of Education
The Friday Institute