Elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is covered as Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence. The Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence emphasis, offered under the Teacher Education Program section in the School of Education, prepares teachers to work with children grades 1-6. The preparation provided by the program focuses on an understanding of children and the learning processes as well as on effective methods of presentation. This is not a comprehensive major, requiring students to choose a minor as well. Minors approved for pairing with the Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence major are: Language Arts, French, General Science, Library Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Spanish, Special Education-Learning Disabilities, Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages, and Theater Arts.

What will I learn from studying Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education?

Knowledge:

A Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education major’s knowledge spans a vast array of disciplines due to their need to teach so many different subjects. Their coursework pulls from such areas as English, kinesiology, natural and social sciences (e.g.s – biology, geography, and political science), fine arts, and diversity credits.

Skills:

• Leadership skills
• Instructional Skill
• Ability to explain concepts clearly using simple language
• Control and discipline
• Safety skills
• Quick thinking

What are some of the interests and values related to Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education?

• Energy
• Patience
• Teaching/ education
• Sensitivity to individual and ethnic differences
• Working with children/adolescents
  

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Future Teachers’ Club K-9
• Best Buddies
• Student WEA
• Resident Assistant

Professional:

• Association for Childhood Education International
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

What career fields are related to a Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education Degree?

Potential Employers:

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education can be employed in any number of public or private elementary schools. There are also opportunities available overseas to work in different language camps or with the Department of Defense in schools for children of armed services personnel serving abroad.

Potential Job Titles:

• Teacher (grades 1-6)
• Reading Specialist
• Resource Teacher
• LD Teacher
• School Library Assistant

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education graduates?

• Teacher, Madison School District, Madison, WI
• Gr. 3 Teacher, Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, Chippewa Falls, WI
• English Teacher in France for 7-11 yr. olds, French Government, France
• Title I Math/Sage, River Falls School District, River Falls, WI
• Substitute Teacher, Eau Claire School District, Eau Claire, WI

How can I learn more about Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction
• Brewer 271, 836-2013

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

• Career Opportunities in Education, Susan Echaore-McDavid
• What Can You Do With a Major in Education? Jennifer A. Horowitz & Bruce Walker
• Opportunities in Education Careers, Marjorie Eberts & Mary McGowan
• Careers in Education, Roy A Edelfelt
• Careers for Kids at Heart & Others Who Adore Children, Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler

• Teachers.Net
• US Department of Education
• Profiles for Educators
• The Teaching Center
• Sylvan Learning Centers
  

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education?

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students can work at the campus school (jobs posted through the Financial Aid website) or volunteer with any number of student-related activities in Eau Claire such as 3-to-5 Club, Best Buddies, Big Brother Big Sister, etc. See the Campus Call Bulletin for a listing of volunteer opportunities and contact information.

Observing/Student Teaching

Every Education major is required to undergo a semester of observing in a classroom setting as well as a semester of student teaching. Enrollment in CI 203 (Exploring Schooling in Grades 1-9) and CI 441 (Student Teaching in Elementary Education) have very specific prerequisites, so consult your course catalogue and discuss your schedule with an advisor before attempting to register for these classes.