Study Middle Level Education at LBC
Impact the Next Generation of Students
Do you have a passion for helping others learn? Do you want to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of young learners? However you want to use your teaching degree in the future – whether it’s a public school, a private Christian school, or abroad – the education you’ll receive at LBC will prepare you for it.
At Lancaster Bible College, we strive to prepare teachers who are reflective, relational and relevant. We place a special emphasis on training you to think biblically, equipping you to impact your educational community for Christ, and most importantly, teaching you to integrate God’s truth into both your personal life and professional practice. Through our unique combination of education and Bible classes, you’ll learn about the characteristics of middle level learners, how to apply strategies necessary for effective instruction in both self-contained and subject-centered classrooms, and much more.
Starting in your very first semester, you’ll get hands-on training through field experiences in local public and private schools, and your field experiences continue all the way to student teaching. We combine the theory of education with practice, giving you the opportunity to develop into an effective educator and graduate prepared to impact the next generation of students. Our specially formatted program allows you to combine your interest in specific subject matters along with your desire to make a difference in the lives of students in grades four to eight.
If you’re ready to start training to become a teacher, apply to our middle level education major today.
Why Study Middle Level Education at LBC?
- Earn a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate (grades 4-8) in a specific content area, plus earn a Standard Certification (grades K-8) from the Association of Christian Schools International, giving you the opportunity to teach in both public and private schools.
- Focus on one of four content areas: math, English, science or social studies. Students can also combine two areas, like math and science.
- Get hands-on experience in a wide variety of classroom settings, even international, throughout the program under the supervision of experienced teachers.
Programs leading to teacher certification are approved by Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
A Closer Look: Middle Level Education
Featured Alumna: Becca Foxwell (’10)
Becca Foxwell, a first grade teacher and graduate of LBC, was named the 2016 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Meet the Faculty
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Julia Hershey, D.Ed.
Associate Provost/Department Chair of the Education Department
“Parker Palmer says, “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” This challenges me to continue to develop my inner life and relationship with the Lord, so that my teaching can flow from that place.” —Dr. Hershey
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Bob Dodson, Ed.D.
Professor, Certification Officer, Field Placement Coordinator
“I have found that teaching is more about building relationships than imparting knowledge. Both are important, but knowing my students makes me a better teacher.” — Dr. Dodson
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Diane Dick, Ph.D.
Professor
“Stories provide a wonderful basis of relating your life’s journey – both exhilarating and challenging, but it always ends at the foot of the Cross.” — Dr. Dick
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Stacey Martin, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, Associate Chair
“Preparing tomorrow’s teachers to be the leaders God has called them to be – I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do!” — Dr. Martin
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Sample Course Outline
EDU 101 – The Teaching Profession
This course offers an introduction to the teaching profession by examining the characteristics of an effective teacher and the professional training required for an individual to be certified. It also reviews the school environment where instruction takes place, the educational philosophies that direct the design of teaching and learning, and the legislation that has impacted education at all levels including teacher preparation. These foundational concepts are analyzed in light of a biblical worldview for education.
SOC 325 – Human Growth & Development
Students study human development throughout the entire life span, with its implications for effective communication and ministry with individuals of various ages. Designed to develop a sensitivity to people and their various needs, the course provides a study of the development of individual physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual characteristics and their relationship to a basic understanding of a professional ministry.
EDU 204 – Instructional Design
This course introduces students to the principles of instructional design. Students will understand the role outcomes and standards play in instructional design and will design ways to assess learning. Effective lesson planning will be discussed and practiced as students explore various instructional methods and materials. Instructional design will be observed and studied in classroom experiences.
ELM 302 – Introduction to the Middle Grades
This course will offer an introduction to instruction in the middle grades, (4-8). Students will study the role of the teacher, the development of the middle grades learner, and the unique needs of students at this particular age level. Students will also examine curriculum and assessment issues along with effective instructional and classroom management strategies, including how to teach across the curriculum and plan as an instructional team. Students will also study how a diverse student population affects instruction. These concepts and ideas will be analyzed in light of a biblical worldview for education.
EDU 301 – Education Internship I
The internship experiences planned for Lancaster Bible College students are designed to provide preprofessional field experiences in the public and private classroom. These experiences include observations, assistance and teaching experiences for the student. These experiences provide the student with an opportunity to practice the skills early in the preparation program in order to develop a measure of proficiency prior to the student teaching placements.
EDU 425 – Educational Assessment for Classroom Teachers
This course is designed to give the pre-service teacher an overview of formal and informal assessments. It includes rubric development for authentic assessment and the development of the teacher made tests. Specifically, it includes a discussion of both formative and summative assessment, an overview of standardized achievement tests, IQ tests, and the No Child Left Behind mandated state given tests.
EDU 333 – The Exceptional Child
This course will provide a general introduction to the diverse student population present in preK-12 classrooms. These students include those who are at risk, those who are culturally diverse, and those with any academic, emotional, mental, physical, or communicative differences. Discussions will include the assessment process, identification for eligibility, IEP development, and general pedagogical implications for each group.
EDU 302 – Education Internship II
The internship experiences planned for Lancaster Bible College students are designed to provide preprofessional field experiences in the public and private classroom. These experiences include observations, assistance and teaching experiences for the student. These experiences provide the student with an opportunity to practice the skills early in the preparation program in order to develop a measure of proficiency prior to the student teaching placements.
EDU 430 – Classroom Management
The course is designed for pre-service teachers to explore a range of models and strategies that facilitate developing a personal approach to classroom management. Through the examination of theoretical concepts and practical applications to classroom management, students are prepared to manage a classroom environment, know the legal aspects of management, understand the potential and the consequences of maintaining appropriate student behavior, provide adaptations for diverse students, and produce their own personal management plan.
EDU 335 – Inclusionary Practices
This course will begin with providing an in depth look into the differentiated classroom. Each principle of differentiation will be analyzed with students formulating instructional strategies based on these principles. The remaining balance of the content of this course will be spent examining the inclusive classroom and how to provide effective instruction for various classifications of students with special needs.
EDU 460 – Studies in Multicultural Education
Today’s preservice teachers are preparing to teach in a world which is pluralistic and diverse. In order to best prepare preservice teachers for the educational environment of the 21st century, they must have an awareness of the diverse cultures present in the world and the role of education within these cultures. The activities within this course provide these experiences through reading, reflection, and cross-cultural experiences.
Featured Courses
EDU 430 - Classroom Management
The course is designed for pre-service teachers to explore a range of models and strategies that facilitate developing a personal approach to classroom management. Through the examination of theoretical concepts and practical applications to classroom management, students are prepared to manage a classroom environment, know the legal aspects of management, understand the potential and the consequences of maintaining appropriate student behavior, provide adaptations for diverse students, and produce their own personal management plan.
ELM 312 - Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
This course is designed for pre-service teachers to gain the knowledge and skills needed to direct intermediate students to use reading and writing effectively across the curriculum. It will include the theories and rationale for reading and writing instruction at the intermediate grade levels, methods to determine the students’ ability to learn from a variety of printed genre, and specific instructional strategies to be used by teachers to connect students with text. In addition, foundations for critical, creative, and evaluative reading related to a Christian worldview will also be explored and incorporated in the development of reading and writing lessons.
Careers and Jobs in Middle Level Education
- Elementary School Teacher
- International School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Mission School Teacher
- School Administrator