How would you like to help kids uncover some of life’s great mysteries? With every experiment, nature walk and lab demonstration, you make science real and fun. Best of all, you get to show students how they can use science to change the world for the better.

Why choose Middle Grades Education - Science at Saint Leo?

Learn innovative methods to teach the biological, earth and physical sciences to middle school students. Create lesson plans that foster curiosity and inquiry—and try them out in the classroom as a student teacher.

Accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by the end of your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of your own as a certified science teacher.

In 2011, Saint Leo’s Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo graduate as a first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for rehiring.

Some amazing classes you can take

• Science Methods in Middle School
• Botany and Lab
• Cell Biology and Lab
• Practicum in Teaching Middle School
• Classroom Management
• ESOL Foundations

View the suggested course schedule for the Science specialization.

Professional development opportunities

• Florida Teacher Certification: Middle Grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9. All graduates are also eligible to receive certification in the secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. Graduates from Saint Leo's state-approved program are also eligible for the Florida DOE Reading Endorsement.
• Student teaching: Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a middle school for one semester your senior year. A Saint Leo supervisor observes and coaches you throughout each placement.
• Professional seminar: Prepare yourself for the job market: Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
• 21st century classroom: Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the Mimio Teach and MimioVote™ assessment system and interactive SMART Boards.
• Conferences: Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Science Teachers Association.
• Co-curricular activities: Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.

What can you do with a degree in Middle Grades Education - Science?

Graduates are qualified to obtain teaching certification for grades 5-9. Possible job routes include:

• Biology Teacher
• Science Tutor
• Reading Teacher

Where are Saint Leo Middle Grades Education grads now?

Our students find success as certified teachers in school districts around Florida and outside of the state, thanks to interstate agreements between the Florida Department of Education and many states.

Saint Leo graduates often assume leadership positions in their schools—as team leaders and department chairs—within three to four years of employment. Many Saint Leo graduates have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for their schools and even their entire school districts.

Student resources

View current Education student resources, including information on internships, lesson plans and more.

Ready to apply?

Start your career now. Visit our Admission page.

You may declare the Middle Grades Education major when you begin coursework at Saint Leo University. However, to be formally admitted to the program, you must complete an application once you fulfill general education requirements.