School districts across the country need qualified math teachers who can make this fundamental and challenging subject accessible to all students. Saint Leo University prepares you to meet that demand.

Why choose Middle Grades Education - Mathematics at Saint Leo?

Build a foundation in geometry, algebra, calculus and statistics, and learn innovative methods and emerging technologies to teach these subjects to middle school students—including ESOL, special education, multicultural and at-risk populations.

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 Florida State-certified math teacher.

Wherever you are in life’s journey, Saint Leo will meet you there—and help you take the next steps in your career. Education Center courses are designed with flexibility for the working professional, and with the same academic rigor as our University Campus classes.

Some amazing classes you can take

• Mathematics Methods in the Middle School
• Educational Assessment
• ESOL Foundations
• Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
• Practicum in Teaching Middle School
• Classroom Management

Professional development opportunities

• Florida Teacher Certification: Middle Grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9, and also take an ESOL overview class that meets state requirements. 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 full-time in a middle school one semester your senior year.
• 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.
• National reputation: In 2011, Saint Leo's Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, presented by the Association of Teacher Educators. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo grad and first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for hiring.

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

Graduates are qualified to obtain teaching certification for grades 5-12. Possible job routes include:

• Math Teacher
• Math Tutor
• ESOL Specialist
• Textbook Editor
• Principal
• Curriculum Developer
• Researcher

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 other 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.

Admissions Information

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 a major application once you fulfill general education requirements.