School of Teaching and Learning

Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement 

• Information:
  • The Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement is available to undergraduates majoring in Middle Childhood education and to practicing teachers holding an Ohio Middle Childhood Education license. This endorsement allows teachers to add one or two academic areas to their licenses, enabling them to teach the added subjects in grades 4-6.
    • Endorsement classes may be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • The Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement requires a minimum of six credit hours per subject area. Typically, classes are offered both online and in face-to-face settings. Undergraduate courses are offered on a variable schedule throughout the academic year. Graduate classes are offered primarily in the summer, though a few are offered online in the spring. 
    • Candidates take courses in one or two subject areas in which they are not currently licensed. For example, a math/science major might take language arts and/or social studies courses. 
• After completion of the required course work, candidates for the Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement must pass the Praxis II Elementary Content Knowledge Test (0014). Candidates must also maintain a 2.8 GPA in their endorsement classes.

  • • Graduate Courses:  Language Arts: EDTL 5503: Upper Elementary Language Arts EDTL 6400: Advanced Literacy and Language Arts Mathematics: EDTL 5501: Upper Elementary Math EDTL 6410: Advanced Methods in Elementary School Math Science: EDTL 5502: Upper Elementary Science EDTL 6420: Advanced Methods in Elementary School Science Social Studies: EDTL 5500: Teaching Ohio and the Americas EDTL 6430: Advanced Methods in Social Studies - Intermediate Grades

      Undergraduate Courses: Language Arts: EDTL 2710: Intro to the Teaching of Language Arts EDTL 4840: Foundations for Teaching Writing Math:  MATH 2160: Geometry for Middle School Teachers MATH 4140: Algebraic Thinking and Misconception Science: GEOL 1010: Earth Systems Science PHYS 1010: Basic Physics  Social Studies: EDTL 4500: Ohio & the Americas GEOG 1210: World Geography: Eurasia & Africa EDTL 3510: Social Studies Methods for the Intermediate Grades

To Register:

• If you are an Undergraduate GUEST student or an Undergraduate student attending BGSU, complete the following steps to apply:    STEP 1    STEP 2 
  • ***Guest students please complete all forms.  Current BGSU students only need to complete the registration form

• Graduate Students please complete the following steps to apply:     STEP 1     STEP 

• To Obtain the Endorsement: 
  • Students wishing to take endorsement courses should complete the Application to Pursue the Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement.
  • Once course requirements are complete, candidates will need to submit the following to the EDHD Office of Accreditation and Licensure:
    • An Ohio Department of Education Licensure Application
    • Associated fees
    • An official transcript of final grades
    • An official Praxis II score report confirming passage of the 0014 exam

  •  

• Contact:
  Dr. Nancy Fordham
  529 Education Building
  School of Teaching and Learning
  Bowling Green, OH 43403
  nfordha@bgsu.edu
  (419) 372-9819

• Frequently asked Questions:
  • What are the state’s requirements for the Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement?
    • Candidates at the undergraduate level must be pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education.
    • Candidates at the Graduate level must have an Ohio teaching license in Middle Childhood Education.  No other licenses qualify.
    • A minimum of 6 hours of course work must be taken in the added subject area(s). Courses must address standards/content taught in grades 4 – 6, as well as developmentally appropriate pedagogy.
    • Passage of the Praxis II Elementary Content Knowledge Exam.
  • Does BGSU have any additional requirements?
    • Yes, we require a 2.8 cumulative GPA to enroll in endorsement classes, as well as a 2.8 GPA in completed endorsement course work.
    • You must take endorsement classes in addition to any general education classes in the subject(s) you wish to add to your license.
    • Note that our undergraduate social studies endorsement stipulates three social studies classes (nine credit hours).  The graduate endorsement requires only two classes (six hours.)
  • Do I have to be endorsed in two subject areas?  (No.)  Can I add just one subject area? (Yes.)
  • What Praxis exam is required for the Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement?
    • The Praxis II Elementary Education Content Knowledge Exam, # 0014 (paper-delivered) or # 5014 (computer-delivered)
      • Note that this exam covers the four core subject areas (math, science, social studies, and language arts) taught at the elementary school level.
      • Register on the ETS website: http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/
  • Do I have to be a graduate of BGSU to take endorsement classes at the graduate level? (No.)
  • When are endorsement classes offered at BGSU?
    • Endorsement classes are offered both in the spring and summer semesters, according to the general format below. (No endorsement courses are offered in the fall.)
      • Spring semester:  The first of the two courses required for each subject area is offered online.
      • Summer:  All endorsement classes are offered online, with some also offered face-to-face.  These courses are intense, since they are shortened to permit candidates to complete endorsement course work in a single summer.
  • Can I count my general education course work toward endorsement requirements?
    • • No. Our goal is to prepare you as well as possible for teaching these additional subjects to your students.  General education courses do not address content targeted specifically at the intermediate grades, nor do they address pedagogy. Therefore, they do not meet state endorsement requirements.
  • As a BGSU senior, am I able to take graduate-level endorsement classes?
    • Yes, under these conditions:
      • You must have accumulated a minimum of 90 credit hours, have satisfactorily completed your methods bock course work, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
      • You must apply to the Graduate College for admission as an “advanced undergraduate.”
        • Only courses at the 5000 or 6000 levels will be considered.
    • You must have the course instructor’s permission to enroll in his/her class, as well as the permission of the Director of the School of Teaching and Learning.
  • As a graduate student, can I take endorsement classes at the undergraduate level?
    • Yes. You would apply for “Undergraduate Guest Status” and pay undergrad fees.
    • Realize, however, that these classes may not count toward a Masters degree later, should you choose to pursue one.
    • Also, not all undergraduate courses are offered on a predictable schedule each semester.
  • What is the cost of tuition for endorsement classes?  
    • Tuition changes yearly.  See the link to the Bursar’s Office for current tuition information.
    • Please note that financial aid is typically not available for endorsement course work.  A person must be enrolled in a degree-granting program to receive financial aid.
  • When are class schedules posted for spring and summer?
    • At about the mid-point of the previous semester:  
      • Spring’s course scheduled is posted in October.
      • Summer’s course schedule is posted in February.
    • Please ensure that you are searching for “Distance Learning” courses to see the online courses being offered.
  • How do I register for my courses?
    • You must be registered by the department for the Endorsement courses.  Once you have submitted the proper paperwork and have met the criteria for registration, we will be able to register you for your courses.
  • Once I’ve met all requirements, how do I go about processing my application for licensure?
    • Contact Janet Hammersmith in BGSU’s Office of Student & Academic Services, 102 Education: jhammer@bgsu.edu, or  419-372-7289. She will confirm that you’ve met all requirements and will send the necessary forms to the state.
    • Forms needed:
      • A completed licensure application
      • Associated fees
      • An official transcript of final grades
      • An official Praxis II Score Report confirming passage of the Elementary Content Knowledge Exam.

For further information about BGSU’s Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement, contact:

• Dr. Nancy Fordham, Program Coordinator, nfordha@bgsu.edu or 419-372-9819

                                                                                        Or

• Wendy Vaughn, Department Secretary, at wwalsto@bgsu.edu or 419-372-7320.