The Complexities of Middle Level Teacher Credentialing: Status Report and Future Directions

Abstract

Specialized preparation and credentialing for teachers of young adolescents continue to be the focus of advocacy efforts within the field of middle level education. To better understand the status of middle level teacher credentialing throughout the United States, this descriptive, pragmatic, qualitative study explored how specialized middle level teacher credentials are addressed in the United States and what options are available. Researchers reviewed publicly available documents from each state and the District of Columbia. The findings revealed wide variations in the (a) credentialing authority, (b) credential name, (c) credential grade bands, (d) extent of overlapping credentials, (e) testing requirements, and (f) field experience requirements. Findings draw attention to the complexity of educator credentialing in the United States and document the extreme variations of middle level teacher credentialing across the country. Implications for policymakers and institutions of higher education are discussed.