Preparing Teachers for the Middle Grades: A Position Paper

Middle Grades Principal Credentialing: A Vanishing Requirement

“…Throughout the development of middle-level schools, advocates have highlighted the importance of educators being prepared to understand the unique psychological, social, emotional, and physical needs of this age group and the need for them to possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively educate young adolescents (Andrews, 2013;Gruhn & Douglass, 1947;McEwin, Smith, & Dickinson, 2003;Mertens, Caskey, & Flowers, 2016;National Middle School Association, 1992. To promote adequate preparation and ongoing development of middle grades educators, advocates endorsed specific credentialing for that would provide them with an understanding of young adolescents and the unique instructional programming and school structures that could best meet their unique needs (Gatewood, 1981;McEwin, 1983;National Middle School Association, 1986). Although less prevalent and more recent than teacher credentialing, middle grades advocates and researchers have also promoted and documented specific credentialing for middle grades school administrators (Gaskill, 2002;McEwin & Allen, 1985;Valentine, Clark, Hackman, & Petzko, 2002;Valentine, Clark, Irvine, Keefe, & Melton, 1993;Valentine, Clark, Nickerson, & Keefe, 1981;Valentine & Mogar, 1992).…”