The study of education necessitates an understanding of the reasons for the deep inequities that characterize education in the USA and other countries of the world.

Through the investigation of educational theory, policy, research and practice from a variety of disciplinary perspectives students learn to think critically and creatively about the processes of teaching and learning and about the place of education in society. Education Studies offers a double major for those students who seek teacher licensure in either elementary (EDEL) or secondary (EDSL) education, and a minor in general education (EDGW) for those who are interested in the field of education, but who do not seek teacher licensure. Students may not choose to major in Education Studies as a stand-alone major. The double major option is available only to those students seeking teacher licensure.

Requirements for the Double Major in Teacher Licensure

Students interested in earning a Vermont teaching license should meet with the Director of the Education Studies Program as soon as possible in their course of study. The four, state-required elements that must be satisfactorily completed in order to be recommended for Vermont initial educator licensure are: (i) Relevant coursework that satisfies the content requirements of the endorsement, (ii) Professional Semester, (iii) Vermont Licensure Portfolio, and (iv) state- required examinations such as Praxis. The specific course requirements for elementary and secondary teacher licensure are as follows:

Required for Major: Elementary Licensure

A major in another discipline. EDST 0115 (Education in the USA), EDST 0215 (Culturally Responsive Pedagogy), EDST 0300 (Models of Inclusive Education), EDST 0237 (Educational Psychology: Learning in Schools), EDST 0238 (Educational Psychology: Learning in the Community), EDST 0305 (Elementary Literacy and Social Studies Methods), EDST 0306 (Elementary Science Methods), EDST 0307 (Elementary Math Methods), EDST 0317 (Children and the Arts) or approved art internship, Professional Semester (see below).

Elementary licensure students must complete both the SCI and DED Distribution Requirements.

Required for Major: Secondary Licensure

A major in the endorsement area. EDST 0115 (Education in the USA), EDST 0215 (Culturally Responsive Pedagogy), EDST 0300 (Models of Inclusive Education), EDST 0237 (Educational Psychology: Learning in Schools), EDST 0238 (Educational Psychology: Learning in the Community), EDST 0327 (Field Experience in Secondary and Special Education), EDST 0505 (Independent Study Secondary Methods taken twice with different placements), Professional Semester (see below).

Middlebury College is authorized to recommend licensure in the following subject areas for secondary education (grades 7-12): Modern and Classical Languages: French, German, Russian, Spanish; English; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies. Art (grades K-12).

  •  In order for secondary licensure candidates to be recommended for licensure they must meet Vermont content endorsement requirements. Generally, this means that students should select their second major in the content area they wish to teach.

Professional Semester

(Fall semester only; by application and approval): Students who elect to pursue licensure either in Elementary (grades K-6) or Secondary (grades 7-12) education must apply to the Education Studies program for acceptance into the Professional Semester. The Professional Semester is a four credit, full-time, student teaching experience in a local school, with a master teacher, and under the supervision of a college-designated supervisor.  If accepted to the Professional Semester, students complete EDST 0410 (the student teaching seminar) and either EDST 0405-7 (elementary) or EDST 0415-17(secondary). Education Studies faculty make the final decision regarding where and with whom a student is placed for the Professional Semester. Students may elect to complete the Professional Semester in either their senior year or in a ninth semester with the degree awarded following completion.

Students should understand that while Middlebury College grants their undergraduate degree, it is the Agency of Education of the state of Vermont that issues the Vermont teaching license. Therefore, in a rare and exceptional circumstance, a student may be accepted into the Professional Semester, complete the coursework requirements for that semester, but not meet all of the requirements to earn a Vermont educator license. In that exceptional instance, a student would graduate with a double major from Middlebury College, but without Vermont teacher certification. Admission to the Professional Semester does not guarantee state certification.

Requirements for the Minor in Education Studies

Students interested in completing a minor in Education Studies should meet with a professor in the Education Studies Program to organize a thoughtful course of study. The Education Studies minor consists of five courses, two of which are required and three of which are selected at the discretion of the student in consultation with an EDST faculty advisor. There is no option for a major in general Education Studies.

  1. Required (2 courses):
  • EDST 0115     (Education in the USA) Prerequisite for all EDST courses
  • EDST 0430     (Senior Seminar in Education Studies)

Students must complete three of the 5 required courses prior to enrolling in the Senior Seminar.

2.   Electives (3 courses):

  • Any three other EDST courses (see course listing)

Students may request to include a non-EDST course, such as a Winter Term internship, or a course taken abroad as one of the five courses. In each instance, students must secure prior approval from Education Studies faculty for any non-EDST course to fulfill the requirements for the minor.