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Middle Grades Education

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As one of the oldest middle school-specific teacher certification programs in the country, we are a leader in the field of middle school reform. We focus on several areas critical to the study of young adolescents and middle-grades education, such as:

  • Building relationships with students, families, communities, and peers
  • Understanding the power and possibility of young adolescents and supporting them in putting their power and possibility to work
  • Embracing an equity and justice orientation was a cornerstone of our work
  • Solving problems using an inquiry stance and evidence-based reasoning

Degree Programs

Double Dawgs Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Educational Specialist (EdS)

Student Organizations

Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA)

To promote and support the professional development of future middle level/grade teachers.

Faculty advisor: Kathy F. Thompson

Faculty and Staff

Portrait of Gayle Andrews

Gayle Andrews

  • Professor and Department Head
  • Professor-in-Residence
Portrait of Paige Betts

Paige Betts

  • Program Coordinator II
Portrait of Hilary Hughes

Hilary E. Hughes

  • Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Portrait of Amy Murphy

Amy S. Murphy

  • Clinical Assistant Professor
Portrait of Ajay Sharma

Ajay Sharma

  • Associate Professor
Portrait of Kathy Thompson

Kathy F. Thompson

  • Clinical Professor
  • Director

Contact Us

630 Aderhold Hall 110 Carlton Street Athens, Georgia 30602