The mission of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is to prepare and support effective professional educators who can meet students' diverse academic, social, and personal needs. Department faculty members also contribute to education by generating and disseminating high-quality research, developing innovative programs to meet education needs, and through providing meaningful professional service. Middle Level teacher certification candidates participate in field experiences in both their junior and senior years in the program. Candidates receive two placements for field experiences, in an upper-grade classroom and in a lower-grade classroom.Middle Level teacher certification candidates participate in field experiences in both their junior and senior years in the program. Candidates receive two placements for field experiences, in an upper-grade classroom and in a lower-grade classroom. Candidates work with the same cooperating teachers both years. During the fall semester of the junior year, field experiences are a minimum of 20 hours. During the spring semester of the junior year, field experiences are a minimum of 40 hours. During the fall semester of the senior year, candidates are in their assigned field experience classrooms one day per week for ten weeks, five weeks at each placement.