Mar 29, 2024  
2005-2006 School of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog 
    
2005-2006 School of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood/Elementary Education - Professional Licensure


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The 36-credit Appropriate Master Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education prepares early childhood and elementary level educators who already possess an initial license in the respective field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for professional licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The Appropriate Master Degree combines the study of advanced level subject matter and the pedagogy in mathematics, science, civics, and English, with an in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing elementary school teachers to build a deeper understating of the subjects they teach, the Appropriate Masters Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to better examine the trends in twenty-first century American education that impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial License in Early Childhood or Elementary Education

Specific Admission Requirements


  • Application form and fee;
  • Statement of professional goals;
  • Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor’s degree);
  • Two letters of recommendation;
  • A copy of a Massachusetts Initial License in Early Childhood (PreK-2) or Elementary Education (1-6); and
  • Official score on wither the Miller’s Analogy or the GRE.

Comprehensive Examination


Total Degree Requirements - Credits: 36


Completion of the Program


To complete the Appropriate Master Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional Licensure


According to DOE regulations, a professional licensure is granted to individuals who possess an initial license, have completed an Appropriate Master Degree in an education school, have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of the license. Student’s completing the master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., elementary education, will be advised to apply for the professional license when they have met these requirements will be advised to apply for their professional license with the department of education after completion of the program.

Other Options for Early Childhood and Elementary Education


Please also refer to the program of study for Master of Education in Initial Licensure in Reading & Literacy as another option for obtaining professional licensure in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

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