Elementary Education - Initial Licensure

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The masters programs in Elementary education prepare candidates to work in grades 1 through 6. Through coursework and field experiences, students develop understanding of subject matter knowledge, curriculum design, instructional strategies, observation and assessment, communication, and collaboration with families and the community. The Masters of Education programs in Elementary Education are designed in two tracks: 1) a 21-credit post-baccalaureate program that leads to Initial Licensure, and an optional 15 additional credit program to obtain a Masters degree in Initial Licensure, 2) a 36- credit Appropriate Master’s Degree Program that leads to Professional Licensure.

Specific Admission Requirements

Application form and fee;
Statement of professional goals;
Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor degree);
Two letters of recommendation;
A passing score on the Communication and Literacy test (MTEL)
Copy of all Massachusetts teacher licenses, if any; and
Official score on either the Miller’s Analogy or GRE.

Program of Study

Note: Courses required for obtaining Initial Licensure in Elementary Education (1-6) are marked below with (*).

ARS 535 - Teaching Health Education Concepts with Visual and Performing Arts (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
ED 502 - Effective Classroom Strategies in Elementary Education (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
ED 580 - Innovative Practices in Education (Cr: 3)
ED 581 - Technology in Education: An Integrated Approach (Cr: 3)
ED 582 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
EDC 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership and the Change Process (Cr: 3)
EDC 570 - Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations (Cr: 3)
EDU 501 - Portfolio Assessment (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
EDU 504 - Theories of Curriculum Design and Evaluation (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
EDU 510 - Practicum Experience: Teacher of Elementary Education (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
EDU 511 - Reflective Seminar: Teacher of Elementary Education (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)
RDG 506 - The Emergence of Literacy (Cr: 3)
* (See note above)

Comprehensive Examination

Total Degree Requirements - Credits: 36

Completion Requirements of the Program

To exit from the Elementary program for Initial Licensure, students must successfully complete all of the required courses, fieldwork, and the comprehensive examination. Students who do not possess an initial license in any field are also required to pass the Foundations of Reading Test and the General Curriculum Test prior to the beginning of the practicum experience for successful completion of the Initial Licensure Master of Elementary Education program.