We have three field-based, cohort elementary initial licensure programs that lead to endorsements for grades 1-6 in the state of Massachusetts:
- The MEd elementary education initial licensure program is designed for career changers or recent graduates from undergraduate school who wish to pursue teaching grades 1-6 in the state of MA. If this is what you are looking for, you are in the right place.
- The is designed for career changers or recent graduates who wish to pursue a teaching license in both elementary general education (grades 1-6) and special education contexts (grades pk-8).
- Elementary Initial license only: This program is designed for people who studied elementary education in undergraduate school and already hold a master's degree.
In addition, for those who already an initial license or who are not seeking a license, the MEd advanced studies in elementary education provides an opportunity to develop graduate level expertise in elementary education without the constraints of a license program.
Program Features
- Tailored for students, career changers, and education professionals: The program is designed for both people new to the field of education as well as for people who have previously worked in school settings (e.g., paraprofessionals).
- Cohort model: Small class sizes and cohort-based learning help to foster a tight-knit community between students and faculty
- Field-based: Unique and exciting one-year full-time field-based learning opportunities to bring educational theory into practice within the context of elementary schools.
- Exciting full year teaching practicums where students gain experience working in public schools under the supervision of a supervising practitioner. Students can complete the full year practicum by applying to our fellowship program (sponsoring school district pays candidate's tuition and fees for the fall/spring terms), being employed as a paraprofessional, or being placed in a traditional student teaching role.
- Options: One or two-year program options. A course sequence designed to obtain an initial license and a master’s degree in one year.
- Faculty: Internationally-renowned faculty focused on co-constructing educational experiences contextualized in transformational learning of educational theory, content, pedagogy, and practice.
- Spiraling curriculum: The program of study is designed to best meet the needs of teacher candidates building their teaching skill set.
- Culturally sustaining practices: Our teacher candidates are trained to create equitable learning environments for children in public schools. They learn how to design and implement culturally responsive lessons manage classrooms of diverse learners, respond to the needs of all students and increase equitable access to learning for all students. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice and equitable access to learning for all students.
- Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships
One Year Field-Based Curriculum
While this program can be completed in one year, candidates looking for a more flexible schedule can extend the coursework into a two or three year plan.
Complete the initial license elementary education program in one calendar year by taking foundational courses over the summer followed by a full academic year, full-time placement in a public school during which students complete the pre-practicum methods courses in the fall and their student teaching practicum in the spring. Students graduate in May with their M.Ed. and have their initial teaching license endorsement by the end of June.
There are multiple options for completing your full time placements including paid fellowships or in an existing elementary education job (teacher or paraprofessional positions).
