Educator Licensure Programs

Individuals who teach in the PreK-12 schools must have a license granted by the state in which that individual is employed. The Educator Preparation programs in the School are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and lead to educator licensure in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts regulations for the educator licensure require that candidates for Initial Educator Licensure complete a major in the liberal arts and sciences or an approved interdisciplinary major appropriate to the license sought, as well as complete an approved Educator Preparation program. Candidates must also pass a two-part examination in Communication and Literacy Skills and one or two examinations in the subject content of the license sought. Students who completed licensure requirements at the University had 100% pass rates on the Massachusetts tests for educator licensure.

To earn a Professional License, individuals who hold the Initial License must complete an approved master’s or equivalent program.

The School offers approved educator licensure programs leading to an Initial Educator License in Early Childhood Education (undergraduate only), Elementary Education, and in a variety of academic subject areas in Secondary Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students interested in the Early Childhood Education undergraduate program should contact the Educator Licensure Officer, Kim Drake at educba@educ.umass.edu.

Admission to Educator Preparation Programs
All education programs require a formal application for admission, including letters of recommendation, a written personal statement, a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75, and a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). There are additional specific requirements for each program. Once admitted, candidates must also pass the MTEL Subject Test for their field of preparation before entering the final student teaching practicum.

Educator Information Office
The Educator Information Office offers advising and information for students seeking the Minor in Education and for students interested in educator preparation programs and licensure. More information is available from the office in 121 Furcolo Hall, tel. (413) 545-2002.

Elementary Education
Students interested in pursuing careers as elementary (grades 1-6) teachers must complete a two-stage process. First, undergraduate students must complete an academic major in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. The School of Education offers a Minor in Education that students may fulfill as part of their undergraduate studies, which include pre-requisites for applying to the Elementary Licensure Program.

Secondly, students must complete the Elementary Licensure Program, which offers a Masters of Education degree leading to Initial Licensure in Massachusetts. This one-year program requires 39 credits, 15 of which are field-based in schools. It is designed for dynamic students interested in an intensive, full-time program rooted in the ideas of constructivism. The program is planned to meet the needs of three groups of individuals who desire a teaching license: 1) graduating seniors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst; 2) seniors from other institutions; and 3) second-career professionals.

Admission is competitive. Students must make formal application to the Graduate School by January 15 of their senior year. Admissions criteria include a minimum grade point average of 2.75, a written personal statement, letters of recommendation, previous experience working with children, pre-requisite coursework, and a personal interview.

Students are encouraged to seek advising in the Educator Information Office, 121 Furcolo Hall, for information regarding the Minor in Education and the Elementary Licensure Program.

Middle and Secondary Education
Students preparing for careers as secondary school teachers of English, mathematics, sciences, history or political science/political philosophy complete an academic major in the liberal arts and sciences, and an organized program of study in Education. The Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) offers licensure for students who major in their subject areas and wish to prepare for careers as middle school (5-8) and high school (8-12) teachers in the following fields: biology (8-12 only), chemistry (8-12 only), earth science, English, general science (5-8 only), history, mathematics, physics (8-12 only), political science/political philosophy (formerly social studies), and modern foreign languages (currently in re-design). Satisfactory completion of the program qualifies students for Massachusetts Initial Licensure in their teaching field.

Criteria for admission includes the strength of the applicant’s personal statement, recommendations, relevant experience, and grade point average. A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure is also required. Completion of licensure courses, the program, and the academic major usually requires a minimum of nine semesters of academic work.

The program is geared to prospective teachers who combine a strong academic background in their field with a commitment to working with young people. STEP is guided by the belief that teaching is a creative, intellectual and moral endeavor. STEP emphasizes the importance for prospective teachers of examining their own educational and life experiences and developing the insight and skills necessary to teach all young people effectively, creatively and equitably, regardless of their race, gender or social class. The program focuses on teaching approaches that engage students in active learning, critical thinking, and the construction of their own meaning.

Students who complete the requirements for their academic degree before completing the STEP licensure requirements may receive their baccalaureate, and continue in the STEP program.

For more information contact the Educator Information Office, 121 Furcolo Hall, tel. (413) 545-2002.

Post-baccalaureate Teacher Licensure
Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to one of the University of Massachusett-Amherst’s educator licensure programs. Applications are reviewed by the faculty in the licensure area to which the candidate applies. This route for licensure is specifically designed for those students who do not wish to undertake a graduate degree or second bachelor’s degree program while obtaining teacher licensure. Post-baccalaureate licensure is not available for all licenses. Information about post-baccalaureate licensure and application materials may be obtained by contacting the School, tel. (413) 545-2002.