Educational Studies Concentration

Educational Studies is a flexible program designed to meet the needs of individuals who want to continue their education for professional development or to change careers. Students follow Plan A (M.Ed.). Students have the option of designing a program (Focus Option) in consultation with their advisor (i.e., experiential education, instructional technology, school athletics, etc.), or choosing a concentration that leads to Massachusetts Educator Initial Licensure in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education or Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities.

All of these licensure programs are State of Massachusetts approved.

Each student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours. Students must work with their academic advisor to select at least 15 credits of graduate courses offered by the education department.

Undergraduate prerequisites: Depends on program focus.

Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) Concentration

Teacher of Students With and Without Moderate Disabilities (PreK-2)

The Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program in Early Childhood Education prepares early childhood educators to assume teaching positions in public schools, child care programs, private preschools and kindergartens, early intervention programs, family support and home visiting programs and inclusive early childhood settings. The knowledge base for the early childhood field has expanded substantially in the past five years, and the Springfield College program that leads to Licensure as an Early Childhood Teacher of Students With and Without Disabilities is established on that new knowledge base. All students entering the program will be required to meet the content area requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In the Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program, early childhood educators gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to provide all young children (from preschool through second grade) the kind of early education they deserve. The program addresses the need for tomorrow’s teachers to be prepared to serve and to value a far more diverse group of young children and families than at any time in the past. Our program gives students the opportunity to student teach in inclusive early childhood settings which welcome young children with increasingly challenging disabilities and medical conditions.  With the foundation provided by the required courses, including the pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, individuals completing the Graduate Initial Licensure Program in Early Childhood Education draw from a continuum of teaching strategies in order to support the learning and development of all children.

Prerequisites:
An undergraduate degree in the liberal arts or in a field related to early childhood education (e.g., Psychology); a broad background in coursework related to the primary grade knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; documented experience in working with children between the ages of three and eight and a course in child development.  A transcript review will determine whether there are additional prerequisites.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Early Childhood Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams:

• Communication and Literacy Skills exam (prior to practicum)
• Early Childhood Subject exam (prior to practicum)
• Foundations of Reading exam (prior to practicum)

Elementary Education (1-6) Concentration

The Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program in Elementary Education prepares elementary school teachers to create learning environments that support children in their transition to adolescence. The program offers a combination of courses that will lead to the Elementary Initial license upon successful completion of program requirements. All students entering the program will be required to meet the content area requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The program prepares educators to have increased awareness of the social and emotional needs of elementary students and the principles for creating safe and effective schools. Educators must not only be proficient in content knowledge and pedagogy; they must also be able to understand the complex social and emotional context of their learners.  With the foundation provided by the required courses, including the pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, individuals completing the Graduate Initial Licensure Program in Elementary Education will be able to create a learning environment which supports the positive social, emotional development and high academic standards that are now required within public schools.

Prerequisites:
A course in child development and Arts and Sciences coursework covering the Elementary Teacher Subject Matter Knowledge requirements in the Massachusetts Regulations for Educator Licensure. In general terms, this includes specific coursework in English, Mathematics, History and Social Science, Science, Technology/Engineering, Child Development, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Health.  A transcript review will determine whether there are additional prerequisites.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Elementary Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams:

• Communication and Literacy Skills exam (prior to practicum)
• General Curriculum Multi-Subject exam (prior to practicum)
• General Curriculum Math exam (prior to practicum)
• Foundations of Reading exam (prior to practicum)

Secondary Education (5-8)(8-12) Concentration

The Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program in Secondary Education prepares middle and high school teachers to create learning environments that support young people in their transition to adulthood. The program offers a combination of courses that will lead to the Initial license in one of the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, English, History, Mathematics, Political Science/Political Philosophy, and Visual Arts. All students entering the program will be required to meet the subject matter knowledge requirements stated in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure regulations.

It is recommended that students in this graduate level initial licensure program have experience working in an educational environment. Fieldwork, pre-practicum and practicum experience is embedded throughout the curriculum.

The interdisciplinary nature of the graduate level initial licensure program courses provide a wider frame of reference for the students as they develop a foundation in the theoretical, historical, social and political foundations of education. Faculty teaching courses within this program will use the field experience of the students to deepen the students’ understanding of behavior management; reading strategies for content area learning; teaching methods; curriculum design; assessment and evaluation; inclusion of all students; special education; and learning and teaching through technology.

Prerequisites:
A Bachelor’s degree in (1) a content area appropriate to the license sought and (2) a course in child development.  A transcript review will determine whether there are additional prerequisites.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Secondary Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams:

• Communication and Literacy Exam (prior to practicum)
• Content exam appropriate to license sought (prior to practicum)

Special Education

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (TSMD) (PreK-8 or 5-12)

The Special Education Program prepares teachers to work effectively with students with mild and moderate disabilities. The program offers a combination of courses that lead to the Initial Licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides a wide frame of reference for the students as they develop a foundation in the theoretical, historical, social and political foundations of special education. These academic courses and the pre-practicum and practicum provide ample opportunity for the graduate student to participate in self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and discussion with faculty and public school teachers. Because students are participating in the field placement while taking the academic courses, students are able to use these practical experiences to deepen their understanding of the skills and responsibilities of the teacher of students with moderate disabilities. A special emphasis is placed on: Reading and Language Arts instruction; Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; assessment of physical, social, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and adolescents; educational terminology for students with mild and moderate disabilities; preparation, implementation and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs; design and modification of curriculum, instructional materials, and educational environments for students with moderate disabilities; behavior management and transitional assistance for students with mild and moderate disabilities; services provided by other agencies and federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to special education.

Prerequisites:
A course in “child development”, “introduction to special education” or “students with exceptionalities” is required.  A transcript review will determine whether there are additional prerequisites.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Special Education Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams:

• Communication and Literacy Skills exam (prior to practicum)
• Content Area exam depends on grade level (prior to practicum)
• Foundations of Reading exam (prior to practicum)

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study