Nov 21, 2024  
2021-2022 Springfield College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Springfield College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Teacher Prep

Education



The primary goal of the Education Department is to prepare undergraduate students to become teachers. The department offers concentrations in PK-2, PK-8 and 5-12.  These concentrations are designed for those wishing to focus on teaching students at these grade levels. In order to complete the education major, students must complete the core requirements and one of the concentrations.    

In addition the department offers several Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved teacher licensure tracks (programs) and an early childhood certification track for Massachusetts residents through our Regional, Online, and Continuing Education division that can lead to a Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) certificate. Completion of these tracks is optional.

DESE teacher licensure is available in the following areas: early childhood (PreK-2); elementary (1-6); moderate disabilities/special education (PreK-8) or secondary (5-8 and/or 8-12) in biology, English, history, or mathematics. Additional teacher licensure programs offered by the College include health/family and consumer sciences (all grades), physical education (PreK-8 and/or 5-12), and visual arts (PreK-8 and/or 5-12). Students seeking teacher licensure should begin their program upon their admission to the College. To be considered teacher candidates and to complete the professional preparation requirements, they must apply for official admission to the teacher preparation program and be accepted. Application to the teacher preparation program typically occurs before the junior year.

To comply with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations, students seeking teacher licensure must either earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an arts and sciences major or additional coursework (beyond the education major) to meet the subject matter knowledge requirements.  All students (teacher candidates) must also successfully complete coursework that meets the DESE professional standards for teachers.

For more information about education programs, contact the Education department at 413-748-3295 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Curricular Requirements


I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)


This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

III. Concentrations


You must select one concentration from one of the options below.

A. Early Childhood Education


The mission of the Early Childhood Concentration (ages birth - 8) is to educate students to serve as early childhood professionals who (1) create high quality, collaborative, comprehensive, consistent, culturally congruent learning environments for all children; and (2) support and validate parents and families, so that communities in which these families function will be empowered to achieve social and economic justice.

The Early Childhood Education Concentration does not lead to teacher licensure or certification.  It is only an option for Massachusetts residents enrolled through Regional, Online, and Continuing Education at the Springfield or Boston Campus. 

Students must complete a minimum of 26 semester hours focused on Early Childhood coursework. Students in the concentration must complete coursework in early childhood development and ethics and professional standards. Students choose between two areas of focus or tracks, one for classroom-based educators, and one for administrators. Students must successfully complete an Early Childhood Internship that will focus on developing core competencies as identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

C. Secondary Education (5-12)


Students seeking secondary education concentration (5-12) are required to complete a full major in the subject area such as Biology, English, History, or Mathematics, as well as the course listings below. Secondary concentration students are advised by a faculty member from their major department and by an advisor from the Education Department. For those who desire to seek licensure, the completion of coursework to meet the professional standards for all teachers is also required. 

IV. Certification or Licensure Tracks (optional)


To complete the education major follow one of the tracks below or complete electives to total 120 credits.

C. Elementary (1-6) and/or Moderate Disabilities (PK-8) Licensure Track


Completion of this track leads to DESE Elementary (1-6) and/or Moderate Disabilities (PK-8) teaching licenses.

D. Secondary Teaching Licenses in Biology (8-12), English (5-12), History (5-12), Mathematics (5-8,


V. Electives (to complete 120 credits)