Education

As the oldest public, coeducational, teacher education institution in the nation, Westfield State University, founded in 1839, has a historical and abiding commitment to serving the educational needs of all students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A shared vision exists among education faculty, liberal arts and sciences faculty, students, PreK-12 teachers, and administrators as we are all dedicated to the development of learning communities that encourage individual growth through a commitment to social justice and the quest for an improved future for all learners. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision of Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities, a vision grounded in our department’s 5 foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection. Westfield State University’s teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield State University’s educator preparation program is fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Westfield State University’s teacher education programs provide innovative ways to create ties with a variety of partners, both on campus and within PreK-12 communities. Our students enter the field early in their programs of study and have ample opportunities to build content and pedagogical expertise both on campus and within area schools.

Teacher education programs at the elementary/primary level include Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Elementary Education. At the middle/secondary level, approved programs include English, History, Mathematics, General Science, Chemistry, Biology, and vocational technical education. Our special education programs prepare teachers to work with children and/or adolescents with mild to moderate disabilities at the elementary, middle, or secondary level.

Prospective students are advised that departmental program requirements are also subject to change to maintain compliance with both state licensure regulations and professional standards. The Education Department at Westfield State University makes every effort to notify students of changes in program requirements and licensure regulations as soon as they are published by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. When it is appropriate to do so, the department advises students of potential changes in advance of formal announcement and implementation. Each student is required to meet with his or her advisor at least once per semester. Candidates for teacher licensure also must pass appropriate state mandated licensure examinations, the Massachusetts Tests for Educatior Licensure (MTEL) tests. Students are encouraged to review test requirements with their Education Department advisor and attend MTEL preparation workshops.

The Teacher Education Accreditation and Assessment Council maintains admission and retention criteria for teacher licensure programs. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required for acceptance into an Education major. First-year students not accepted into the major can transfer into Education after they have achieved the required overall GPA of 2.8. Students meeting the 2.8 GPA at the end of the first semester must meet with the Chair of the Education Department to complete the appropriate paperwork. All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. To achieve Advanced Standing, a student must meet program dispositions at a satisfactory level, have completed 57 credits, have an overall GPA of 2.8, maintain an average GPA of 2.7 (B-) or better in ENGL 0101 and ENGL 0204 (or department equivalent course), and pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy exam. Satisfactory dispositional standing, a minimum overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), a 3.0 GPA in education pedagogy coursework, a passing grade on the MTEL subject matter test(s), and all mandatory coursework are required for practicum placement. Students must see their advisor to learn about practicum requirements for each license. Practicum placements are limited to a 30-mile radius of the University. Practicum students are not permitted to be employed during school hours or take the University spring break vacation during practicum.

Starting in the first year, students take introductory level education courses, MTEL tests in Communication and Literacy, and complete state subject matter knowledge course requirements. Retention in the program is dependent on students achieving Advanced Standing as described above. Students experiencing difficulty meeting dispositional expectations will work with faculty and/or Education department chair to develop a plan for strengthening their ability to demonstrate program dispositions. Program dispositions must be met at a satisfactory level in order to move to practicum and complete designated programs of study.

During the next years at the University, students complete education course work, additional field work, and pass the appropriate MTEL subject matter test(s). During the senior year, students complete a practicum experience. Every effort is made to place the eligible students in a full-year placement (Fall semester: Field Experience; Spring semester: practicum in the same school placement). The series of field experiences is designed to intentionally grow students’ competencies over time with specific attention to the essential elements of teaching and learning as identified by the state licensure requirements and our program dispositions that reflect current research and the underlying belief structure of the Education Department related to Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, Inquiry, and Excitement for Learning, and Critical Reflective Practice. Undergraduates who have completed all of the requirements for the major or licensure program are recommended by the University for initial licensure issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

A complete listing of teacher preparation programs includes:

Programs

Major

Minor

Reading Minor

Courses

Education

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Westfield State University

Education

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