Reading Specialist, Initial, M.Ed.

M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The shared vision of Westfield’s education programs is articulated as “Educators as Leaders Building Learning Communities.” Themes that support this vision are community building, reflective practice, diversity, and social justice.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Westfield State is working toward accreditation of its educator preparation programs under AAQEP standards with anticipated Quality Assurance Review in 2020.

Master in Education (M.Ed.) Initial licensure programs are designed for individuals who wish to pursue a master’s degree leading to an initial teaching license. M.Ed. initial licensure programs are offered in:

Biology, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.
Early Childhood PreK-2, Initial, M.Ed.
Elementary 1-6, Initial, M.Ed.

History, 5-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Mathematics, 5-8*, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Moderate Disabilities, Pre-K-8, Initial, M.Ed.

Moderate Disabilities, 5-12, Initial, M.Ed.

*Programs marked with an asterisk are not accepting new candidates as of spring 2016.

A English 5-12, with Initial Teaching Licensure, M.A. leading to initial licensure to teach middle or secondary English is also offered.

Applicants for the M.Ed. initial licensure programs may be required to take additional courses and/or document professional experiences in the cognate area of the license, in addition to the courses required for the master’s degree.

Students who satisfactorily complete program requirements leading to a teaching license are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program requirements include completion of all coursework and other requirements for a master’s degree, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), and successful completion of a practicum experience.

Advising for graduate students seeking an M.Ed. leading to an initial teaching license facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection.

Program Description

This master’s degree program is for candidates who possess initial licensure in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities and desire initial licensure as a Reading Specialist. For candidates who have taught for three years in the area of their initial license (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities), and who have met the other requirements listed in licensure regulations, it will also lead to professional licensure in the area of the first license.

Applicants to this 33-credit hour program must have:

Initial or Professional (Standard) Massachusetts classroom teaching license in one of the areas notes above; and
One year of employment or equivalent in the role covered by the license.

See Admission requirements for graduate programs.

Program of Study

A. Prerequisite coursework or experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student’s previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student’s advisor.

Introductory course in special education
Introductory course in multicultural education
Introductory course in computer applications

B.Required courses (24 credits)

EDUC 0633 - Social Cultural Theories: Foundations of Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0635 - Laboratory in Program Assessment and Design Credits: 3
* EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
EDUC 0601 - School Oral and Written Literary Practices Credits: 3
EDUC 0648 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades Prek-2 Credits: 3
EDUC 0650 - Issues and Problems in Reading: Advanced Seminar Credits: 3
EDUC 0656 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades 3-12 Credits: 3
EDUC 0657 - Applying Linguistics to the Teaching of Literacy Credits: 3
EDUC 0662 - Contemporary and Historical Perspectives of Literacy Instruction Credits: 3

C. Elective Course - 3 Credits

(choose one with advisor’s approval from the list below) :

EDUC 0504 - Teaching Writing PreK-6 Credits: 3
EDUC 0505 - Literature and Language Arts Credits: 3

D. Practica - 6 Credits**

EDUC 0645 - Practicum I: Clinical Experiences in Reading Elementary Credits: 3 or
EDUC 0646 - Practicum I: Clinical Experiences in Reading Secondary Credits: 3
EDUC 0623 - Practicum II: Reading Teacher: Literacy Leader and Coach Credits: 3
*Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement should enroll in EDUC 635 and not EDUC 631.

** Seminar hours will be required in the practicum.

Additional Requirements

Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter test (Reading Specialist 08), and have a GPA of 2.8 or greater, when applying for a practicum placement. (A 3.0 GPA must be maintained, however, to remain in the graduate program.)

Students must satisfactorily complete program prerequisites as well as EDUC 0648 , EDUC 0656 , and EDUC 0657 before enrolling in Practicum I, and Practicum I is a prerequisite for Practicum II.

Practicum placements must be within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise approved.

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master’s program.