History, 5-12, 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

The M.Ed. in History Education 5-12, Initial, leads to a master’s degree with initial licensure to teach history.

Applicants to this 36-credit hour program must pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test prior to admission.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college or university.
at least 18 semester credit hours in history or their equivalent as assessed by graduate advisors.
an overall cumulative average of 3.0 for the last 48 credits of undergraduate work.
a cumulative average of 3.0 in history courses.
A passing score on the Massachusetts test for Educators Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test.

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. As determined by the student’s graduate advisor, gaps in coverage must be fulfilled by additional courses taken as part of the student’s program of study.

18 credits of history including U.S., world and European history
At least one course in each of the following: political science, geography, economics, sociology, and introductory psychology
EDUC 0321 Middle School and Its Students (required for middle school licensure candidates only)
History 120 The History Teacher (or equivalent)
Adolescent Development
Foundations of Education

B.Required courses (21-24 credits)

EDUC 0540 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs Credits: 3
EDUC 0554 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3
HIST 0532 - Methods of Teaching History: Middle & Secondary Credits: 3
EDUC 0580 - Critical Multicultural Education Credits: 3
* EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3 (research project required)
EDUC 0568 - 5-12 Practicum Credits: 6

C. A total of 12-15 additional credits to include:

3-6 credits* of pedagogical coursework at the 600 level; and
9 credits of content area graduate course work in History.

Course selections to be made in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Additional Guidelines

A 30-hour diversity experience is required before or during practicum.

Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter test (History) and have a GPA of 2.8 or greater before beginning the student teaching practicum. Although students may be allowed to apply for the practicum with a 2.8 GPA, a 3.0 GPA must be maintained to remain in the graduate program.

Practicum placement also requires completion of the following courses:

EDUC 0540 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
,
EDUC 0554 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools
,
HIST 0532 - Methods of Teaching History: Middle & Secondary
,
EDUC 0580 - Critical Multicultural Education
,as well as the recommendation of the student’s advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee.
Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and 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.