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.