Early Childhood PreK-2, 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. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, 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 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 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.

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 to ensure completion of the Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) expectations.

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), a demonstrated ability to meet program dispositional standards, 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 Early Childhood Education, Initial, leads to a master’s degree with initial licensure to teach early child education (PreK-Grade 2). The program requires extensive school-based fieldwork in addition to a practicum experience.

See Admission requirements for graduate programs

Applicants to this 44-credit hour program must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test prior to admission.

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 graduate advisor.

Foundations of Education
Students with Special Needs
Child Psychology
Computers in Education
Health or Physical Education
Other general content coursework in English, geography, history and government,math, or the sciences may be required as determined by the advisor upon transcript review.

B.Required courses (44 credits)

EDUC 0503 - Early Literacy and Reading Credits: 3
EDUC 0517 - Laboratory in Literacy Practice Credits: 1
EDUC 0508 - Early Childhood Curriculum Credits: 3
* EDUC 0513 - Evaluation Techniques in Education Credits: 3
* EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
EDUC 0514 - Classroom Management Credits: 3
EDUC 0519 - Principles of Teaching and Learning Credits: 3
EDUC 0580 - Critical Multicultural Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0581 - Early Intervention: Birth to Age Five Credits: 3
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0661 - Storytelling, Literature, and Writing for the Young Child Credits: 3
GNSC 0560 - Methods of Science Education Pre K-6 Credits: 2
EDUC 0515 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics PreK-6 Credits: 2
EDUC 0536 - Practicum II: Early Childhood 1-2 Credits: 6
EDUC 0541 - Practicum: I: Early Childhood PK-K Credits: 6
*Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement must take EDUC 0513. Students who have not received the endorsement must take EDUC 0631.

**Seminar hours will be required during practicum. Practicum includes two placements for a total of 12 credit hours.

Additional Guidelines

Required field placements must accommodate a range of characteristics including range of grade level and types of settings. Also teacher candidates must complete either one 30-hour pre-practicum placement or student teaching with students from diverse backgrounds.

Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests 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 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.