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. 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 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

1. Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college or university.

2. at least 18 semester credit hours in history or their equivalent as assessed by graduate advisors.

3. an overall cumulative average of 3.0 for the last 48 credits of undergraduate work.

4. a cumulative average of 3.0 in history courses.

5. 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.

· Two courses in geography; one course each in political science and economics

· Two courses in psychology: Introduction to Psychology and Adolescent Development

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

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.

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.