Elementary, Professional, Reading Track, M.Ed.

This degree is designed to meet the Massachusetts Department of Education standards leading to professional license.

M.Ed. Programs for Licensed Teachers

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 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.

Professional licensure programs are designed to meet the needs of teachers who already possess an initial level Massachusetts teaching license, and are seeking a master’s degree that will lead to a professional teaching license in the same or related field. In order to be eligible for a professional license, teachers must have taught for three years in the area of their initial license, as well as meet other requirements listed in the licensure regulations.

Candidates in professional licensure programs will demonstrate their commitment to diversity at several points in their program. Each candidate will be required to reflect on his or her beliefs, values, experiences, and/or current practices for developing competencies that support diversity. Decisions about a candidate’s performance in professional licensure programs will be based on multiple assessments.

Specialist Teacher License

The Reading Specialist, Initial, M.Ed. program is designed for licensed teachers in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities who desire initial licensure as a Reading Specialist.

For candidates who have taught for three years in the area of their initial teaching 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 teaching license.

Program Description

This 34-credit hour program is designed for teachers who hold an initial license and seek Professional Licensure in Elementary Education, with a focus on reading education. Students without the appropriate license may work toward the initial license for elementary education and apply up to six semester hours of graduate work toward the master’s degree.

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 graduate advisor.

introductory course in special education
introductory course in computer applications
Introductory course in multicultural education
Introductory course in educational assessment

B. Required Education Coursework - 16 Credits

EDUC 0502 - Instructional Practices: Materials and Classroom Procedures (Elementary and Early Childhood) Credits: 3
EDUC 0513 - Evaluation Techniques in Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0629 - Experiential Curriculum Development Workshop: Elementary Credits: 3
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0633 - Social Cultural Theories: Foundations of Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0653 - Multicultural Theory & Practice: English Language Learners Credits: 0.5
EDUC 0654 - Multicultural Theory & Practice: Exceptional Learners Credits: 0.5

C. Academic Coursework Reading - 18 Credits

Reading Track:

Select six of the following courses with advisor approval

EDUC 0518 - Reading in the Content Area Credits: (3)
EDUC 0509 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3
EDUC 0530 - Children’s Speaking and Listening Credits: (3)
EDUC 0648 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades Prek-2 Credits: 3 (30 hours of Field Based Experience, F.B.E.)
EDUC 0656 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades 3-12 Credits: 3 (15 hours of F.B.E)
EDUC 0662 - Contemporary and Historical Perspectives of Literacy Instruction Credits: 3
EDUC 0601 - School Oral and Written Literary Practices Credits: 3

Additional Guidelines

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 27 credits.