M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs
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Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment to 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 five 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.
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Program Description
The M.Ed. in Mathematics 5-8 or 8-12, Initial, leads to a master’s degree with initial licensure to teach middle (5-8) or high school (8-12) math education. The program requires extensive school-based fieldwork in addition to a practicum experience
See Admission requirements for graduate programs.
Applicants to this 36-credit hour program must pass
the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test prior to admission.
A. Prerequisite coursework or experience
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 coursework in mathematics has to include: Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Structure, Number Theory, Geometry, and additional 200+ level course in mathematics
· Adolescent Development
· Foundations of Education, for example Schools in American Culture
· EDUC 0321 Middle School and Its Students (required for middle school licensure candidates only)
B.Required courses 27 credits
C. Additional required content courses chosen from the following (9 Credits)
- MATH 0612 - Mathematical Knowledge of Teaching from an Advanced Point of View Credits: 3
- MATH 0613 - Technology and Teaching Mathematics from an Advanced Point of View Credits: 3
- MATH 0611 - Innovative Teaching Credits: 3
- MATH 0595 - Special Topics in Mathematics: Credits: 3 (MATH 595 cannot count more than once for the 9 credits).
12 credits of graduate level courses in the content area will satisfy requirements for professional licensure in the future.
Additional Guidelines
A 30-hour diversity experience is required before or during practicum.
Students must pass the required MTEL mathematics subject matter test for 5-8 or 8-12 licensure 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:
Passing scores on all appropriate and required sections of the MTEL are required for practicum enrollment. Practicum placement also requires completion of the following courses:
1. EDUC 0540 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
2. EDUC 0554 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools
3. MATH 0537 - Foundations of Secondary and Middle School Mathematics
4. 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.
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