Post-baccalaureate Program Leading to an Initial Teaching License
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’s teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield State University’s educator preparation program is fully accredited by 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.
Post-baccalaureate programs leading to teaching licensure are offered through the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education, and are designed for individuals holding a baccalaureate degree who wish to obtain an initial teaching license, without obtaining an additional 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, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), a demonstrated ability to meet program dispositional standards, and completion of a practicum experience.
Program Description
The post-baccalaureate Physical Education program leads to initial licensure to teach PreK-8 or 5-12 grade levels, but does not confer a degree. Applicants to this program must have:
- a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.6 or greater;
- passed the MTEL Communications and Literacy test; and
- a 2.7 GPA in undergraduate English courses, including English Composition I & II or equivalent.
A. Prerequisite coursework or experience
Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student’s undergraduate academic record. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student’s advisor. Courses referenced below are from the Westfield undergraduate program, but equivalent coursework from another institution will be accepted.
- MOVP 0100 Introduction to Exercise Science
- MOVP 0105 Foundations of Movement Science I
- MOVP 0106 Foundations of Movement Sci. II
- MOVP 0202 Introduction to Motor Learning
- MOVP 0203 Motor Development and Behavior
- MOVP 0204 Kinesiology
B. Required Courses for Licensure
Additional Requirements
A 30-hour diversity experience is required before or during practicum.
Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter test (Physical Education), and have a GPA of 2.8, for admission to practicum.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the concentration and a minimum grade of 2.7 or higher in MOVP 0313 Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary/MOVP 0314 Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Secondary are required for a practicum placement.
Candidates approved for a practicum must achieve advanced standing which includes the following:
1) complete an application (available from advisor);
2) submit three favorable recommendations from department faculty and two favorable recommendations from supervising practitioners;
3) hold a current First Aid Certificate; 4) demonstrate student membership in a professional society for two years.
Additionally, the student must submit a self-evaluation which includes: a) reasons for choosing the concentration; ; b) contributions made or projected to the field; c) strengths and/or weaknesses; d) a resume listing activities of a professional nature.
Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
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