Mathematics, 5-8, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs

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.

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.

Applicants to this 36-credit hour program must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test prior to admission.

Admission Requirements

An application and non-refundable fee.
Three letters of recommendation from a professional or academic source.
A narrative statement.
Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college or university.
A passing score on the Massachusetts test for Educators Licensure (MTEL) Communications and Literacy test.

For more details on the process and/or procedures, see the Admission page.

Program of Study

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.

Coursework in Mathematics (18 credits) that includes: Statistics, Calculus, Introduction to Proofs, and Basic Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching. Equivalent coursework from another institution and/or work experience may be accepted.
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)

Required Courses (36-39 Credits)

MATH 0537 - Foundations of Secondary and Middle School Mathematics Credits: 3
EDUC 0540 - Foundations of Special Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0554 - Teaching Middle and High School Students Credits: 3
EDUC 0564 - Practicum: Middle School Credits: 5
or EDUC 0569 - Practicum: Secondary School Credits: 5
EDUC 0580 - Theory of Critical Multicultural Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3 *
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3
EDUG 0527 - Practicum Seminar Credits: 1
3-6 credits of pedagogical course at the 600 level**

*Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement should not enroll in EDUC 0631
**6 credits required for students who have already received the state SET endorsement

Choose 9 credits from the following:
MATH 0595 - Special Topics in Mathematics Credits: 3
MATH 0611 - Innovative Teaching Credits: 3
MATH 0612 - Mathematical Knowledge of Teaching - Advanced Credits: 3
MATH 0613 - Technology and Teaching Math, Advanced Credits: 3
Note:
12 credits of graduate level courses in the content area will satisfy requirements for professional licensure in the future.

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.
Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests, have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and earn the recommendation of the student’s advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee before beginning the student teaching practicum.

Practicum placement requires completion of the following courses:

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive portfolio or the Candidate Assessment of Performance to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The portfolio may be submitted after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master’s program for those not seeking licensure. The Candidate Assessment of Performance is completed during practicum.