For the STEP Program

Does STEP accept students making a career change to education?

• Yes, we welcome those of you who are looking to change careers and enter the teaching profession. Our subject matter faculty will work with you to develop a program of study that best suits your readiness and needs. If you have completed a college degree in a subject area other than that you hope to become licensed or completed a degree a long time ago, you will want to review the subject specific content area requirements carefully and be prepared to support your education courses with subject specific coursework. Subject area faculty will advise you on content courses when you apply to the STEP.
• It is always helpful to take and pass the subject matter MTEL as a means of supporting your application, especially where you do not have much recent exposure to the content. This, along with a personal statement that speaks to why you are choosing to enter the profession and teach a particu la r subject help the admission committee to get a picture of the fullness of your life choices and the strengths you bring to the teaching.
• For those of you who have been away from school or college for sometime, we welcome and prefer professional references rather than academic references from long ago.

I haven’t been in school in a while, what information do I need to gather to apply to the program?

• If you have completed a college degree in a subject area other than that you hope to become licensed or completed a degree a long time ago, you will want to review the subject specific content area requirements carefully and be prepared to support your education courses with subject specific coursework. Subject area faculty will advise you on content courses when you apply to the STEP.
• It is always helpful to take and pass the subject matter MTEL as a means of supporting your application, especially where you do not have much recent exposure to the content. This, along with a personal statement that speaks to why you are choosing to enter the profession and teach a particular subject help the admission committee to get a picture of the fullness of your life choices and the strengths you bring to the teaching.
• All students are required to take and pass the Communication and Literacy test of the MTEL prior to the end of their first semester and the subject specific MTEL before they student teach. Taking the test prior to applying can help to support your application,
• For those of you who have been away from school or college for sometime, we welcome and prefer professional references rather than academic references from long ago.

Can I start STEP in the spring semester?

• Enrollment generally takes place in the fall semester when advisors will have met with you and helped you to design a program of study. It is not unusual for students to take one or more courses prior to fall enrollment. Be aware that there are limits to the amount ofnon-degree credits that can be transferred to a degree program and make these choices with that in mind

I am an undergraduate at UMass, when should I start to take courses and when should I apply to STEP?

• Under graduates should review the content knowledge requirements with their faculty advisor in their sophomore year if possible. STEP courses such as Educ 524, Educ 497, Educ 693 and Educ 615j can be taken during the sophomore and junior year.
• Under gradu a tes should apply to STEP during their junior year. The senior year will include the methods class and prepracticum in the fall and student teaching in the spring. Students should expect to have completed all other course work by spring semester. The student teaching semester requires attendance in schools all day everyday for the University semester (and during University spring break). Please plan accordingly.
  

Can I take STEP courses part-time before enrolling full-time?

• Yes, while the regular program is full-time, students do enroll part-time as it fits their life choices. Some courses require field experiences that involve visiting schools during the school day and plans need to be made in order to accomplish these visits.
• The student teaching semester is full time. The student teaching semester requires attendance in schools all day everyday for the University semester (and during University spring break). Please plan accordingly.
  

Am I allowed to select my own field placements?

• STEP has partnerships with schools up and down the Pioneer Valley from which you can choose your placements. For students in the 180 Days in Springfield Program or Brdoges to the Future Program, school matches are made at interview day.
• University to school students select a prepracticum placement by visiting schools and teachers and finding a school and teacher with whom you will be comfortable and appropriately challenged. The prepracticum placement most often extends into the pracit cu m (student teaching placement). In this way, students have a full year to come to know a teacher, school, students, and curriculum as they move from prepracticum to practicum. We offer guidance, support and information as these selections are made.
  

I’m an experienced teacher but lack certification , will I have to start from scratch to get certified?

• No, the post-BA program is designed for those who are just seeking licensure. If you are already teaching in a school, your faculty advisor will help you determine which courses in your content area and in education are necessary to meet licensing requirements. We value a program of study that invites you to reflect on your current teaching experiences and informs these experiences with theory and research.
• The Masters of Education is also a good fit for teacher ’ s seeking a lieense in middle or high school. Please understand that the license itself is not conferred until the degree is conferred. This track allows you an opportunity to really explore teaching and learning of your subject area and the advanced degree is welcome by schools.

Does everybody need to do a pre-practicum?

• Practicing teachers can substitute their teaching for the pre - practicum, but all other students will need to complete the pre-practicum, which requires 6-9 hours per week in the classroom for one semester. This is taken during the same semester as the subject specific methods class.  

Does everybody need to do a practicum (student teaching) ?

• Yes, every STEP student must complete a practicum. Teachers who are workng in the field may, with the approval of their school administrator, use their work as the practicum.
• All practicum students require a supervising practitioner who is licensed in the subject area and at the grade level for which you are seeking a license.

Can I use the site where I already teach for a practicum?

• Yes, Teachers who are workng in the field may, with the approval of their school administrator, use their work as the practicum.
• All practicum students require a supervising practitioner who is licensed in the subject area and at the grade level for which you are seeking a license.

I don’t have a car.  Is that going to be a problem traveling to schools outside of Amherst ?

• Having a car is helpful. If you do not drive you may be able to contact other students to car pool, or perhaps use public transportation while placed at some suburban schools, though the hours most teachers work may make the latter difficult.

What is the acceptance rate for STEP?

• Acceptance rates vary from year to year.   The STEP Admissions Committee works diligently to accept students who demonstrate initiative, highly effective interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for learning, and respect for the diversity of children and families in public schools.

I have very little work experience but I have very high academic grades.  Is that a problem? 

• STEP values experience with children in educational environments AND a strong academic record.  Both are important.

I’ve heard that STEP is an intensive program , and it ’s impossible to work part-time while enrolled.   Is this true?

• Students in the intensive programs (180 Days in Springfield and Bridges to the Future) should not plan on working during the program year. These are very intensive programs and require a full commitment of time and energy.
• Students in the University to Schools post-BA and Masters programs will have more time to work part time, or enroll part-time and work full time. However, the student teaching semester requires full time commitment and working would severely limit your chances of a successful practicum.
  

For Graduate Admissions

Is it true that the GREs are not required for admission to STEP?

• Correct, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not a requirement.

I see that interviews are not required for admission to STEP.  Does that mean I cannot have one if I request it?

• Most STEP candidates are not interviewed.  Decisions are made based on the application materials submitted.  In some cases, interviews may be requested for some applicants when the Admissions Committee would like additional information or clarification.  If the applicant is out-of-state, telephone interviews are often appropriate. 

Is the application deadline of January 15 really enforced?

• All deadlines are followed except under special circumstances. 

How much does it cost to complete STEP?

• Undergraduates pay the same tuition and fees as they would for any other courses.
• Graduate students should check this LINK for graduate school costs. A full Masters degree is 33 credits in the University to School STEP.
• 180 Days and Bridges students complete 36 credits through Continuing and Professional Education. Check their links for costs.
• Post-BA students should check the link for Continuing and Professional Education for fees and tuition.

Is financial aid available for STEP?

• STEP students are eligible to apply for numerous loans and scholarships from federal, state, and local agencies as well as the University of Massachusetts and the School of Education . 
• Federal Programs :See this LINK for information
• University of Massachusetts Financial Aid Office :See this LINK for information
• School of Education Scholarships : See this LINK for information

What kind of license will I receive after completing STEP?

• Upon satisfactory completion of student teaching and an online portfolio, students will be recommended for an initial license.

Where can I see information on the MTELs?

• MTEL dates and registration information are found on the Massachusetts Department of Education website: See this LINK for information.

I plan to move to another state after my year in STEP.  Is my license good there? 

• Most states have signed an interstate agreement which makes it possible for an educator who has completed an approved program like STEP, and who holds a teaching license in Massachusetts, to earn a license in another state. For example, if you complete STEP and earn your Initial License in Massachusetts, you will be able to earn a license in California, Maryland, Vermont, and many other states.  Note that some states may impose additional requirements which must be met in a reasonable time frame.   Read specific requirements on the specific state’s web site.

Can I take MTEL preparation workshops? 

• Yes, preparation workshops in several formats are offered.  Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLS) workshops are offered (See this LINK for information) by the School of Education, Educator Licensure Advisory Council, and the Division of Continuing Education. Contact individual programs for Subject Matter test preparation and information.

Which MTEL tests do I have to pass in order to be accepted into STEP?

• The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) includes a test of Communication and Literacy skills and tests of Subject Matter Knowledge.  THE Communication and Literacy Test must be passed by the end of your first semester, and we advise you to take it prior to admission. The subject amtter test must be passed in order to student teach. Again, we advise taking this tet as soon as possible. The Massachusetts State Department of Education’s web site provides detailed information on the MTELs: See this LINK for information.

I heard there is on-line information available from the School of Education

• Yes, the Educator Information Office has a very informative web site with details on MTELs, licensure, job search fairs, etc.See this LINK for information

I’m a senior at UMass.  What kind of advising is available when I am applying to STEP?

• Prior to admission, students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who plan to apply to STEP receive advising from the Educator Information Office (EIO) located in Furcolo 121, (413) 545-2002.  The EIO offers pre-licensure advising for the Education Minor.

After acceptance, who advises STEP students? 

• Once accepted, STEP faculty members serve as academic advisors for STEP students.   You will receive notice of who this person is upon admission, but you can check the link here to get information about STEP faculty.

Does STEP provide help in finding teaching positions?

• Yes, STEP, the School of Education , the University of Massachusetts and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provide assistance.    In addition to general advising from STEP faculty and the Office of Teacher Education, the School of Education and University Career Services sponsor a "Job Fair for Prospective K-12 School Professionals" each spring at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for graduates of our professional preparation programs for educators. See this LINK for information. There are also other “Job Fairs” in the Commonwealth for teaching positions both in Massachusetts and in other states.