About the School of Education

124 Furcolo Hall

Contact: Teacher Education Office

Office: 125 Furcolo Hall

Phone: 545-2701

Web site: www.umass.edu/education/

Dean: Bailey W. Jackson. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: John C. Carey. Director of Teacher Education: Irving Seidman.

The School of Education has a diverse and multifaceted mission, with many programs in undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate education. It offers one undergraduate major, the B.A. in Education, administered by the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies. The Department of Educational Policy, Research and Administration and the Department of Student Development and Pupil Personnel Services do not offer an undergraduate major. All three departments offer undergraduate courses which are of general interest, and all participate in programs coordinated by the Teacher Education and Certification Office.

The Field

Knowledge is the key to success and to full participation in our democratic society. Educators help people acquire and use knowledge. To that end, educators develop curricula, plan instructional programs, deliver instruction, and evaluate learning. Educators work in public and private schools; they also work in social service agencies and business settings.

The School of Education contributes to the reform and improvement of public education by offering teacher preparation programs which produce exemplary teachers for the public schools and other educational institutions. These programs are based on research findings and the best current thinking about professional preparation, and strive for high quality and innovation. They prepare educators who will become leaders in their schools and their fields, both in the Commonwealth and in the nation. The School is committed to social justice and diversity and to the development of educational approaches which maximize access to education and promote diversity in education.

The School of Education coordinates teacher education programs across the campus. The School is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Educator Preparation Programs

Individuals who teach in the public schools must have a certificate or license granted by the state in which that individual is employed. The Educator Preparation programs in the School are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Education and lead to teacher licensure in Massachusetts. The programs are also accredited under the Interstate Certification Compact.

Massachusetts regulations for the Licensure of Educational Personnel require that candidates for Initial Educator Licensure complete a major in the liberal arts and sciences or an approved interdisciplinary major appropriate to the license sought, as well as complete an approved Educator Preparation program. Candidates must also complete a two-part examination in Communication and Literacy Skills and in the Subject content of the license sought. To earn a Professional License, individuals who hold the Initial License must complete an approved master's or equivalent program.

The School offers programs leading to an Initial Educator License in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Middle and Secondary Education in academic subjects.

Admission to Educator Preparation
Programs

All educator preparation programs require a formal application for admission, including letters of recommendation, a written personal statement, a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75, and a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure. There are additional specific requirements for each program. Once admitted, candidates must also pass the Subject Test for their field of preparation before entering the final student teaching practicum.

Teacher Education Office

The central office for information and advising for students interested in becoming educators in the public schools is the Teacher Education Office, in 125 Furcolo Hall, tel. 545-2701. There is also an advising office for prospective Middle and Secondary educators, the STEP Advising Office, 121 Furcolo Hall, tel. 545-4397. All students should consult one of these offices early in their academic careers for assistance in planning their programs of study.

Note: The Massachusetts Board of Education has proposed changes in the requirements for educator licenses. The most significant changes for initial licensure will affect the current requirements for the Early Childhood and Elementary programs.

Early Childhood and Elementary
Education

Students preparing for careers as Early Childhood and Elementary educators must complete: an academic major in the Liberal Arts and Sciences; a planned sequence of courses in the content matter taught in Elementary school; and a sequence of professional education courses, field experiences, and student teaching. The specific requirements of both programs are under review in response to the proposed changes in Massachusetts regulations. Admission to the professional education sequence requires a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure, as well as a formal application.

Information on courses recommended to fulfill the academic content requirements and guidance on preparation for admission to the program is available through the Teacher Education Office.

Middle and Secondary Education

Students preparing for careers as secondary school teachers of English, mathematics, science, or social studies complete an academic major in the liberal arts and sciences, and an organized program of study in Education. The Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) offers certification for students who major in their subject areas and wish to prepare for careers as middle school (5-9) and high school (9-12) teachers in the following teaching fields: biology (9-12 only), chemistry (9-12 only), earth science, English, general science (5-9 only), history, mathematics, physics (9-12 only), social studies, and modern foreign languages. Satisfactory completion of the program qualifies students for Massachusetts Initial Licensure in their teaching field.

Completion of EDUC 524 The Work of Middle and High School Teachers is prerequisite to applying to the program. Criteria for admission includes the strength of the applicant's personal statement, recommendations, relevant experience, and grade point average. A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure is also required. Completion of certification courses, the program, and the academic major usually requires a minimum of nine semesters of academic work. Those who wish to be candidates for either middle school or high school certification should contact the STEP Office, 121 Furcolo Hall, tel. 545-4397, e-mail: stepadv@ educ.umass.edu.

The program is geared to prospective teachers who combine a strong academic background in their field with a commitment to working with young people. STEP is guided by the belief that teaching is a creative, intellectual and moral endeavor. STEP emphasizes the importance for prospective teachers of examining their own educational and life experiences and developing the insight and skills necessary to teach all young people effectively, creatively and equitably, regardless of their race, gender or social class. The program focuses on teaching approaches that engage students in active learning, critical thinking, and the construction of their own meaning.

Students who complete the requirements for their academic degree before completing the STEP certification requirements may receive their baccalaureate, and continue in the STEP program.

Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification

Individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree may apply for admission to one of the School's teacher certification programs. Applications are reviewed by the faculty in the certification area to which the candidate applies. This route for certification is specifically designed for those students who do not wish to undertake a graduate degree or second bachelor's degree program while obtaining teacher certification. Information about postbaccalaureate certification and application materials may be obtained by contacting the School, tel. 545-2701.