Elementary Education
The Collaborative Teacher Education Pathway (CTEP)
The Collaborative Teacher Education Pathway (CTEP) offers two pathways for individuals interested in becoming elementary teachers in Massachusetts (see below). The CTEP/Elementary cohort model develops close relationships for mutual support throughout the program. Coursework is rooted in educating for social justice and developing a critical lens for engaged problem solving and reflection. Alongside coursework with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research, students complete two immersive school-based experiences: a 175 hour Fall Pre-Practicum and a 375 hour Practicum in Spring.
- CTEP/Elementary 4+1 Pathway is for UMass undergraduate students who know they want to pursue elementary licensure at the graduate level. This option allows potential students to complete up to 9 credits of coursework toward their M.Ed. degree as an undergraduate as they also complete the prerequisites for the M.Ed.
- CTEP/Elementary M.Ed. Pathway is for individuals who have taken the required prerequisite coursework, or an approved equivalent at UMass or another institution, and seek to attain the M.Ed from UMass.
Explore our programs
kindergarten and elementary school teacher jobs (2021)
average number of job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers annually
Benefits list
Social justice–based coursework
Elementary Education students take courses that address multicultural and social-justice education from a wide array of perspectives and theoretical lenses.
Hands-on experience
Elementary Education students complete an immersive urban and suburban/rural teaching placement. You'll spend three full days in the classroom in the Fall and five full days in the Spring.
Earn your bachelor's + master's degree in 5 years
Beginning your junior year, complete up to 9 credits toward your master's degree.
Professionals changing careers
Many students come some experience with children in educational environments and demonstrate initiative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for learning, and respect for diversity of children and families in public schools.
In the News
EDUC and CNS faculty host workshop on Creative Play in Elementary STEM Teaching
Jeanne Brunner and Darrell Earnest (TECS) joined with Shubha Tewari (Physics) to host a workshop on Creative Play in Elementary STEM Teaching.
Licensure
All Educator Licensure programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second Education to meet licensure requirements in the state of Massachusetts ONLY.
Many US states are signatories to the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. This agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction, with possible additional requirements.
If you are seeking licensure in another state, here is a Teacher Licensure Agency Directory for you to contact other states.