Elementary Teacher Education MEd Admissions

Admissions

The ideal CTEP/Elementary M.Ed. candidate is social justice-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for public education, and experience with children in educational environments.   CTEP/Elementary M.Ed. students must be able to balance intensive course work with significant time in the field.  Students must have a proven record of academic success with a GPA of 3.0 to be considered.

Application Timeline

As this is a cohort program, applications to the UMass Graduate School for the CTEP/Elementary M.Ed. pathway are only accepted for Summer Session 2 admission.  Interested individuals may apply for the Elementary Teacher M.Ed. online through the Graduate School by January 2.

Prerequisites 

Coursework

  • Math 113: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
  • Math 114: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
  • EDUC 325: Introduction to Special Education
  • EDUC 461: Reading for Elementary
  • EDUC 482E: School Based Field Experience
  • EDUC 463: Principles and Methods of Mathematics
  • HUMANDEV 270:  Child Development

at least on of the following Social Justice Courses

  • EDUC 202:  Social Issues in Intergroup Dialogue: Exploring Social/Cultural Differences and Common Ground
  • EDUC 210:  Social Diversity in Education
  • EDUC 377:  Intro to Multicultural Education

 

  • Completed or plan to complete program of study for Bachelors Degree at UMass Amherst
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Experience with children in educational environments
  • Complete application form with cohesive and clear responses
  • GRE is not required

Required Materials

  • Graduate School Application
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation: preferably one from a supervisor or witness to the applicant’s work with elementary-aged children and one from an academic reference able to speak to the ability to balance rigorous academic responsibilities

Additional Recommendations

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

Public school educators in Massachusetts are required to pass a number of standardized examinations before receiving their licensure. Individuals interested in becoming licensed Elementary educators must complete and pass the following three exams:

  • Communication and Literacy Skills
  • Foundations of Reading
  • General Curriculum

A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is highly recommended to support application to the CTEP/Elementary 4+1 Pathway.  Although passing scores for the remaining two MTELs – Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum – are not required for application to the program, a plan for completion prior to the +1 CTEP year is highly recommended. To meet this deadline, students are strongly encouraged to begin taking these final two tests during their junior year.  Learn more about the MTEL and possible testing alternatives.