Be a Teacher
About
When you become a teacher, you will make a difference every day.
You will have a vocation full of variety, human interaction, laughter, autonomy, challenges, and learning. You will help make the world more equitable and just. You will change the future—one student at a time.
To teach in a public school in Massachusetts, you need a license for a specific age group or content area, such as elementary, high school math, or reading. The UMass Amherst College of Education offers many paths to licensure and a variety of options to fit your needs and goals. Our graduates are known as consistently well-prepared, effective teachers and are highly sought by schools throughout the Commonwealth.
Teach PreK–Elementary School
Look at our pathways to become an Art, Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education teacher.
Teach Middle School–High School
Discover our pathways to teaching these middle and high school subject areas: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, English as a Second Language, Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, General Science, History, Latin and Classics, Math, Music, Physics, and Special Education.
Initial & Professional Support Licenses for School
Join our programs for the following positions: Reading Specialist; School Guidance Counselor; School Psychologist; and Speech, Language, and Hearing Pathologist.
Contact
Advising Center
Provides support to students majoring in Education, minoring in Education, and undeclared students enrolled in the college.
Office of Educator Preparation
Provides support for licensure programs across UMass Amherst.
Accreditation
Licensure
These programs lead to initial teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Because of reciprocity agreements between states, you may be able to transfer your license to another state. However, the College of Education at UMass Amherst makes no guarantees that this program meets teacher licensure requirements in any state other than Massachusetts. For more information on licensure requirements, check with individual programs and the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.