Teachers and school professionals in Massachusetts public schools are licensed. The license you apply for depends on the role and grade level you plan to be, such as elementary school teacher, high school math teacher, or all-grades reading specialist. Getting licensed in Massachusetts requires that you complete an approved licensure program (as an undergraduate, a post-baccalaureate, or a graduate student) and any appropriate licensure exams. There are many routes to a license (see below).
Preparation of licensed educators at UMass Amherst is a campus wide effort coordinated through the College of Education. Subject matter knowledge is central to all our significant array of professional preparation programs. Faculty from across the University contribute directly to the knowledge base for our candidates. We offer:
- Outstanding preparation in general studies and subject matter specialty areas offered by departments throughout the University campus.
- Professional preparation courses in the College of Education by outstanding teacher educators and researchers.
- Field experiences and practica in a diverse range of schools and appropriate agencies.
- Close, thoughtful supervision by teacher educators.
- Excellent advisors who assist in planning your program.
License Pathways for Teachers and School Professionals
Early Childhood Education teacher
Early Childhood Education (grades Pre-K through 2) - undergraduate program
Elementary school teacher
Early Childhood Education (grades Pre-K through 2) - undergraduate program
Collaborative Teacher Education Pathway (grades 1 through 6) - graduate program
Middle and High school teacher
English (5 - 12)
Math
Sciences (5 - 8, 8 - 12; not all sciences at both levels)
History (5 - 12)
Secondary Teacher Education Program - undergraduate and graduate programs
Middle and High School Language Teacher
Chinese language education (5 - 12) (offered through the Art Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
French language education (5 - 12) (offered through the Art Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Italian language education (5 - 12) (offered through the Art Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Spanish language education (5 - 12) (offered through the Art Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Art teacher (Pre-K - 8; 5 - 12)
Art education (offered through the Art Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Music teacher (All)
Music education (offered through the Music Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Latin and classical humanities teacher (5 - 12)
Latin and classical humanities (offered through the Classics Department of Humanities and Fine Arts)
Special education teacher (preK - 8; 5 - 12)
Reading teacher (All)
Language, Literacy, and Culture
English as a second language (ESL) teacher (Pre-K - 6; 5 - 12)
Language, Literacy, and Culture
Guidance Counselor (Pre-K - 8; 5 - 12)
School Psychologist (All)
Speech-Language Pathologist (All)
Speech, language, and hearing disorders (offered through the Communication Disorders Department of Public Health and Health Sciences)
