The Collaborative Teacher Education Pathway (CTEP) has two options for students: one for UMass undergraduates (4+1) and one for students coming from other educational institutions, current teaching professionals who want to earn an M.Ed., or career changers.

4+1: The 4+1 option is designed for UMass undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing elementary licensure at the graduate level at the end of their undergraduate work. This option allows potential students to apply to CTEP in their junior year complete up to 9 credits of coursework towards their master’s degree as an undergraduate.   The 4+1 application is now open for students wishing to apply.  The application deadline is January 15, 2021. 

10-month program: The 10-month, full-time program blends intensive academic study with carefully supervised field experiences and is designed as a fifth year for students from other institutions who join the 4-1 cohort for some classes and are on a separate timeline for graduation.  

There are only 20 total students in each year’s cohort. The small group allows for mutual support and close relationships with faculty. Students learn best practices in education from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research. The coursework is rooted in the constructivist theory of knowledge and learning, which sees learning as an active, constructive process, multicultural and social justice education, and engaged problem solving and reflection. Students also complete an immersive urban and suburban/rural practicum, spending three full days in the classroom in the fall and five full days in the spring.

Students in the 10-month program are often recent college graduates, but many are professionals changing careers. They come to the program with 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.