M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs
Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Westfield State is working toward accreditation of its educator preparation programs under AAQEP standards with anticipated Quality Assurance Review in 2020. Master in Education (M.Ed.) Initial licensure programs are designed for individuals who wish to pursue a master's degree leading to an initial teaching license. M.Ed. initial licensure programs are offered in:
A Applicants for the M.Ed. initial licensure programs may be required to take additional courses and/or document professional experiences in the cognate area of the license, in addition to the courses required for the master's degree. Students who satisfactorily complete program requirements leading to a teaching license are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program requirements include completion of all coursework and other requirements for a master's degree, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), and successful completion of a practicum experience. Advising for graduate students seeking an M.Ed. leading to an initial teaching license facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection. |
Program Description
The M.Ed. in Biology 8-12, Initial, leads to a master's degree with initial licensure to teach high school biology. The program requires extensive school-based fieldwork in addition to a practicum.
See
Applicants to this 36-credit hour program must
also pass the MTEL test in Communication and Literacy Skills as a requirement for admission to this program.
Program of Study
A. Prerequisite coursework or experience
Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student's previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student's graduate advisor.
- General Ecology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology (preferred) or Microbiology
- Plant Biology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
Evolution - History and Nature of Scientific Knowledge
- General Chemistry I & II
- Adolescent Development
- Foundations of Education
B.Required courses (21-24 credits)
- BIOL 0590 - Methods of Teaching Secondary School Biology
- EDUC 0540 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
- EDUC 0554 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools
- EDUC 0580 - Critical Multicultural Education
- *
- EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion
- EDUC 0632 - Research in Education
- **
- EDUC 0569 - Practicum: Secondary School
- *Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement will substitute another 3-credit, 600 level pedagogical course.**Seminar hours will be required during practicum.
C. A total of 12-15 additional credits to include:
- 3-6 credits of pedagogical coursework at the 600 level; and
- 9 credits of content area graduate coursework in Biology
Course selections to be made in consultation with graduate advisor.
Additional Guidelines
Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter test (Biology) and have a GPA of 2.8 or greater before beginning the student teaching practicum. Although students may be allowed to apply for the practicum with a 2.8 GPA, a 3.0 GPA must be maintained to remain in the graduate program.
Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.
Practicum placement also requires completion of the following courses:
A 30-hour diversity experience is required before or during practicum.
Students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive, cumulative assessment as part of their master's degree requirement. This assessment will include two parts: (1) a portfolio requirement and (2) a scientific presentation. The scientific presentation will be assigned by faculty members of the Biology Department and will include specific content knowledge related to the student's program of study. The presentation will be evaluated using a rubric that addresses the candidate's content knowledge, ability to present scientific information, and the ability to answer questions.