1. Do I have to start in the fall semester?
The sequence of courses for this program begins in September. Students must begin their program with EDUC 7116 Becoming a Teacher, which is offered in the fall and spring semesters. The rest of the A Block courses may be taken in any order.
Starting in any semester other than fall may lengthen the program duration.
Fall course registration begins on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.
2. What is the application deadline?
While Fitchburg State offers rolling admission, students should aim to complete their application by July 15, 2017 to allow proper time for processing.
Students who have attended today’s webinar should submit an application online by May 25, 2017 to receive the $50 application fee waiver.
3. When do I need to take the MTEL?
A passing score on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (01) Reading and Writing subtests along with the appropriate content MTEL is required to complete an application to the M.Ed. in Middle School Education Initial Licensure programs.
A proposal has been submitted by the Education Department to change this admission requirement. This action is pending the University President’s approval as of 4/25/17. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the content MTEL prior to applying for the fall 2017 as this is a requirement for licensure.
4. How can I prepare for the MTELs?
The MTEL® website offers a library of free and reduced price preparation materials.
5. What’s the passing score for the MTEL?
The MTEL is a pass or fail exam. Visit the MTEL website for more information on required passing scores by exam.
6. Where do courses meet for the Saturday hybrid meetings?
Meetings will take place at the main Fitchburg State campus for those courses that include a face-to-face component.
7. What MTEL content exam do I need to take for my initial license?
- English initial license: English subject matter test (07)
- General Science initial license: General Science subject matter test (10)
- History initial license: History subject matter test (06)
- Mathematics initial license: Middle School Mathematics test (47) or Mathematics subject matter test (09)
No, there is no expiration date associated with passing scores for the MTEL.*
9. Do the courses for the program need to be taken in any particular order?
The M.Ed. in Middle School Education Initial Licensure programs run in a cohort model with courses running in consecutive 7-week sessions. Students must take EDUC 7116 Becoming a Teacher, a Block A course, first. All of the Block A courses need to be completed prior to starting Block B, and Block B courses must be completed before registering for Block C courses.
10. What is the pre-practicum fieldwork requirement?
The pre-practicum field work requires you to be working in a classroom, preferably in a public school in the North Central Massachusetts area in a middle school setting. If you are having trouble locating such a location we do have a Field Placement officer who can assist you with finding an appropriate location.
11. The admission requirements include an appropriate baccalaureate degree in one of the licensure options (English, general science, history, mathematics) or a degree in a closely related field. When being considered for admission into the program, what is a “closely related field”?
- History: Humanities, Political Science, Philosophy
- General Science: Biology
- Mathematics: Business or Accounting
- English: Literature
Candidates will have to have completed 24 credit hours in the subject area he/she is applying for, and that is usually completed at the undergraduate level. This situation will be analyzed on an individual basis. We strongly suggest that the candidate contact the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for more information.
12. Can I complete more than one endorsement content area in my program?
No, students may only complete one endorsement content area through this program. If you wish to earn a license in another content area you must contact the Massachusetts DESE for licensure and coursework requirements.
13. I’m a Fitchburg State alum and passed the MTEL as a student. Do you still have the scores on file?
Your MTELs should still be on file; however, it is recommended that you upload your scores to expedite the processing of your application.
Fitchburg State alumni do not need to request official transcripts as the Admissions Office can pull this information.
14. Do I need to take the GRE or MAT?
No, the GRE or MAT is not required for an application to the M.Ed. in Middle School Education Initial Licensure program.
*Information based on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure® (MTEL)
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