Educators, if you missed our webinar, no worries. We've got you covered! Here's the video of the recorded webinar and a list of all the questions asked. And if you still have questions, just click on the "Speak to an advisor" button at the end of this post and get all of your questions answered.
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 once a year in the fall semester. The rest of the A Block courses may be taken in any order.
Starting in any other semester than fall may lengthen the program duration.
Fall course registration opens Wednesday July 2, 2018.
2. What is the application deadline?
While Fitchburg State offers rolling admission, students should aim to complete their application by July 15, 2018 to allow proper time for processing.
Students who attended today’s webinar should submit an application online 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 Initial Licensure programs.
4. Can I work while enrolled in this program?
Yes, this program offers a flexible schedule with online courses, and limited Saturday hybrid meetings. Students should be aware that pre-practicum and practicum hours are completed during the week throughout the program, when public schools are in session.
5. What is required for the pre-practicum fieldwork requirement?
The pre-practicum fieldwork requires you to be working in a classroom, preferably public 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.
6. What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who take classes in a specific order together. This model allows students to get to know each other and to support each other as they study and work. A cohort model guides students through the plan of study by taking each course in a specific order.
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)
8. How can I prepare for the MTELs?
The MTEL® website offers a library of free and reduced price preparation materials.
9. 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.
10. Where do courses meet for the Saturday hybrid meetings?
Courses that include a face-to-face component will take place at the main Fitchburg State campus.
11. Are the on-campus classes always offered on Saturdays, or will there be times that they take place on different days?
Most of the hybrid meetings in the initial licensure, non-licensure and professional licensure programs will take place on Saturday at the main Fitchburg State campus. Some courses, such as EDUC 7096 Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement and Supervised Practicum will have a different format.
12. How can I finance my graduate education?
Fitchburg State has several financing options including a payment plan for fall and spring courses, scholarships and graduate assistantships including positions in the Education Department. Visit our Financing Your Graduate Education website for more information.
13. How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for financial aid submit the FAFSA application. Our school code is 002184. You must be admitted into a degree program to be awarded financial aid.
14. Can I start the application if I’m missing documents such as the MTEL?
Yes, you may start an application at any time and submit documents as they become available to you. Fitchburg State alum do not need to submit a transcript, we can pull that information for you.
15. Do my MTEL scores expire?
No, MTEL scores are good forever*
16. Do these courses 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 complete Block B courses before registering for Block C courses.
17. What is considered a “closely related field” when being considered for admission into the program?
- History: Humanities, Political Science, Philosophy
- General Science: Biology
- Mathematics: Business or Accounting
- English: Literature
Regardless, 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.
18. How will I know if my application is complete?Once you submit an application online, you may check the status through the application portal. We recommend you check the status once or twice a week as documents take one to three business days to process once received.
19. Do letters of recommendation have to be uploaded or can they be mailed?
When you complete the online application you’ll provide the name and contact information for three references. Fitchburg State Admissions will contact those references to have them complete an online or electronic recommendation.
20. What is the essay topic for the application?
An essay, no more than one page in length, in response to one of the following questions:
- Tell us about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
- What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
- Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping mode.
i. Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
ii. What did you do in that particular situation?
iii. How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
iv. How do you feel about the situation now?
v. What would you change, if anything?
21. How does online learning work?
Many online courses are asynchronous, meaning that you don’t have to log in on a certain day or time as long as you’re meeting the daily and weekly goals set by your instructor. Students should expect at least one hour of instructor for every credit hour earned, and two hours of assignments for every one hour of instruction. This means students should expect a commitment of at least nine hours per week per course. Log in at any time to try an online demo course.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Students applying to the M.Ed. in Middle School Education program should submit two professional references from someone who works in the field and one academic reference. This can include a supervisor or school principal. Check out our blog for the 5 people you should ask for recommendations.
26. How will I know if my application is complete?
Once you submit an application online you may check the status through the application portal. We recommend you check the status once or twice a week as documents take one to three business days to process once received.
27. I’m a veteran, who can I contact with questions about benefits and payments?
Visit our website for a list of helpful resources, including contact information for the veteran’s certifying official.
28. I’m an International student, can I study in this program?
At this time, the program isn’t available to International students seeking the F1 student visa as the online/hybrid format of the program doesn’t meet the standards defined by Sevis.
*Information based on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure® (MTEL)
