Education
The Elementary Education Program, when combined with the liberal studies major, lead toward initial licensure as a public school teacher, grades 1 through 6, with the Massachusetts Department of Education and, subsequently, with other states that negotiate through the Interstate Agreement. You build critical teaching skills and strategies, and develop a strong foundation in the academic disciplines, which provides a basis for excellence in teaching. Our faculty prepares you to teach all the subjects required of an elementary school teacher including: geography, U.S. history, government, math, science, reading and language arts, English, art and music. Complementing these subject areas, you take courses in child development, special education, reading, and curriculum development. Most important, your professors work with you individually to build your unique teaching style through student practicums and teaching.
Practicum (Student Teaching):
Practicum is a field-based experience in a public elementary school, supervised jointly by a public school teacher and college supervisor. Practicum is part of the senior year experience and is a full-time commitment. Practicum hours are earned over a 12-week period; students must complete a minimum of 300 hours. Placement is done in conjunction with the Education Department, public school, and central office of a school district. In order to qualify for a placement, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, must pass all required MTEL exams, must have successfully completed pre-practicum, must be in good standing at the College, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor. It is recommended that Bay Path students do not take courses or hold employment during the practicum semester.
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Effective as of February 21, 1998, candidates applying for their first teaching credential (initial licensure) will be required to pass The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). The purpose of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is to help ensure that a licensed educator has the knowledge and skills essential to teach in Massachusetts public schools. Bay Path education students must pass the entire MTEL prior to entering the senior year.
Massachusetts regulations for initial licensure in Early Childhood and Elementary Education require candidates to pass three exams:
- Communication and Literacy (a test of reading and writing),
- A subject test in either Early Childhood Education or General Curriculum,
- Foundations of Reading (a test on the subject of reading).
Students who wish to become certified in states outside of Massachusetts must also pass any additional examinations given by that state.
It is the student’s responsibility to register for the tests and to be aware of registration deadlines and rules of test participation. Students must designate Bay Path College as the institution of higher education to receive the score report. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all necessary documentation for alternative testing arrangements should she feel they are warranted. Decisions on alternative testing arrangements are made by the MTEL, not Bay Path College.
Exit from the Education Program:
To exit from the Education Program and be considered a program completer, the student must successfully complete all paper and performance requirements as stipulated by the Education Department. As part of completion of practicum requirements, the student must demonstrate teaching competency through successful completion of a Preservice Performance Assessment developed by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The student’s performance on this instrument is evaluated primarily by the supervising practitioner (teacher) in cooperation with the program supervisor from the College.
