Education Component Requirements

You will be a biology major taking a structured education program that leads to licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a biology teacher, grades 8 through 12. All of Bay Path College’s education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The teaching credentials you earn will comply with NASDTEC’s Interstate Contract which facilitates equivalency between participating states.

You must complete coursework, pre-practica experiences, a full practicum (student teaching), and must pass the MTEL before the senior year. The MTEL consists of 2 exams:

• Communication & Literacy Skills Test
• Subject Test in Biology

Detailed Education Requirements

All Bay Path students seeking licensure must comply to the following:

• Students must hold a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 (B-) or better prior to entering senior year pre-practicum (EDU 441R) and practicum (EDU 493 – student teaching).
• Students must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to senior year pre-practicum and practicum. There are two required tests: a test of Communication & Literacy and a subject test in Biology. It is the student’s responsibility to register for the tests and to be aware of registration deadlines and rules of test participation.
• The student must achieve a passing score on the Communication and Literacy component of the MTEL prior to senior year pre-practicum and practicum.
• This is a test of basic college-level reading and writing and should be attempted during the second or third semester at Bay Path College.
• The student must achieve a passing score on the MTEL Biology subject test prior to senior year pre-practicum and practicum. This test should be attempted during the first semester of the junior year. For a September placement, the May test administration is the last one that will be considered.
• Because of the lateness of the May score report date (mid June), September placement is NOT guaranteed. For a January placement, the September test administration is the last one that will be considered.
• A student will be eligible for a pre-practicum and practicum placement only when she has passed all two of the required components of the MTEL, holds a 2.67 cumulative grade point average, and has completed all education courses at the 100-300 level. A student will NOT be admitted to practicum if she has 9 or more outstanding college credits to complete.

Observations and/or small field experiences during weekdays are required in all education courses at the 100-300 level. Scheduling and transportation are the student’s responsibility. Practicum is a full-time assignment and no part-time day jobs are possible during this time period. Even part-time positions during evenings and weekends are not advised. Students must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) and any other requirements as mandated by a school district prior to all required field experiences.