Program Director, Graduate Teacher Education Program: Marie Galinski, Ed.D.
Director, Competency-Based Education Program (CBE): Stacey Klasnick, M.Ed.
The School of Education & Social Policy offers multiple Teacher Education Programs (TEP) that have been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Interstate Certification Compact of the National Association of State Directors of Teachers Education.
Students are able to receive reciprocal teaching licenses in more than 45 states. Please refer to the DESE website and each state’s requirements for exact terms of reciprocity.
The Teacher Education Program prepares students to earn initial licensure in select areas. The program is delivered in several different formats, and applicants must choose a format upon application to the program.
On Campus:
- Full-time through the Teacher Education Fellowship program, which offers a full-tuition fellowship
- Full-time or part-time as a traditional student, working closely with an academic advisor to plan your program of study and timeline to completion
Online:
- Full- or part-time through the competency-based education (CBE) model
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Education program options:
- Early Childhood Education (PreK-2), with initial license
- Elementary Education (1-6), with initial license
- Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8), with initial license
- English as a Second Language (PreK-6), with initial license
- Middle School Education (5-8), with initial license
- High School Education (8-12), with initial license
- Curriculum & Instruction, non-license
Merrimack College also offers non-degree options for those students who do not want, or need, a master’s degree but desire an additional initial license. Candidates must currently possess an active initial or professional license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. License-only options are available in both the on-campus and online formats.
- English as a Second Language (PreK-6) additional license
- Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) additional license
What is CBE?
For those students who desire more flexibility, Merrimack College offers a competency- based M.Ed. program in teacher education. This competency-based education (CBE) format program combines 100% online courses with immersion events and in-classroom practicum close to home. Students progress at their own pace through the courses, through learning materials and assessments designed to ensure mastery of skills required for teaching excellence and valued by employers.
Merrimack complies with individual U.S. state regulations before enrolling students in our online degree programs who reside outside of Massachusetts.
In all formats (on-campus or online) the master of education in teacher education is a 36-credit program.
Admission Requirements
- Merrimack College application
- Official copy of all college transcripts, including any graduate courses completed at another institution.
- Current resume
- Personal statement (500-1000 words) that answers the question, “What is your interest in pursuing a career in PreK-12 education in Massachusetts, and what have you done to prepare for this career?”
- Two letters of recommendation from a professional or academic reference. Letters should speak to your capacity for completing a graduate program, and interest in pursuing a career in education. References from education related organizations and/or experience are highly recommended, and should be from separate organizations. Letters should be on professional letterhead, signed by the recommender, and in PDF format.
- Copy of current teaching license, if applicable.
Evidence of passing the Communications & Literacy (01) MTEL is highly recommended.
Candidates who indicate they possess a current teaching license, MUST provide evidence of the license upon application. Applications without this information, will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until a copy of the license is provided to the Graduate Admission office.
Candidates with a teaching license from another state will be considered for admission, however, additional steps may need to occur in order to reciprocate the current teaching license to Massachusetts. The student will be advised of the license requirements for Massachusetts upon matriculation and in consultation with their advisor.
Matriculation in a License Concentration
Applications to the teacher education licensure program are reviewed at two levels:
- Academic ability to succeed in the master of education (M.Ed.) program
- Eligibility for acceptance into a license concentration based on undergraduate course work.
If the Communications & Literacy MTELs have not been passed upon application to the program, student will be assigned to the Curriculum & Instruction concentration. When the student has successfully passed the Communications & Literacy MT, they will be matriculated into their licensure concentration.
*Please note: Students accepted into the Curriculum & Instruction non-licensure concentration will still enroll in courses that are applicable to their intended license, as well as the master’s degree. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor as soon as possible to outline their academic program, as well as a timeline for completion of the MTELs.
Re-admission to the teacher education graduate program
A student who has withdrawn from Merrimack College and the Graduate Education program in good standing may re-apply to complete their program. However, the completed coursework will be reevaluated based on current DESE subject-matter and professional standards, and the student may be required to complete additional coursework to satisfy the requirements for initial licensure.
** If the student re-applies to the program for a different concentration, the application will be reviewed based on the current licensing standards.
Upon re-enrollment in the program, the student will be assigned an academic advisor (new, if necessary) and must meet with their advisor before registering for classes. The student and their advisor will develop an academic plan to guide the student toward completion of the program.
Please refer to the Graduate Academic Policy for additional information about re-applying to the graduate program.
Program Requirements for each license program are listed below.
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