Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 36
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 3.0
Chair, Education: Anne Gatling, Ph.D.
Director, Competency-Based Education Program (CBE): Stacey Klasnick, M.Ed.
The Winston 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) / 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.
- Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) additional license
- 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. *All field placements and a portion of EDU 5820 are conducted in person. Field placements must occur in Massachusetts, and are coordinated within a reasonable distance of the student’s permanent residence.
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.
Practicum Requirements
Candidates who indicate they possess a current teaching license, MUST provide evidence of the license upon application.
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.
Licensure candidate who wish to use their current full-time employment for practicum purposes, must receive approval from the Director of the Field Placement office.
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 Merrimack College 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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