Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education Licensure
Please note: Admission to these programs has been suspended.
Description
Our programs in elementary education are grounded in the principles of inclusion—that all individuals can learn and have the right to do so in a classroom within their own community and with learners their own age.
With a focus on cultivating teachers who will serve as powerful advocates for their future students, we employ recent scholarship to ensure that our students become expert in the philosophy and bases of inclusive practice and that they are able to recognize and implement excellent programming in their own classrooms. We emphasize teaching practice, and students obtain pre-practicum experiences in a variety of settings throughout the program.
Our candidates take courses to strengthen their fluency in subject matter knowledge so they will be able to offer access to curricular content to all learners. Methods courses incorporate instruction in a variety of learning styles in reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Our students also study the cultural and historical foundation of the American school and developmental psychology as applied to learning and teaching strategies.
Candidates have a choice between two tracks for practicum. Some opt for our year-long internship program so they can experience the entire school year. Others, often those with more experience in schools already, choose to do a stand-alone, single-semester practicum, usually in the spring semester. See below for more information on these two options.
Upon successful completion of the program, the Simmons University Program in Education will endorse students for their Elementary Education 1-6 license.
Learning Outcomes
Simmons University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education Licensure program addresses the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s standards for Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards for Teachers.
Requirements for Entry into the Program
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A grade point average of B (3.0) or higher is preferred. A passing MTEL score for an MTEL in Communications/Literacy or General Curriculum is required. Applicants interview with a faculty member to make certain that the program is a good fit.
Licensure
The Simmons University Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education Licensure program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for endorsement in Elementary License for grades 1-6. Teacher candidates prepared at Simmons University may take advantage of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which allows teachers to earn an equivalent license in another state or the District of Columbia pending completion of any state-specific prerequisites for the license in that jurisdiction.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in Teaching and Initial Licensure with practicum (36-credit program)
In this program, students complete 36 credits of coursework and participate in a semester-long, full-time practicum. Students can expect to complete this program in 16 months of full-time study. Simmons University also offers Teaching/Liberal Arts dual degree programs leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching plus a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature, Gender/Cultural Studies, or History; interested candidates should inquire directly with Graduate Studies Admissions.
Master of Arts in Teaching and Initial Licensure with full-year internship (42-credit program)
In this program, students complete 42 credits of coursework and participate in a year-long, full-time internship. Depending upon the start date, students can expect to complete this program in 16-20 months of full-time study. Some partnering schools and districts provide a stipend for Simmons University teaching interns.