Early Childhood Education Licensure Major
Liberal Studies (Education), B.A.
(Licensure: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
The licensure program in Elementary Education consists of a liberal studies major combined with appropriate education courses. Students are required to take the Bay Path University core, a liberal studies core, and an elementary education core.
This program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students earn an initial teaching license in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Elementary Education license qualifies for reciprocity with states that participate in the Interstate Agreement and endorse similar licensure. This allows Bay Path University education graduates to teach in states other than Massachusetts.
Accreditation: The Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education Programs are fully approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for initial licensure.
The Education Programs at Bay Path University prepare students to be teachers and leaders in the elementary schools and/or the private preschool sector. Students prepare for licensure granted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (early childhood education students only). The goals of the Education Program are to ensure that our graduates are of excellent academic caliber and become exemplary teachers.
The Education Programs have a strong liberal arts base as their foundation. This foundation provides the student with in-depth knowledge of the academic disciplines necessary for successful teaching.
Education students are given ample opportunity to participate in classrooms as part of teacher training. Public schools within the city of Springfield and surrounding communities, private preschools and childcare centers, all support and enrich the Education Programs.
Licensure Programs: Liberal Studies/Early Childhood Education
Both Education Programs, when combined with the liberal studies major, lead toward initial licensure as a public school teacher with the Massachusetts Department of Education and, subsequently, with other states that negotiate through the Interstate Agreement. The liberal arts major helps prepare the student in subjects that they will teach, including English, history, mathematics, science, government, and geography. In addition to electing liberal arts courses, the student elects a sequence of education courses that prepares her to teach using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. In her last year of study, the student enters the senior year experience in Education which consists of two intensive field experiences: pre-practicum and practicum (student teaching).
Admissions Requirements for Early Childhood Education
The admissions process into the Education Programs at Bay Path University is rigorous. Admission to the University does not guarantee continuance or entry into upper-level education courses (courses numbered 300-400). The student is encouraged to meet with their educator coach periodically to review progress toward meeting the specific requirements for their program of choice. It is the student’s responsibility to meet all of their program requirements in a timely manner.
Education Program Requirements
In addition to meeting all Bay Path University requirements, students who wish to pursue a career in Education must meet the following Education Program requirements:
- The student must major in Liberal Studies.
- The student is expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better prior to entering the senior year pre-practicum and practicum.
- The student must pass the Communication and Literacy Exam of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). It is recommended that students pass this exam in the second year of study or before completion of 60 credits. The student is considered enrolled in the Education Program when they pass the Communication and Literacy Exam.
- In order to enroll in Pre-Practicum (EDU 441P Early Childhood Pre-Practicum or EDU 441Q Elementary Education Pre-Practicum) and Practicum with Seminar (EDU 497 Early Childhood Practicum or EDU 499 Elementary Education Practicum), the student must pass either the Early Childhood or General Curriculum Exam and the Foundations of Reading Exam of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). It is recommended that students pass these exams in the third year of study or before completion of 90 credits.
- A student who does not meet the criteria but who seeks licensure must meet with their education coach to plan a course of action. This plan may include re-taking courses and meeting with the Director of the Academic Development Center to better utilize available support services.
- Education Program requirements are subject to modification due to changes as stipulated by Bay Path University and/or recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- As of July 1, 2014, each student in a licensure program will be required to complete EDU 348 Reading and Language for English Language Learners (or its equivalent) in order to seek licensure. This course will be completed as a co-requisite with the pre-practicum and practicum, unless the student is given permission by the Director to take the course ahead of the practicum experience.
Education Program Requirements for Transfer Students
- To be considered for transfer into the Education Program at Bay Path University, a student must transfer a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- The transfer student must pass the Communication and Literacy Exam (MTEL) prior to entering Bay Path University or prior to completing 60 college credits. The transfer student is considered enrolled in the Education Program when they pass the Communication and Literacy Exam.
- All Education Program requirements at the 100-200 level must be completed prior to entering any courses numbered 300 or above. This may extend the time it takes to complete the Liberal Studies/Education Program and earn the baccalaureate degree. The transfer student must develop a plan for course selection and sequencing with their educator coach.
- The transfer student is expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better prior to entering the senior year pre-practicum and practicum.
- In order to enroll in Pre-Practicum (EDU 441P Early Childhood Pre-Practicum or EDU 441Q Elementary Education Pre-Practicum) and Practicum with Seminar (EDU 497 Early Childhood Practicum or EDU 499 Elementary Education Practicum), the student must pass either the Early Childhood or General Curriculum Exam and the Foundations of Reading Exam of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). It is recommended that students pass these exams in the third year of study or before completion of 90 credits.
- A student who does not meet the criteria but who seeks licensure must meet with their advisor/educator coach to plan a course of action. This plan may include re-taking courses and better utilization of support services.
- Education Program requirements are subject to modification due to changes as stipulated by Bay Path University and/or recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- As of July 1, 2014, each student in a licensure program will be required to complete EDU 348 Reading and Language for English Language Learners (or its equivalent) in order to seek licensure. This course will be completed as a co-requisite with the pre-practicum and practicum, unless the student is given permission by the Director to take the course ahead of the practicum experience.
Retention in the Education Program
- The student is expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better prior to entering the senior year pre-practicum and practicum.
- The student must pass the Communication and Literacy component of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in order to enter specified education courses numbered 300 or above. For specifics, refer to the course descriptions in the Bay Path University Undergraduate Catalog.
- In order to qualify for pre-practicum and practicum in the senior year, the student must pass all three exams that comprise the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
Early Field Experiences
Many of the education courses have early field experiences integrated into the courses. These opportunities allow the student to spend time in classrooms working with teachers and children. Successful completion of early field experiences can affect course grades and is a requirement for continuance in the Education Program.
Pre-Practicum
Prior to student teaching (practicum), a student must complete a supervised pre-practicum in a public elementary school. Pre-practicum is a field-based experience, is preparatory for student teaching, and is part of the senior year experience. 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 be in good standing at the University, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the pre-practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor.
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 University, 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.
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 Candidate Assessment of Performance developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The student’s performance on this instrument is evaluated primarily by the supervising practitioner (teacher) in cooperation with the program supervisor from the University.
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Effective as of February 21, 1998, candidates applying for a teaching credential 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 University 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 they feel they are warranted. Decisions on alternative testing arrangements are made by the MTEL, not Bay Path University.
Post-Baccalaureate Degree Admission
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education Programs at Bay Path University are undergraduate degree programs. A student holding a Bachelor of Arts degree who seeks initial licensure is advised to pursue an appropriate master’s degree in the field.
Teaching in States Outside of Massachusetts
The Education Licensure Programs at Bay Path University are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. When a student graduates and earns Massachusetts licensure, they can use her teaching credential to apply for licensure in other states, as determined through NASDTEC, the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. NASDTEC facilitates the movement of professional educators from state to state. In order to qualify for a teaching license in the state of choice, the candidate will have to pass all exams as required for licensure by that state.
Title II of the Higher Education Act
Title II (Section 207 of the Higher Education Act) requires that institutions with teacher preparation programs that enroll students receiving federal financial assistance prepare annual reports on teacher preparation and licensing. The full report is distributed with admissions materials and is also available upon request.
Bay Path University pass rates are based on the 2021-2022 cohort of students who completed their licensure requirements during that year. These students are designated as program completers:
- Number of Program Completers = 39
- Pass Rate on the MTEL = 100%
Degree requirements for the Early Childhood Education Licensure major are as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | ||
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| BUS 204 | Financial Wellness | 1 |
| ENG 114 | Critical Reading and Response | 3 |
| ENG 124 | Research and Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| ENG 134 | Literary Genres | 3 |
| Humanities Electives | 6 | |
| MAT 161 | Numbers and Operations | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 205 | Child Development | 3 |
| Science Electives (lab required) | 7 | |
| WEL 100 | Empowered as Learners and Leaders | 3 |
| or WEL 220 | Empowered as Learners and Leaders | |
| WEL 350 | Strategies for Career and Personal Growth | 2 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| EDU 110 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDU 211 | Methods and Approaches in Teaching Children I | 3 |
| EDU 212 | Methods and Approaches in Teaching Children II | 3 |
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| EDU 300 | Reading and Early Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 323 | Reading and Language Arts for Elementary School | 3 |
| EDU 330 | Fundamentals of Instruction and Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDU 348 | Reading and Language for English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 350 | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| EDU 441P | Early Childhood Pre-Practicum | 1 |
| EDU 490 | Pre-Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| EDU 491 | Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| EDU 497 | Early Childhood Practicum | 12 |
| ENG 210 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ENG 221 | American Literature | 3 |
| ENG 311 | World Literature | 3 |
| GEO 102 | Introduction to Geography | 3 |
| GOV 100 | American Government | 3 |
| HIS 114 | The United States to 1877 | 3 |
| HIS 115 | The United States Since 1877 | 3 |
| HIS 202 | Global History to 1500 | 3 |
| HIS 203 | Global History since 1500 | 3 |
| MAT 162 | Functions and Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 163 | Geometry and Statistics | 3 |
| General Electives | ||
| General Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits Required | 120 | |