Elementary Education Degrees in Massachusetts
There are lots of jobs you can pursue if you want to make a difference in society. Perhaps education is one of the most meaningful options to consider. Teachers have a major developmental impact on the children they work with, helping to shape their worldview and build their critical thinking skills. If you’ve always wondered if you’d be a good fit for elementary education, keep reading to learn more about earning a degree in elementary education.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Massachusetts
If you are naturally patient and you understand the value of education, you may be a huge asset to the field of teaching. Get more information on your training options now by contacting top elementary education programs in Massachusetts.
As the American population grows, the demand for highly trained educators is on the rise. In particular, many schools need teachers with specialized training in science and math. There have been several collaborations among Massachusetts schools, thanks to science and math grants that aim to help students succeed in these fields (The Recorder, 2017). In a Massachusetts teaching program, you may learn effective techniques for teaching all subject matters.
This is a great time to learn more about top elementary education programs and find out if you have what it takes to become a licensed teacher. Browse our list of accredited elementary education programs and request information from those that catch your eye.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Massachusetts
There are many high-quality teaching programs in Massachusetts, but everyone learns differently and has their own career goals. It’s important to take some time to compare different educational programs and decide which one is aligned with your learning style and long-term career goals. You may want to start by figuring out whether you’d like to earn an undergraduate degree or graduate degree.
Undergraduate teacher education programs are widely available in Massachusetts, since they’re the most popular choice for aspiring teachers. If you have an Associate’s degree or no postsecondary education, a Bachelor’s degree is the logical choice for you. Form start to finish, the average Bachelor’s degree program requires four years of study. During this time, you should earn no fewer than 120 credits. Depending on the Massachusetts school you attend, you may even be expected to earn more than 130 credits.
While you do need 120 credits to graduate, that doesn’t mean that you earn 120 credits in teaching courses. In fact, very few schools let you start out in the teaching program. Instead, you have to begin in general education courses. From there, you apply for acceptance to the teacher education program. If you meet minimum Praxis score requirements and GPA requirements, your program may accept you.
Elementary education is a rigorous and highly studied field, so you may have to follow a strict curriculum to graduate on time. Throughout your degree, you may be assigned to multiple classroom rotations. The more time you spend working with elementary students of different ages, the more well-prepared you may be for whichever position you take after graduation.
Although classroom experience is mandatory for teaching students, it isn’t the only way you prepare for the demands of a teaching career. Elementary education is heavily steeped in theory and research, so you have to understand why you use each technique. Your theory education may also show you how to adjust your teaching style to work with different students and meet their learning needs.
Elementary teachers in Massachusetts generally teach all academic subjects. There are effective teaching methods for each area of study. Plan on taking courses that show you how to teach social studies, mathematics, English, and science. You may specialize your training by taking additional coursework in the subjects that interest you, but you do typically need at least one course in each area.
All of the work you put into an undergraduate degree leads up to your student teaching semester. As a student teacher, you are assigned to one classroom at a local elementary school. You may have input as to which grade you teach, since you should have a preference at this point.
Elementary Education Course Options in Massachusetts
- Orientation to Education Programs
- Racial and Cultural Identities
- Elementary Mathematics
- Mathematics for Young Children
- Teaching Reading in PreK – 8 Classrooms
- Movement and Drama for Children
- Media Literacy for Children and Youth
- Foundations of Communication and Collaboration
- Children with Special Needs
- Elementary Curriculum Development
The other option for teaching students is a Master’s degree. Master’s programs aren’t offered at quite as many Massachusetts institutions. To attend a graduate program, you must already have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Your degree may be in education, mathematics, history, or a similar academic field. The average graduate elementary education program lasts two years and results in the completion of 30 to 40 credits.
Once you’ve made your way through your degree of choice, you need to earn your teaching license before you start working. All application paperwork is submitted to the Massachusetts Office of Educator Licensure. You have to provide proof of your degree and your classroom hours. You may then register to take the necessary Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
Everyone gets into teaching for their own reasons, and it’s important to be clear about your reasons before you get into an education program. Maybe you had a wonderful teacher who helped you believe in yourself and reach your full potential, or perhaps you have strong feelings about the future of education in Massachusetts. No matter what, it’s important to value research and evidence, since best teaching practice is always evolving in light of new research.
Don’t wait any longer to take the first step toward a teaching license in Massachusetts! Get more information on earning a teaching degree in Massachusetts today by contacting schools near you.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Massachusetts
Getting your first teaching job is a major accomplishment. Some students even reach this milestone before they officially graduate with their Bachelor’s degree. If you do well in your student teaching assignment and your host school is hiring, you may be offered a position. Note that job offers are contingent on you completing your degree and becoming licensed. If you don’t end up working at your student teaching site, there may be many other options to explore in Massachusetts.
A strong network can definitely make the job search easier. By building your reputation and getting your name out there, you may be able to hear about job openings before they go public. There are tons of ways to start developing your network, from student teaching organizations to networking events. Consider becoming active in professional organizations; the largest one in this state is the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
In Massachusetts, salaries tend to be significantly higher than national averages. They are in line with New England averages. Across the state, the mean income for an elementary school teacher is $74,470 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers may swell 5% (O*Net, 2017).
The future of teaching depends on people like you! If you’re ready to help Massachusetts students reach their potential, reach out to teacher education programs in Massachusetts today.
