Education

Sandra McElroy, Ed.D., Director

Pine Manor College provides students the opportunity to prepare for educational licensing in several areas. Students can pursue licensing in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K–2), Elementary Education (1–6), Secondary Level Biology (8–12), Secondary Level English (8–12), or Visual Arts (5–12).

The Teacher Licensure Program exemplifies the College’s commitment to both a broad liberal arts foundation and professional development. Since its inception, the program has required a liberal arts major in combination with numerous, intensive classroom teaching experiences in a variety of field placements, beginning with first-year field work and ending with full-semester student teaching in the senior year.

Students may satisfy the requirements for only one licensure area prior to graduation. As licensure is issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and not by Pine Manor College, all changes in state and federal regulations apply to all students currently enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program. Students who plan to enter the program are encouraged to meet with the Program Director prior to enrolling in any Education coursework. Students in all Education programs must pass all required Massachusetts Licensure Tests before enrolling in their senior year student teaching practicum. Students should refer to the Pine Manor Education Student Handbook for current policies and procedures regarding pre-practicums, testing requirements for specific licenses, and registration information, waiver policies, and student teaching assessments.

Students seeking licensure in English, Visual Arts, or Biology should do so in conjunction with a major in that area. These students should make their intention to seek teacher licensure known to both their advisor and the Director of the Teacher Licensure Program during their sophomore year. Students seeking licensure in Early Childhood Education major in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development. Students meet the standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Education for Teacher Licensure by satisfying the requirements of that major plus the specified courses in Educational Studies.

Students seeking licensure in Elementary Education may major in English or History. Licensing requirements are met by completing the specified Educational Studies courses and courses from across the curriculum. (many of those courses are also recommended to satisfy the College Breadth of Knowledge requirements).

Program data for the current year, as reported to the Massachusetts Department of Education, including summary data on MTEL scores and program completers, is available in the Education Student Handbook. Licensure is granted by the Massachusetts DOE, and is subject to state and federal regulatory changes.