Photo of a student working with a child in a classroom.

Elementary Education

The Collaborative Teacher Education Pathway (CTEP) has two options for students, each providing a small cohort allowing for mutual support and close relationships with faculty. Students learn best practices in education from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research. The coursework is rooted in the constructivist theory of knowledge and learning, which sees learning as an active, constructive process, multicultural and social justice education, and engaged problem solving and reflection. Students also complete an immersive urban and suburban/rural practicum, spending three full days in the classroom in the fall and five full days in the spring.

  • 4+1 program: The 4+1 option is designed for UMass undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing elementary licensure at the graduate level. This option allows potential students to apply to CTEP in their junior year and complete up to 9 credits of coursework toward their master's degree as an undergraduate.
  • 10-month M.Ed. program: The 10-month full-time program blends intensive academic study with carefully supervised field experiences. It is designed as a fifth year for students from other institutions or career changers.
1.4M+

kindergarten and elementary school teacher jobs (2021)

120K+

average number of job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers annually

Photo of a student in the Carney Family Auditorium

Social justice–based coursework

Elementary Education students take courses that address multicultural and social-justice education from a wide array of perspectives and theoretical lenses.

Photo of music teacher Shannon O'Leary in an elementary school classroom.

Hands-on experience

Elementary Education students complete an immersive urban and suburban/rural teaching placement. You'll spend three full days in the classroom in the Fall and five full days in the Spring.

Photo of undergraduate students working with children in Furcolo Hall.

Earn your bachelor's + master's degree in 5 years

Beginning your junior year, complete up to 9 credits toward your master's degree. 

Student teaching in classroom

Professionals changing careers

Many students come some experience with children in educational environments and demonstrate initiative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for learning, and respect for diversity of children and families in public schools.

 

Licensure

All Educator Licensure programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second Education to meet licensure requirements in the state of Massachusetts ONLY.  

Many US states are signatories to the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. This agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction, with possible additional requirements.

If you are seeking licensure in another state, here is a Teacher Licensure Agency Directory  for you to contact other states.