FAQs: Elementary Education

» What’s the difference between a practicum (student teaching) and a pre-practicum?
» Can I do the practicum where I work?
» What grades will I be eligible to teach?
» Do I get to go into a classroom my first year?
» What is the MTEL?

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Q: What’s the difference between a practicum (student teaching) and a pre-practicum?

In conjunction with the lecture portion of a course on campus, students complete a 40 hour pre-practicum in a local elementary school. A practicum is a 300 hour supervised classroom field placement. Students will have the opportunity to have field placements in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Q: Can I do the practicum where I work?

If you work in an inclusive elementary classroom with a teacher who has a professional license, there is a strong possibility that you will be able to do your practicum where you teach. However, this determination will be made by your school/district, not the college.

Q: What grades will I be eligible to teach?

If your license is elementary education, you will be eligible to teach grades 1 to 6. If your license is early childhood, you will be eligible to teach pre-K to grade 2.

Q: Do I get to go into a classroom my first year?

Yes. You will be enrolled in EDUC-1003 Principles of American Education. Students in the course will spend 20 hours in a preschool classroom.

Q: What is the MTEL?

The Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required of all students who desire a license to teach in Massachusetts. More information about the MTEL can be found at the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website at doe.mass.edu.