Education Department

Come take an education department tour this spring. Register now for our March 21, or April 25, 12:30 p.m. tour.
Student teachers in a classroom at McKay

Become an active, contributing citizen in a global society as we prepare you to shape tomorrow's minds. 

We offer a variety of specialized teacher education area programs including Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Special Education and Educational Studies.

Our curriculum is only one of seven of the sixty colleges or universities in Massachusetts that have earned recognition by some of the largest professional organizations of educators for children and youth that promote excellence in the content of teacher preparation programs.

Majors and Concentrations

Early Childhood Education (PreK-2)

Pursue an initial teacher licensure as an early childhood teacher of students with and without disabilities (PreK-2).

Elementary Education (1-6)

Pursue initial teacher licensure (grades 1-6) by completing an elementary education major and a second major in interdisciplinary studies (IDIS).   

Early Education and Care (Non-licensure)

Develop skills and competencies to foster the growth and development of young children, infancy to 8 years.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)

Pursue initial teacher licensure as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities (PreK-8) and as a teacher of elementary students (1-6) by completing a special education major and a second major in interdisciplinary studies (IDIS).

Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All levels)

Pursue initial teacher licensure as a teacher of students with severe disabilities (all levels) by completing a special education major and a second major in interdisciplinary studies (IDIS).

Educational Studies

For people interested in working with children and families, but don't plan to become a licensed teacher.


Teaching on an emergency license?

If you're currently teaching on an emergency license and would like to connect with an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about your options for earning your initial teaching license and master's degree, as well as MTEL workshops Fitchburg State offers, please fill out this brief form:

Request Information


Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)


Graduate Degrees


Graduate Certificates


Minors


Accreditation

Fitchburg State University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The programs listed here have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2030. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Approvals

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification


Course Rotation, Plan of Study, and University Catalog


Meet Our Faculty

Education Faculty


Facilities

One of the more impressive facilities at the University is the McKay School. This school, located right on the campus, provides students in teacher preparation programs access to classrooms where they can observe and teach. Without leaving the campus, teacher candidates can combine what they are learning in their courses with what occurs in public school classrooms and, thus, enhance their understanding of educational theory and practice.

The Education Department offers state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms. All classrooms are equipped with computer technology and have been recently renovated. Our teacher candidates enjoy small class sizes and learn in inviting, comfortable classrooms.

Licensure Information and Other Opportunities

Education Unit and Educator Licensure Office

Find practicum dates as well as more information about our licensure office. 

Beyond the Classroom

Find out more about the education honor society, professional organizations, student teaching, and student support available to you. 

Questions? Get in touch!