Education Department

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

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. Fitchburg State University is working toward accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards with an anticipated quality assurance review in Fall 2023.

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

Education Unit and Educator Licensure Office

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

Beyond the Classroom

Field Experience

We're proud of the success our graduates find and it's the strong regional network of pre-practicum, and practicum (student teaching) sites that prepares them for their career. 
Read more about: Field Experience

Education Club

Club meetings are informal with lots of time to chat, meet friends, plan events, and learn instructional techniques and activities for the classroom.
Read more about: Education Club

KAPPA DELTA PI

We're proud to have a chapter of the education international honor society right here on campus. A great way to get involved, make friends and prepare for your career. 
Read more about: KAPPA DELTA PI

Student Support

In addition to broader university support services, we've prepared a list of some more commonly requested information.
Read more about: Student Support

Questions? Get in touch!