Education Department

One of the more impressive facilities at the University is the McKay Arts Academy, a PreK-8 Innovation 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.

We have also earned distinction from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation CAEP/NCATE. We are most proud that our high quality programs have met their rigorous national standards and that our programs and teacher candidates can be favorably compared nationwide.

As a pre-service teacher candidate, you will also have numerous opportunities to work in a variety of real-life settings including  the Fitchburg Arts Academy. Our local public schools and varied community childcare centers will provide you additional enrichment opportunities. We believe these specially designed yearlong field experiences will better prepare you for the realities of your teaching career.

All teacher education candidates in the Education Department who will be endorsed for licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education carry a double major. They complete academic requirements in a liberal arts and sciences major, titled Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS) and those of their education major. In addition to the dual major, students choose a minor to complete in English, mathematics, history, or social sciences. Teacher candidates begin their education courses and fieldwork in their freshman year and student-teach in their senior year.