Education Department

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.

Classroom of students looking at board raising their hands

Early Childhood Education (PreK-2)

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

First grade teacher talking to students in front of classroom

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).

A student in the special education severe disabilities concentration

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.

Middle School Education General Science (5-8) Initial Licensure

Combines core courses in general science, 5-12 education, and licensure specific coursework with multiple field-based experiences in middle school settings.

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:

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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 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.