Elementary Education
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Admissions Contact
Tessa Dowd Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Eileen Cyr The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions. |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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Foster Curiosity and Creativity.
The MEd in Elementary Education at Springfield College prepares educators for initial licensure as an elementary education teacher for grades 1-6. Through our program, which features pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, teachers will gain increased awareness of the social and emotional needs of elementary students and the principles for creating safe and effective schools. All students entering the program will be required to meet the subject matter knowledge requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
We believe that educators must not only be proficient in content knowledge and pedagogy; they also must be able to understand the complex social and emotional context of their learners. So, we focus on that in our program with a year-long residency in an elementary classroom, as well as courses that prepare educators to create learning environments that support the positive social and emotional development of children in their transition to adolescence.
Already working in the Springfield Public Schools? Apply for the S-Cubed program, a partnership between the Springfield Public Schools and Springfield College, and earn your degree for less!
How to Apply:
Education Requirements
- Each course has a field-based component (this is usually 15-20 hours a week in a school).
- A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, sciences, or an interdisciplinary major prior to admission is required.
- A transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
- Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.
- Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.
- Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
- Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
International Applicants
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
- Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.
The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.
International Students:
Fall
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
Spring
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1
Summer
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1
What job can I get with a degree in Elementary Education?
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help students learn and apply important concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills. For example, they may demonstrate how to do a science experiment and then have the students conduct the experiment themselves. They may have students work together to solve problems.
Elementary school typically goes from first through fifth or sixth grades. However, in some schools, elementary school continues through eighth grade.
Elementary school principals direct the overall operation of schools. They set and oversee academic goals and ensure that teachers have the equipment and resources to meet those goals. Principals may establish and supervise additional programs in their school, such as counseling, extracurricular activities, and before- and after-school childcare.
