Anna Maria College has a long and respected tradition of teacher preparation. The College’s programs are built on solid relationships with schools and educational personnel in Central Massachusetts. The Professional Development Schools, co-sponsored by the College and area schools, are considered models in the state. The College’s programs prepare students for initial teacher licensure, according to Massachusetts Department of Education guidelines. Teacher licensure preparation in Division III includes: Early Childhood Education: Teacher of Students with and without Disabilities (Pre-K–2) and Elementary (1–6). The initial license qualifies students to begin teaching in the state of Massachusetts, and is reciprocal with most other states under the Interstate Certification Compact. It should be noted that the initial teacher license is the second of three levels of licensure for Massachusetts schools. The Teacher Preparation programs are interwoven with strong liberal arts learning experiences. Students in Teacher Preparation programs are required to complete a liberal arts or sciences major to qualify for licensure. The liberal arts or sciences major for students in Early Childhood Education is usually Human Development and Human Services or, a student may select one of the following majors from Division I: English/Language Arts, History, Humanities, or Liberal Studies. The College collaborates with a number of area schools and educators in providing field based experiences for students in the Teacher Preparation programs. Students participate in a minimum of 80 hours of pre-practicum field experiences and a full-semester teaching practicum (student teaching). Field experiences provide opportunities for students in Teacher Preparation programs to learn from teachers in classroom settings and to apply what they have learned in course work to the development and education of children.

• A liberal arts or sciences major, or an interdisciplinary major in liberal arts and sciences.

• Courses that meet the Common Teaching Standards.

• A minimum of 80 hours of pre-practicum field experiences

• A 15-week practicum and concurrent seminar.

• Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy and the Subject Knowledge portions of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

• Evidence of sound moral character. Teacher Licensing Requirements for Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards require all students planning on applying for a Teacher License to participate in coursework as follows:

• Subject Matter Knowledge appropriate to the major course of study

• Teaching and Learning Methods Courses (combined with at least 80 hours of field work experience)

• Human Development

• Special Needs

• Technology

• Seminar

• Student Teaching Practicum (300 hours/15 weeks)

Students pursuing licensure in Early Childhood Education may major in one liberal arts or sciences area, or in an interdisciplinary program with a concentration in liberal arts or sciences. The usual major at Anna Maria College for Early Childhood licensure preparation is Human Development and Human Services. Students may also select from a major in Division I to include English/Language Arts, History, Humanities, or Liberal Studies.

For more information, please contact:
Christine L. Holmes, Ed.D.
Chair, Division of Human Development and Human Services
(508) 849-3418
cholmes@annamaria.edu