Our PreK-2 field-based licensure program provides a strong foundation in theoretical, pedagogical, and conceptual knowledge as well as the opportunity to apply that knowledge in public school settings. Our dedicated faculty prioritizes instructional techniques that promote anti-bias education and support equitable access to learning opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. We offer three field-based, initial licensure programs that lead to PreK-2 public school endorsements in Massachusetts:
- M.Ed. Early Childhood Initial License program is designed for those with a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related fields, career changers, and early childhood providers interested in PreK-2 public school teaching in Massachusetts. Successful completion of this program leads to a master’s degree and a PreK-2 public school endorsement.
- M.Ed. Early Childhood Initial Licensure program with a Special Education add-on license is designed for students who are interested in a PreK-2 license in both general and special education. Successful completion of this program leads to a master’s degree and PreK-2 public school endorsements in both general and special education.
Early Child Initial License only is designed for those who already hold a master’s degree and who have met the majority of the DESE PreK-2 requirements through previous coursework and professional development. Successful completion of this program leads to a PreK-2 public school endorsement.
Applicants for the M.Ed. Elementary Education - Initial License and Initial License Only - Elementary Education programs are exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
To be considered eligible, students must demonstrate a 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies. They must also submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
General Prerequisites
A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or at least 24 credits above the introductory level in arts and science courses, with at least 12 credits in one academic area
Satisfactory undergraduate transcripts
Admission Requirements
This licensure program is designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree and who are seeking a master’s degree and an initial license and/or training in early childhood education (PreK-2).
This program is exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT
Additional Admission Requirements:
To be considered eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2.75 GPA from undergraduate studies. They must also submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
End of program/licensure requirements:
To obtain an early childhood (PreK-2) Initial license in Massachusetts, teacher candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the required, program-specific MTELs listed below.
The Salem State School of Education policy requires teacher candidates to pass all the MTELs listed below prior to the student teaching practicum.
Communication and Literacy (01)
Foundations of Reading (190) (EDU 725 Foundations of Reading prepares you for taking this MTEL)
Early Childhood (02) or (72) beginning Summer 2022
Completion policy:
Complete the required coursework, full-time pre-practicum (300 hours), full-time practicum (300 hours), and benchmark program assessments throughout the program.
Variable Credits:
Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of degree credits in the program. The program will require a minimum of 30 credits to complete, but if a student has demonstrated that they have taken a course in a similar competency, they do not need to retake the corresponding course at Salem State University. In the event that a student has substantial demonstrated competencies that would cause them to need fewer than 30 credits of the required courses in the program, the student will take alternative courses in consultation with the Program Coordinator to attain the minimum required credits for graduation.
Return to: