Reading Specialist, Initial, M.Ed.

M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities, a vision grounded in our department’s 5 foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Applicants for the M.Ed. initial licensure programs may be required to take additional courses and/or document professional experiences in the cognate area of the license, in addition to the courses required for the master’s degree to ensure completion of the Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) expectations.

Students who satisfactorily complete program requirements leading to a teaching license are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program requirements include completion of all coursework and other requirements for a master’s degree, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), a demonstrated ability to meet program dispositional standards, and successful completion of a practicum experience.

Advising for graduate students seeking an M.Ed. leading to an initial teaching license facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection.

Program Description

The Reading Specialist, Initial, M.Ed. program is designed for licensed teachers in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities who desire initial licensure as a Reading Specialist.

For candidates who have taught for three years in the area of their initial teaching license (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities), and who have met the other requirements listed in licensure regulations, it will also lead to professional licensure in the area of the first teaching license.

Applicants to this 33-credit hour program must have:

Initial or Professional (Standard) Massachusetts classroom teaching license in one of the areas notes above; and
One year of employment or equivalent in the role covered by the license.

See Admission requirements for graduate programs.

Program of Study

A. Prerequisite coursework or experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student’s previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student’s advisor.

Introductory course in special education
Introductory course in multicultural education
Introductory course in computer applications

B.Required courses (24 credits)

EDUC 0633 - Social Cultural Theories: Foundations of Education Credits: 3
* EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
EDUC 0601 - School Oral and Written Literary Practices Credits: 3
EDUC 0648 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades Prek-2 Credits: 3
EDUC 0650 - Issues and Problems in Reading: Advanced Seminar Credits: 3
EDUC 0656 - Diagnosis of and Intervention for Literacy Difficulties: Grades 3-12 Credits: 3
EDUC 0657 - Applying Linguistics to the Teaching of Literacy Credits: 3
EDUC 0662 - Contemporary and Historical Perspectives of Literacy Instruction Credits: 3

C. Elective Course - 3 Credits

(choose one with advisor’s approval from the list below) :

EDUC 0504 - Teaching Writing PreK-6 Credits: 3
EDUC 0505 - Literature and Language Arts Credits: 3

D. Practica - 6 Credits**

EDUC 0645 - Practicum I: Clinical Experiences in Reading Elementary Credits: 3 or
EDUC 0646 - Practicum I: Clinical Experiences in Reading Secondary Credits: 3
EDUC 0623 - Practicum II: Reading Teacher: Literacy Leader and Coach Credits: 3
*Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement should enroll in EDUC 635 and not EDUC 631.

** Seminar hours will be required in the practicum.

Additional Requirements

Required field placements must accommodate a range of characteristics including range of grade level and types of settings. Also teacher candidates must complete either one 30-hour pre-practicum placement or student teaching with students from diverse backgrounds.

Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter tests and have a GPA of 2.8 or greater before beginning the student teaching practicum. Although students may be allowed to apply for the practicum with a 2.8 GPA, a 3.0 GPA must be maintained to remain in the graduate program.

Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master’s program.

Students must satisfactorily complete program prerequisites as well as EDUC 0648 , EDUC 0656 , and EDUC 0657 before enrolling in Practicum I, and Practicum I is a prerequisite for Practicum II.