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Elementary Teacher (1-6, initial licensure)
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Grade Levels:
1-6
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Credits for Licensure:
32-35
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Credits:
30
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Degree:
Master of Education
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Program Approved:
Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education
Program Description
The Elementary Teacher (1-6, Initial Licensure) program is designed for students who plan to teach in public elementary schools or collaboratives. Graduates will be prepared with the specialized skills and knowledge to pursue initial licensure as elementary teachers, grades 1-6, in Massachusetts. The program leads to a Master of Education degree and is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Cambridge College Elementary Teacher Program Highlights
Prepare for rewarding careers teaching elementary school students. Grades 1-6 are among the most formative years in a young student’s education, and our program prepares you for the real-world demands of the elementary school classroom. Benefits of the Cambridge College master’s in elementary teaching include:
- Hands-on training. Take part in a 14-week supervised field experience and a supporting practicum seminar class (for students in Massachusetts seeking licensure) as part of your elementary teacher schooling.
- Flexible class options. Pursue your elementary teacher master’s degree while balancing time at work and home with convenient evening, weekend, and online course options designed for working professionals.
- Experienced faculty. Learn directly from scholar practitioners who bring extensive research experience and professional expertise to the classroom.
- Convenient location. Save time and money commuting to college. All Cambridge College classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free student parking throughout the year.
Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from 50+ countries and was recently ranked #7 for Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews.
Elementary Teacher Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the elementary teacher program are career ready, technologically savvy, and equipped to work with diverse students and advance social justice. Skills developed through the curriculum include:
- Using best practices for teaching students with diverse abilities and languages and scientifically based practices for teaching reading and mathematics.
- Applying inclusive practices to create a safe and collaborative learning environment that fosters positive socio-emotional development.
- Setting high expectations for elementary students, implementing well-structured lessons with measurable assessments of learning, and engaging in ongoing reflection on practice.
Elementary Teacher Jobs
Graduates who have completed the licensure option are able to apply for initial licensure and are qualified for employment in public schools and collaboratives, teaching elementary grades 1-6.
Elementary Teacher Salary
How much do elementary teachers make? Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for elementary teachers in Massachusetts is $76,590 per year. Keep in mind that your teaching salary will vary based on your experience and the region in which you work.
Example Elementary Teacher Courses
The Elementary Teacher master’s degree program at Cambridge College features classes such as:
- Classroom Management With Models of Teaching
- Integration of Children’s Literature in Early Childhood and Elementary Curriculum
- Common Core Math
Download the Elementary Teacher program sheet.
Elementary Teacher Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your elementary teaching master’s degree. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these Master of Education programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Please note: At Cambridge College locations outside of Massachusetts, this program is currently non-licensure only.
Students are required to enroll in this 0-credit course during the first semester of their program experience. Enrollment in this 0-credit course activates student access to the Tevera portfolio which facilities the tracking and storage of essential documents required for program completion.
Reflective practice is a process of self-evaluation and analysis that allows teachers to reflect on their teaching practices, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustment to their practice to better support student learning. In this 1-credit course, graduate students will learn to identify their own strengths and challenges, set goals for themselves and their students, evaluate curriculum materials, generate potential solutions to problems of practice, and explore tools and technology to support their reflective practice.
This course promotes collaboration between mathematics and special educators to improve instruction and outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. This course provides a structure for developing shared visions, common language, foundational knowledge of mathematics instruction, and the instructional needs of math students with disabilities. The Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks serve as a foundation for high quality core curriculum and instruction addressing conceptual understandings and practices that are an essential part of rigorous math expectations.
- Pass all teacher tests required by Massachusetts for this license: Communication & Literacy, General Curriculum, math sub-test, and Foundations of Reading (MTEL).
- SEI605 Sheltered English Immersion (3 credits) or Mass. ESE-endorsed course or SEI MTEL.
- Pass all required courses.
- Pre-Practicum — Successfully complete program-specific hours in diverse settings (0 credit)
- EDU704 Practicum Readiness (1 credit)
- Submit Practicum Application and Practicum Placement Approval Form.
This course is specifically designed to determine readiness for the practicum. It will assist the teacher candidate to develop his/her skills to be ready to assume the role of student teacher from the first day of practicum. Students will understand the requirements of CAP by engaging in and completing the forms for each of the "essentials" and completing their own goals. All of the Tevera components, other than the practicum documents, will be completed. MTELs will be completed. Those having difficulty with the MTELs will be directed for support. Fieldwork assignments will be required.
Licensure students only.
Guided and evaluated by a licensed/certified elementary teacher in the classroom and a Cambridge College elementary supervisor. Practicum locations are subject to ESE regulations and must be discussed with the program chair and approved by the pre-practicum/practicum coordinator.
Program Chair
Core Faculty
Senior Instructor
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits for Licensure:
32-35
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Credits:
30
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Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more