Choose the non-licensure option or pursue your initial licensure and prepare to have a fulfilling career teaching elementary school students with an Elementary Teacher Master's degree for grades 1-6.
Modality
Program Overview for Elementary Teacher (1-6) MEd
The Elementary Teacher (1-6, Initial Licensure or Non-Licensure) program is designed for students who plan to teach in public or private elementary schools or collaboratives.
Graduates will be prepared with the specialized skills and knowledge to teach grades 1-6 in Massachusetts. The program leads to a Master of Education (MEd) degree and is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Based out of our Boston campus, courses in this MEd program are taught in a hybrid format through scheduled remote (Zoom) and self-paced online classes.
Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes for Elementary Teacher MEd
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. Graduates of the Elementary Teacher MEd program are career-ready, technologically savvy and equipped to work with diverse students and locations. Skills developed through this curriculum include:
- Using best practices for teaching students with diverse abilities and languages and implementing scientifically based practices for teaching, reading and mathematics
- Applying inclusive methods 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
Why Choose Cambridge College for Your MEd
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.
- Licensure preparation: This program satisfies Massachusetts licensure requirements, based on current regulations. If you have any questions about the requirements, please speak to the program chair.
- Flexible, hybrid class options: Pursue your Elementary Teacher Master’s degree while balancing your work and home responsibilities. Courses are taught in a mix of scheduled remote (Zoom) sessions and self-paced online sessions to give you flexibility in class formats. The remote classes are held on evenings and weekends for the convenience of 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 offer free student parking throughout the year.
Elementary Teacher MEd Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course Options
The Elementary Teacher Master’s degree program at Cambridge College features classes such as:
- Inclusion and Behavior Management
- Teaching Literacy
- Common Core Math
Prospective graduate degree students for programs in the School of Education & Counseling must satisfy the following requirements plus any program-specific requirements your program may have.
- Complete and sign the online application.
- Pay the application fee. Pay your $50 ($100 for international students) application fee by the term start date.
- Send official transcripts. Maildirectly to Cambridge College in a sealed, unopened envelope. Learn How to Send Transcripts. Required degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities.
- Master's and most graduate certificate programs require an earned bachelor's degree.
- Post-master's certificates and CAGS require an earned master's degree.
- International transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved agency. See all international student requirements
- Send your résumé and work experience. Send your resume that details your education and work experience, including how they pertain to your career goals. If your SEC program has a work experience requirement, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Submit your personal statement. Write a 500-word, typed, double-spaced essay describing your professional experience, goals and objectives for graduate study. How do you expect your graduate studies to enhance your future career?
- Include two professional recommendations (not required for fully online programs). These should address your professional character and ability to perform graduate work. Download Applicant Recommendation Form
- Interview (required for some programs). If your program requires an interview, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Satisfy Health Insurance & Immunization requirements. (Massachusetts only). These are required only for graduate students taking six or more credits per term in Massachusetts through on-campus or hybrid classes. Health insurance may be waived.
Teacher Licensure Program Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, our Teacher Licensure Programs have these additional requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree with 3.0 or higher GPA.
- MA Educator Documentation from the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website. Keep copies of all documents submitted and, upon admission, post in your electronic portfolio:
- Massachusetts Educator Personnel ID (MEPID number)
- MTEL Communication & Literacy Test, successfully completed.
Required if completed:
- Massachusetts preliminary license, if held
- Sheltered English Instruction requirement
- Fingerprinting and Criminal Offender Record Information
Applicants who do not initially meet all requirements (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or MTEL) for admission into their chosen licensure program must enroll in the corresponding non-licensure degree option. Students who achieve a 3.0 GPA upon completion of the first three SEC courses, pass the MTELs, and now meet all requirements, may request a change of program.
Disclosures: For all Licensure Programs
- Licensure requirements are subject to change per Massachusetts regulations. All Cambridge College licensure programs are based on current regulations.
- All candidates admitted for licensure programs must successfully complete the program in its entirety.
- All requirements at the time of program completion must be finalized prior to seeking Massachusetts endorsement for licensure purposes.
- If you have any licensure questions, please speak to your program chair.
Careers in Elementary Teaching
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for elementary teachers in Massachusetts is $82,690* per year. The greater Boston metropolitan area is one of the top 10 cities with the highest employment levels for elementary school teachers.
Keep in mind that your teaching salary will vary based on your experience and the region in which you work.
$82,690
Mean annual salary for elementary teachers in Massachusetts*
9
Rank of Boston metro area in level of industry employment for elementary school teachers*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252021.htm (visited December 26, 2023).
Jobs in Elementary Teaching
Graduates who have completed the licensure option are able to apply for initial licensure and are qualified for employment in public and private schools and collaboratives, teaching elementary grades 1-6.
Faculty Spotlight
Janna Murphy
MEd
Faculty Member and Course Instructor
Janna Murphy is a literacy coach and has been in the education field for the past 20 years. Beginning her teaching career in the New York City Public Schools as a second grade teacher, Janna became fascinated by the world of literacy teaching and learning. After her first few years in the classroom, Janna enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Program at Bank Street College where she was able to work alongside many renowned experts and researchers of literacy learning. After completing this...
Christy A. Reynolds
EdD
Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Program Chair, Early Childhood Teacher and Elementary Teacher Programs
Dr. Christy Reynolds is the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs at Cambridge College. She chairs the Curriculum Committee and actively participates in the School of Education and Counseling’s Leadership Team. She has successfully supported the development of more than 30 courses for the Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of Moderate Disabilities, and School Nurse Education programs. Dr. Reynolds oversees program development, scheduling, recruitment, and retention efforts as the Program Chair...