Early Childhood Education Degrees in Massachusetts
The New England region is known for its dedication to education, so should come as no surprise that Massachusetts has an extremely strong early childhood education system. They were early adopters of initiatives and programs that were developed in response to research indicating that early education is the key to lower incarceration rates, higher incomes, and greater quality of life.
If it’s important to you to have a career that is meaningful and fulfilling, early education is an industry to explore.
Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Massachusetts
Early education covers a wide range of ages, from day care services provided to infants through third grade.
Discover how you can become a licensed teacher and teach different age levels by contacting early childhood education schools in Massachusetts.
The state of early education in Massachusetts is due in large part to the state’s investment in early childhood programs (Boston Globe, 2016). Massachusetts was the first state to create a department of early education that was entirely separate from other educational departments.
Legislators are now pushing to reform preschools, increase access to charter schools, and strengthen overall access to early education. They are also evaluating different quality improvement measures that may have an effect on student outcomes.
Don’t wait any longer to find out how to become an early childhood teacher.
Request information from Massachusetts schools to take the first step.
Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Massachusetts
The school you choose plays a big part in what you learn, how well you learn, and which classroom experiences you get. It’s important to compare a variety of options and speak with advisors before choosing a teaching program.
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you may be interested in earning a Master’s degree in early education. This path requires about two years of additional study. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to earn one in early education in just four years. Most programs require full-time enrollment, due to the demanding schedule of teaching courses.
Be prepared to meet strict admissions requirements before beginning your teaching classes. Most Massachusetts schools require a passing score on the Praxis I and a certain number of college credits. You must maintain a specific GPA while completing these college credits to get accepted to a teaching program.
As you transition into teaching coursework, you may split your time between lecture courses and classroom experience. The earlier and more frequently you get experience in Massachusetts classrooms, the more comfortable you may be when you start working independently after graduation. In the field of early childhood education, Massachusetts programs focus on child development, teaching research, learning styles, and teaching methods that fit each stage of development.
Coursework Options at Massachusetts Schools
- Early Childhood Education Today
- Young Children, Learning, and Special Needs
- Emergent Literacy
- Science in Early Childhood Education
- Mathematics in Early Childhood Education
- Language Arts and Literacy in the Primary Grades
- Assessment and Adjustment to Practice in Early Childhood Education
- Classroom Management and Child Guidance Techniques
- Developmental Psychology
Since teachers are in such high demand throughout the country, there are dozens of scholarship programs for those who specialize in early education. In the state of Massachusetts, you may apply for the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program. This program is managed by the state government, so it takes into account financial need and academic success.
If you are excited to explore the opportunities in this field, early childhood education schools are ready to help you get started.
Use the list of programs below to request more information.
Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, all licensure of teachers goes through the Massachusetts Office of Educator Licensure. They have a set of licensing exams that diverges from what most other states use. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure examine your knowledge of child development, your application of teaching research, and your ability to manage a classroom.
The teaching industry is expected to remain stable in Massachusetts for some time. O*Net anticipates a 5% increase in preschool teaching jobs by 2024 and a 6% boost in elementary teaching jobs during the same timeframe (2016). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $36,090 for Massachusetts preschool teachers (2016). Those who work as elementary school teachers claim an average income of $71,390 per year (BLS, 2016).
The first year of teaching can be a whirlwind, so you should get support wherever you can find it. One popular resource for local teachers is the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children. Through this group, you may attend continuing education events, network with other teachers, and access legislative updates.
With an early childhood education degree, you can change the future of Massachusetts.
Discover the best school for you by reaching out to programs today.
