Teacher Education Program

The Teacher Education Program (TEP) will prepare you to become a reflective, justice-seeking educator who is able to effect change within the complex landscape of contemporary education. Through coursework and field-based experiences, specifically in an urban context, you will advance your skills in instructional practices, classroom management strategies and lesson planning as you work toward an Initial license in Massachusetts at the secondary or middle school level.

Grounded in urban-focused teaching and learning opportunities, the TEP depends on strong partnerships with Worcester Public Schools to provide you with a robust sequence of experiences, including structured observation, tutoring and co-teaching, within which to expand their knowledge and skills. This experience is capped with a practicum semester, during which you will teach, assist with a duty, attend meetings and participate in other activities as members of the school community. You will be supported throughout your experience with a team of supervisors, professors and colleagues. Consistent reflection is critical to the program as you challenge your assumptions and discover your own identity as an educator.

Program Type

Career Program

Areas of Study

Holy Cross offers licensure in areas associated with the following majors:

Biology (grades 8-12)
Chemistry (grades 8-12)
Chinese Studies (grades 5-12)
Classics (grades 5-12)
English (grades 5-12)
Environmental Studies (grades 5-8)
French (grades 5-12)
History (grades 5-12)
Mathematics (grades 5-8 or 8-12)
Physics (grades 8-12)
Spanish (grades 5-12)

The courses to be completed within the major are determined by the specific academic department and the Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) Requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education. All TEP licensure candidates must meet with the TEP liaison for their major in order to ensure that they are meeting all the requirements set by each department.

About the Program

Education Coursework: To complete the licensure program, TEP students complete a comprehensive program of study in Education coursework, with courses in areas such as educational psychology, urban education and methods of teaching, as well as a practicum semester of full-time student teaching.

Subject Matter Knowledge Coursework: TEP students also complete a range of courses to meet the state Subject Matter Knowledge requirements for teachers. We currently offer approved programs in 11 licensure areas: Biology, Chemistry, Chinese Studies, English, French, General Science, History, Latin and Classical Humanities, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish.

Field-Based Experiences: Prior to the practicum semester, TEP students complete and document supervised pre-practicum experiences. The hours are embedded in required TEP coursework and provide each student with experiences in a range of educational settings within the Worcester Public Schools.

To complete the licensure program, Teacher Education Program students must complete a comprehensive program of study in education coursework. The program of study includes eight courses, including a semester of full-time student teaching.

Two foundations courses (required for all students)
One social justice in education course
One adolescent literacy course
- Human development courses can substitute on a case by case basis based on students common requirements needs
One methods of teaching course
One pre-practicum course
- Zero-credit course, always taken as an overload
One SEI endorsement course
- Often taken during the practicum semester
Practicum semester (full-time student teaching)

In addition to completing the education coursework, TEP students must also complete a range of courses to meet the state Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) Requirements for Teachers. Many of the SMK requirements correspond to the Holy Cross major requirements, but additional courses may need to be taken. Advanced planning and regular advising with the TEP liaison in your major are important.

Students in TEP must complete and document at least 80 hours of supervised pre-practicum experiences prior to the practicum semester. The hours are embedded in required TEP coursework and provide each student with experiences in a range of educational settings within the Worcester Public Schools (WPS).

In collaboration with our WPS partners, TEP provides students with a robust sequence of experiences, including structured observation, tutoring, and co-teaching. Placements are arranged and supported by our placement coordinator. Most students far exceed these required hours and all students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to get additional experience in schools.

Sample Courses

Course Catalog

Educational Psychology
Multicultural Education
Methods Of Teaching
Seminar in Teaching

Meet Your Department Chair

Lauren Capotosto - Associate Professor, Department Chair Graduate Opportunity in Elementary Education

Meet All Education Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

Opportunities

Field Experience

Through field-based experiences, you will have an opportunity to integrate your classroom learning with classroom practice. The experiences will consistently challenge you to reframe and expand the knowledge and skills you have developed in the Teacher Education Program as you discover your own identity as a teacher.

Our Worcester Public School Partners

Ninth Semester Option

Students in the Teacher Education Program may elect to participate in a ninth-semester option that allows them to complete their student teaching requirement in the semester immediately following graduation.