Teacher Education 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)
- Religious Studies (non-licensure)
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.
Program Requirements
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 education coursework, students must major in their selected area of licensure and meet state subject matter knowledge standards. Most of the subject matter knowledge subject matter knowledge requirements for licensure are fulfilled by completing the major. However, additional courses might be required.
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). Second semester senior year TEP students complete a full practicum in which they complete 300 hours in the classroom with 100 hours of direct instruction.
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 the Associate Director and Director of the TEP. Most students far exceed these required hours and all students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to get additional experience in schools.
How to Apply
The Teacher Education Program is open to students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Chinese studies, Classics, English, Environmental studies, French, History, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies (non-licensure) and Spanish.
Applicants must successfully complete two foundational courses and meet minimum GPA requirements to be considered for the program. Applications are reviewed by a committee including the TEP director, Associate TEP Director, academic department liaisons and instructors.
Admissions decisions are based on application submission, performance within the major, faculty experience with the student and an interview.
Applications are due February 23, 2025 (spring deadline) and September 28, 2025 (fall deadline).
Eight semester students: Students who plan to complete the Teacher Education Program during their eight semesters at Holy Cross should apply during their freshman or sophomore years. Special consideration will be given to juniors who are invited to reapply or who are on track to complete the requirements.
Ninth semester students: Students who plan to utilize the Ninth Semester option may apply during junior year. These juniors should be enrolled in at least one additional required TEP course and must be on track to complete all subject matter requirements.
A complete TEP application consists of:
- Application form
- Personal statement: Educators have a passion for the subject they teach as well as a desire to impart life lessons. Describe and explain your passion for your content area as well as the values and lessons you want to impart on your students. Email to TEP Director.
- Unofficial transcript. Email to TEP Director.
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from either faculty or administrative personnel at Holy Cross (non-education department faculty as education faculty fill out a separate form for all applicants as part of the application process).
- Interview: Interviews are open during selected times. Applicants will be sent a link to a calendar to sign up for an open slot.
Applications are reviewed by:
- The TEP director
- The Associate TEP Director
- The academic department liaison
- The student’s instructors for the foundational courses and other education courses
Each reviewer makes a recommendation: Accept, Invite to Reapply, or Do Not Accept.
Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Required Coursework
Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in two foundational courses: EDUC 167 (Educational Psychology) and EDUC 169 (Our Public Schools).
Academic Achievement
Students are expected to earn at least a B in their foundational courses, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GPA requirements can be waived in the case of a special circumstance, significant improvement, or support from the education faculty. In that case, evidence of the decision must be documented in the student’s application file.
Subject Matter Outlook
Students must be able to complete the coursework required to meet the Subject Matter Knowledge requirements in his/her major.
Faculty Experience
Instructors who have taught the student offer input on the student’s strengths and/or struggles, based on their experiences and observations in class.
Qualified students will be invited to interview with the Director and Associate Director of the TEP to assess their maturity, interest level, and commitment to the mission of the program. The interview will also include an opportunity to further discuss the program and its requirements.
All accepted students must complete a series of steps before they are officially enrolled. These next steps are described during an advising meeting.
Meet Your Department Chair
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.
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.
