Amherst Regional Public Schools
You are
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A Black or Latinx paraeducator or teacher-on-waiver
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A college graduate with a bachelor's degree or higher
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Currently employed by the Amherst Regional Public Schools
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An aspiring teacher
Quick Contacts
Amherst Regional Public Schools Contact
Damany Gordon, Diversity and Equity Specialist
(413) 362-1872
Mount Holyoke College Admissions Contact
Amy Asadoorian
Admissions and Communications Coordinator
413-538-3478
graduateadmissions@mtholyoke.edu
Mount Holyoke College Program Director
Catherine Swift, M. Ed.,
Director, Teacher Licensure Programs
413-538-2464
Mount Holyoke College Financial Aid
Taryn Dunaj,
Associate Director, Student Financial Services
413-538-2291
Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator
Danielle Phillips
413-542-4018
Your Path: Amherst Regional Public Schools
Paradigm Shift is here to help you become a licensed teacher.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1. Learn More & Apply
The first step is to learn more about the process of becoming a teacher by contacting the Mount Holyoke College Admissions and Communications Coordinator. If you are interested in taking the next step, you would complete and submit the provided application to the Diversity and Equity Specialist at the Amherst Regional Public Schools. You will be asked to include a Personal Statement to convey why you would like to become a licensed teacher. In addition to the application, you must submit:
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Your resume.
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An official transcript for each college/university you attended. You can request an official transcript from the school where you earned your degree.
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Two letters of recommendation—one from your principal and/or direct supervisor and one personal recommendation. Personal recommendations may be from friends and/or work colleagues.
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Be in good standing with the district.
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Have consistently displayed commitment to the district and students.
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Have not been notified of ethical, moral, behavioral or attendance concerns by school administration.
Your application and accompanying documentation will be received and reviewed by Amherst Regional Public Schools administrators. There are five openings available per year. For those whose applications are complete, acceptance is first come, first served.
Step 2. Prepare, take and pass Communication and Literacy Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)
The MTEL Program was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Education and includes tests covering communication and literacy skills as well as subject matter knowledge. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts educators:
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Can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians and other educators. -
Are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought.
Once your application has been accepted by the Amherst Regional Public Schools, you must pass the Communications and Literacy MTEL. Passing the Communications and Literacy MTEL is a prerequisite for admittance to the Mount Holyoke College licensure and graduate program.
Step 3. Apply to Mount Holyoke College Graduate School
To apply to Mount Holyoke College, contact Mount Holyoke College’s Director, Teacher Licensure Programs, who will guide you through the application process.
Step 4. Enroll and Attend Courses at Mount Holyoke College
Once you have chosen your field of study, or licensure area, you will receive a course list to obtain your license. The Masters of Arts in Teaching Licensure Program at Mount Holyoke College requires 36-38 credits and is typically completed on a part-time basis over two years. Your Mount Holyoke College advisor will review this with you. Then, you will enroll in courses for the semester ahead.
Catherine Swift, Director, Teacher Licensure Programs
To learn about academic support available, contact
Danielle Phillips, Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator
413-542-4018
dphillips@fivecolleges.edu
Step 5. Prepare, take and pass relevant subject matter Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)
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Our MTEL Resources page provides extensive information about MTELs, test preparation, and exams by popular licensure programs. -
Our PS Test Prep Support page offers information about test prep. -
Use our Request a Tutor form for free tutoring help. -
Paradigm Shift will also reimburse your MTEL test fees. Simply email a completed W9 form and a copy of your MTEL receipt to the Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator. You will receive a reimbursement check within two weeks' time.
Step 6. Complete Your Practicum
Catherine Swift, Director, Teacher Licensure Programs
413-538-2464
cswift@mtholyoke.edu
Step 7. Apply for your Initial License
Once you have completed your MTELs, coursework and practicum, you can apply for your Massachusetts Initial License. Once you receive your license, you are a fully qualified teacher. Your license is valid for 5 years and may be renewed only once. After three years teaching, you can choose to work toward earning your Professional Teaching License. The professional license expires every five years but can be renewed as many times as you'd like.
Mount Holyoke College provides a seminar and one-on-one assistance as needed to complete the Initial License application. It takes one to four weeks to receive your license.
Congratulations! You did it! Amherst Regional Public Schools and the children you serve are fortunate to have you!
Amherst Regional Public Schools Financial
and Academic Support
In addition to federal and state financial support, there are opportunities for financial and academic support available specifically for Amherst Regional Public Schools' paraeducators and teachers on a waiver working to obtain their initial teaching license.
What is the full cost of teacher preparation?
When would I have to pay for my college courses?
You must pay, or have made arrangements to pay, for your classes by the deadlines posted on the “Graduate Tuition, Fees, and Billing” page on Mount Holyoke College’s website.
Would free tutoring be available to me?
Yes. There is abundant free academic and MTEL tutoring that would be made available to you.
How do I get reimbursed for MTEL test fees?
How do I find out how many and which MTEL tests I have to take?
Our MTEL Resources page provides extensive information about MTELs, test preparation, and exams by popular licensure programs.
Our PS Test Prep Support page offers information about test prep.
What is Amherst Futures?
The Amherst Futures Program is a collaboration between Amherst Regional Public Schools and Mount Holyoke College that recruits paraeducators from underrepresented populations in the district. The paraeducators are supported with a tuition discount and a district contribution to become fully licensed teachers within the district.
FAQ
What is the full cost of teacher preparation?
When would I have to pay for my college courses?
You must pay, or have made arrangements to pay, for your classes by the deadlines posted on the “Graduate Tuition, Fees, and Billing” page on Mount Holyoke College’s website.
Would free tutoring be available to me?
Yes. There is abundant free academic and MTEL tutoring that would be made available to you.
How do I get reimbursed for MTEL test fees?
How do I find out how many and which MTEL tests I have to take?
Our MTEL Resources page provides extensive information about MTELs, test preparation, and exams by popular licensure programs.
Our PS Test Prep Support page offers information about test prep.
What is Amherst Futures?
The Amherst Futures Program is a collaboration between Amherst Regional Public Schools and Mount Holyoke College that recruits paraeducators from underrepresented populations in the district. The paraeducators are supported with a tuition discount and a district contribution to become fully licensed teachers within the district.