Question 1

What is the full cost of teacher preparation?

Accepted Answer

The total cost to obtain a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License is different for each person. We have included a worksheet in the Paying for Grad School section that you can print and complete as you gather financial information from the college you will attend and explore financial support that may be available to you.
 
You will receive a tuition reduction from Mount Holyoke College. You will also receive an additional $3,000 toward tuition. Be sure to review the section titled Holyoke Public Schools Financial and Academic Support.

Question 2

When would I have to pay for my college courses?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Would free tutoring be available to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is abundant free academic and MTEL tutoring that would be made available to you.
 
Once you have enrolled in your courses, your Mount Holyoke College advisor will explain all of the academic resources and support available to you, such as tutors, mentors and study sessions. 
 
Holyoke Public Schools will notify you about free MTEL test preparation opportunities and provide a signup form.
 
Paradigm Shift offers free MTEL tutoring. Simply complete and submit the online Request a Tutor Form. You will be contacted within the week by a prospective tutor.
 
Paradigm Shift also offers free test preparation courses.

Question 4

How do I get reimbursed for MTEL test fees?

Accepted Answer

Paradigm Shift will reimburse your MTEL test fees. Simply send 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.

Question 5

How do I find out how many and which MTEL tests I have to take?

Accepted Answer

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.
 
Your academic advisor at Mount Holyoke College is also happy to help.

Question 6

What is the Urban Teacher Pathways Program (UTP)?

Accepted Answer

The ‘Urban Teacher Pathways’ (UTP) Program is a collaboration between Holyoke Public Schools and Mount Holyoke College. The purpose of this part-time, two-year program is to provide an avenue for current Holyoke Public Schools’ paraeducators and teachers on a waiver to earn their Initial Massachusetts Teacher License (general education), and additional licenses in Moderate Disabilities and possibly English Language Learners (ELL), as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Areas of high priority are Math and Science. Therefore, costs are heavily discounted by Mount Holyoke College with additional support possible through financial aid. Holyoke Public Schools provides $3,000 toward tuition to all Urban Teacher Pathways participants. This is transferred directly from Holyoke Public Schools to Mount Holyoke College. No additional request or application is necessary.

Holyoke Public Schools

You are

Quick Contacts

Your Path: Holyoke Public Schools

Step 1. Learn More & Apply

Step 2. Prepare, take and pass Communication and Literacy Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)"

Step 3. Apply to Mount Holyoke College Graduate School

Step 4. Enroll and Attend Courses at Mount Holyoke College

Step 5. Prepare, take and pass relevant subject matter Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)"

Step 6. Complete Your Practicum

Step 7. Apply for your Initial License