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, complete and submit the application available on Holyoke Public Schools Talent Ed. Applications are accepted via Talent Ed from October to December. You will be asked to include a Personal Statement, answering the following questions:

• Why do you want to be a teacher in Holyoke?

• How are you involved in the Holyoke community/district?

• How do you plan to use your master's degree from Mount Holyoke College and your additional licenses to contribute to the turnaround work in Holyoke?

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:

1. Can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians and other educators.
2. Are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought.

Once your application has been accepted by the Holyoke 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. Once you apply, you can set up an appointment with the Admissions and Communications Coordinator to review your transcript. You will find out how many prerequisites you will need to complete the program and how long the program may take.

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.

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

While you are taking your graduate courses at Mount Holyoke College, you must also prepare for and pass your subject matter MTELs. Your Mount Holyoke College advisor or graduate programs coordinator is also happy to help.

• 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 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.

Step 6. Complete Your Practicum

Students participate in full-time student teaching in early childhood and elementary classrooms for 12 weeks. During this semester-long field-based placement, students hone classroom management skills, implement an extended integrated curriculum unit, deliver lessons in all content areas, and develop a wide range of assessment skills. The practicum culminates in two weeks of Lead Teaching, during which the student is responsible for managing all aspects of the classroom program. Teacher candidates will work with both classroom teachers and college supervisors to address the Professional Teaching Standards and, specifically, the Candidate Assessment of Performance as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For more information about completing your practicum, contact 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! Holyoke Public Schools and the children you serve are fortunate to have you!

Tuition reduction of $3,000

Once accepted into Mount Holyoke College, you will automatically be admitted to the Urban Teacher Pathways (UTP), through which Holyoke Public Schools will provide $3,000 toward tuition. Mount Holyoke College would apply the credit directly to your bill.

Mount Holyoke College Discounts

Holyoke College will offer the cohort entering in the 2020-2021 academic year a substantially reduced tuition rate which is determined by district partnership and program of study.

What is the full cost of teacher preparation?

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.

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. 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.

How do I get reimbursed for MTEL test fees?

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.

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

What is the Urban Teacher Pathways Program (UTP)?

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.