Holyoke 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 Holyoke Public Schools
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An aspiring teacher
Quick Contacts
Holyoke Public Schools Contact
Kelly A. Curran
Manager of Recruitment
413-512-5336 or 413-534-2000, ext. 1503
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
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Mount Holyoke College Financial Aid
Taryn Dunaj
Associate Director, Student Financial Services
413-538-2291
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Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator
Danielle Phillips
413-542-4018
Your Path: Holyoke 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, complete and submit the application available on Holyoke Public Schools Talent Ed. Applications are accepted via Talent Ed from October to December.
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Why do you want to be a teacher in Holyoke?
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How are you involved in the Holyoke community/district?
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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?
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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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A letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor or building principal.
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 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.
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®)
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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 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
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!
Holyoke 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 Holyoke Public Schools' paraeducators and teachers on a waiver working to obtain their initial teaching license.
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.
FAQ
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.
-
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?
-
An official transcript for each college/university you attended. You can request an official transcript from the school where you earned your degree.
-
A letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor or building principal.
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:
-
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 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.
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®)
-
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
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!