Education
Chairperson
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| Denise LaFrance |
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Professor
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Associate Professors
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Assistant Professors
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| Anne Howard |
Felicia Farron-Davis |
Lyndsey Benharris |
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Nancy Murray |
William Cortezia |
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Joann Nichols |
Danette Day |
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Annette Sullivan |
Karen DeAngelis |
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Janna Heiligenstein |
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Ruth Joseph |
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Denise LaFrance |
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Laurie Link |
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Robert Shapiro |
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Scott Tyner |
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The Education Department offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education.
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education
Objectives for Programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education (Initial License)
The Education Department of Fitchburg State University fully recognizes and embraces the diversity and challenges that teachers face in today’s public and private schools. The comprehensive program of study is one which deliberately integrates and celebrates these challenges by providing an inclusive model for teacher preparation. Each course provides research-based methods to assess student needs in order to differentiate instruction. Techniques and strategies that address the needs of all learners in the inclusion classroom are emphasized. Courses have been specifically designed to provide teacher candidates with content and strategies to be knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and caring educators in the 21st century.
The Department prepares its graduates to be teachers of Early Childhood (PreK-2), Elementary (1-6), Middle School (5-8), Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) with Elementary Licensure, Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (5-12), and Severe Disabilities (all levels).
Program of Study
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education majors graduate with two majors—one in Education and one in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIE). See Interdisciplinary Studies Section for IDIE major requirements for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Special Education majors.
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education majors are also required to complete an Interdisciplinary Studies minor.
Education majors place emphasis on college coursework that honors cultural, racial, linguistic, and social diversity.
Field-based experiences begin freshman year and are enhanced by strong departmental collaboration with exemplary schools and practitioners in the region. During their final year in the program teacher candidates enroll in a semester long professional experience. In the semester preceding practicum they participate in a minimum of a 125-hour or a 150-hour field-based experience that is linked to pedagogical courses. This allows candidates to readily apply what they are learning in the classroom setting. Many students enjoy opportunities to foster attitudes and skills for creative, collegial teaching in the diverse and changing environment of our McKay Arts Academy, an Innovation School on the University campus.
The Education Club, a student chapter of M.T.A., and the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society offer students the opportunity to grow professionally while meeting with students of similar interests.
Requirements for the Major in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education
In addition to the two majors, the Speaking/Listening requirement is met through the Practicum or Student Teaching experience.
Computer Literacy and Jr/Sr Writing Requirements are met through SPED 4300 or IDIS 4000
Severe Disabilities— All Levels
The Education Department of Fitchburg State University fully recognizes and embraces the diversity and challenges that teachers face in today’s public and private schools. Our comprehensive program of study in the area of Severe Disabilities is one that deliberately integrates and celebrates these challenges by providing an inclusive model for teacher preparation. Each course provides research-based methods to assess students’ needs in order to differentiate instruction. Techniques and strategies that address the needs of learners with Severe Disabilities in the inclusion classroom are emphasized. Courses have been specifically designed to provide teacher candidates with content and strategies to be knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and caring educators in the 21st century. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure required for this program are Communication and Literacy, General Curriculum, and Mathematics Subtest.
The plan of study is as follows (See course descriptions for pre-practicum hours required):
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