A Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Route Licensure Program for those interested in becoming a licensed secondary teacher in Massachusetts.
Offered by The Teachers' Loft in Collaboration with Western New England College
What is TIMELI?
TIMELI is a collaborative arrangement between The Teachers' Loft located in Holyoke, MA and Western New England College in Springfield, MA. It is an alternative path to licensure for a Massachusetts initial license in secondary education in the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Political Science. With the focus on licensure and induction, you become a member of both the local and professional communities. You will:
- Learn to teach more effectively by developing tools of inquiry to become a reflective practitioner, develop teaching strategies grounded in contemporary learning theory, and acquire content knowledge in your area of interest;
- Join a cohort of colleagues who will collaborate in the process of becoming a teacher;
- Have the opportunity to work in a classroom with students beginning the first semester; and
- Benefit from shared supervision and support while in the classroom setting from The Teachers' Loft educators, Western New England faculty, and classroom teachers.
How long will the program take to complete?
TIMELI is a part-time program that will take two academic years to complete. Candidates must begin their studies in the fall. Courses will be offered one weekday evening, for approximately two and half hours, for eleven weeks during the fall, winter and spring at The Teachers' Loft, with occasional class sessions at Western New England College. Online sessions will complement your face-to-face time providing greater flexibility. If you need to fulfill content course requirements, additional time during the week may be needed to fulfill these requirements. Though the program typically takes two years, if you require additional content courses, the program may take longer to complete.
What will the program involve?
Year 1:
Selected 500 Level Courses & Field Experience
Entering the Profession of Teaching 1 credit
Becoming a Teacher in Today's Schools 1 credit
Designing Curriculum through Data Collection & Inquiry 1 credit
Classroom Field Experience 25 hours
Content courses as determined upon admissions** Will vary
Year 2:
Selected 500 Level Courses & Field Experience
Applying Inquiry Tools: Using Data to Better Practice 1 credit
Culminating Field Experience 150 hours
Content courses as determined upon admissions** Will vary
** Students will select the appropriate content courses from Western New England College's undergraduate course offerings.
Who is eligible for TIMELI?
Anyone who is interested in becoming a Massachusetts licensed teacher is welcome to apply. We will assist you in mapping out a specific path to licensure if you are new to the profession, currently working in an unlicensed role, or wish to formalize previous experience with school-age students. TIMELI is best suited for candidates interested in pursuing their initial license in secondary education in the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Political Science.
What are the admissions requirements?
Eligible candidates for TIMELI must have a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university. An overall grade point average of at least a 2.8 (4.0 scale) is typically required for admission. Candidates will be asked to submit official copies of transcripts for all colleges attended, a current resume, two letters or recommendation, a personal statement, and a $30 application fee.
All incoming students will have an individual meeting to determine what courses they will need in addition to the pedagogy courses. An advisor will assist you throughout the program.
It is highly recommended that candidates for TIMELI take and pass the Communication and Literacy Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to beginning the program. For more information about the MTEL visit http://www.mtel.nesinc.com.
How do I apply for TIMELI?
To request an application for admission, please contact the Admissions Office at Western New England College at 413-782-1517 or study@wnec.edu. You can also download a copy of the application for admission by clicking here.
How much does TIMELI cost?
Students will be responsible for tuition and fees associated with TIMELI. Tuition for 500 level courses is $288.00 per credit (2009-10 rate). If you are required to complete undergraduate content courses, they will be offered at the part-time rate of $505.00 per credit (2009-10 rate). Students will be charged the part-time undergraduate tuition rate for a supervised field experience(s). The number of equivalent credit hours will vary based on a student's prior teaching experience. Based on the hours required, a student will be charged for 2-6 credits at the part-time undergraduate rate. Tuition payments will be paid directly to Western New England College. Additionally, students must pay directly to The Teachers' Loft an annual program fee of $2,400, which is payable in three $800 installments prior to the commencement of each term (fall, winter, spring).
What about graduate studies?
Upon completion of TIMELI, you can elect to pursue a master's degree at Western New England College and secure your professional license. The following degrees are offered:
The Teachers' Loft
At a Glance
The Teachers' Loft was founded in 2003 and is the endorsing agent of the TIMELI program. As a non-profit educational organization it provides educational resource for PreK-12 teachers in Western Massachusetts by inviting teachers to take part in quality, community-based professional development. Working in tandem with schools and traditional teacher preparation programs, The Teachers' Loft provides a unique environment for teachers that is separate from yet complements the more typical venues for teacher learning. For additional information about The Teachers' Loft, visit: http://www.teachersloft.org.
Questions?
For questions about the application process and Western New England College, contact the Admissions Office at 413-782-1517 or study@wnec.edu.
For questions about TIMELI contact the Executive Director at The Teachers' Loft at 413-221-0111 or info@teachersloft.org.
Information Sessions
Undergraduate Part-time
Degree Programs
Tues., December 8, 5:30 p.m.
Kevin S. Delbridge
Welcome Center,
Second Floor
