The Department of Education is perfectly aligned with the College's mission of providing quality professional training that is grounded in the arts and sciences. Students receive strong academic preparation in the arts and sciences disciplines, and then get excellent professional training that leads to a Massachusetts teacher license. When students obtain this license, they are eligible to transfer it to 39 other states, including all of the states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and many in the South and West as well.
The Department of Education currently offers undergraduate programs in Elementary Education and Secondary Education. In both of these programs students do pre-practicum field work in a variety of settings, including urban, suburban, and rural schools. They assist veteran teachers, do one-to-one tutoring, and get acclimated to the public school classroom. During their senior year, students do a semester of student teaching, where they eventually take on all of the responsibilities of a full-time teacher. The Department of Education offers small classes and close, personal attention. It provides students with a supportive environment where they can develop their individual talents and hone their professional skills so they are ready to embark on a successful teaching career.
In 2004, the Department of Education introduced its first graduate program, a Master of Education in Elementary Education. The program provides advanced training for teachers who have their initial professional license. The master's program delivers academic training in computer technology, English, history, science, and mathematics. There will also be coursework in student assessment, classroom research, adult and professional development, administrative skills and mentoring, and philosophy of education.
Undergraduate Programs
The Department offers the following programs of study. Click on the name below to see the details of the program.
Professional Development Workshops
Summer workshops for elementary teachers (K-6) are offered annually during the month July. This summer course provides elementary teachers with the option to take the course for PDPs or for graduate credit in technology. For more information or to request a brochure please call 413-782-1393 or email jlehouil@wnec.edu.
2009 Summer Education Workshops Brochure
The College offers professional development workshops for elementary and secondary school teachers in collaboration with The Republican by bringing the Newspaper in Education Program to teachers in western Massachusetts. The NIE Workshop series is held on campus and runs annually from October to March. For registration and workshop information please contact Matt Longhi at 413-788-1073.
Graduate Programs
The Department offers the following program of study. Click on the name below to see the details of the program.
Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed. in Elementary Education)
The Faculty
Click here for a list of the department faculty.
