Return to: Colleges of the University

Dr. Lisa Battaglino
Dean

Dr. Jo Hoffman
Associate Dean

Ms. Mary Ann McKinnon 
Associate Dean

Location: Hart Hall, Room 124
Website: www2.bridgew.edu/college-education-allied-studies

Academic Departments

Counselor Education
Dr. Michael Kocet, Chairperson

Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Dr. John Marvelle, Chairperson

Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies 
Dr. Deborah Sheehy, Chairperson 

Secondary Education and Professional Programs
Dr. Theodore Mattocks, Chairperson

Special Education and Communication Disorders
Dr. David Almeida, Chairperson

Academic Programs

Athletic Training
Dr. Suanne Maurer-Starks, Graduate Program Coordinator

Counselor Education
Dr. Melissa Freeburg (Mental Health), Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Theresa Coogan (School Counseling), Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Michael Kocet (Student Affairs), Graduate Program Coordinator

Educational Leadership
Dr. Theodore Mattocks, Graduate Program Coordinator

Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Dr. Steven Greenberg, Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Program Coordinator

Health Promotion/Physical Education
Dr. Karen Richardson, Graduate Program Coordinator

Instructional Technology
Dr. Anne Hird, Graduate Program Coordinator

Master’s Core Courses
Dr. John-Michael Bodi, Graduate Program Coordinator

PreK-12 Education (For Educators in Non-U.S. Settings)
For information on this program contact the College of Graduate Studies 508.531.1300

Reading
Dr. Elaine Bukowiecki, Graduate Program Coordinator

Secondary Education
Dr. Thomas Brady, Graduate Program Coordinator

Special Education and Communication Disorders
Dr. Edward Carter, Graduate Program Coordinator

The College of Education and Allied Studies offers undergraduate and graduate programs for the professional preparation of early childhood, elementary, special education, middle and high school teachers, as well as for specialized positions in school and community-based organizations and agencies. All programs in the college are devoted to developing professionals who are committed to excellence, understand best practices and research and work collaboratively in their chosen areas. The college also provides service to the schools, community organizations and agencies of the region. The college conducts an ongoing review of professional standards and requirements in order to respond to the changing needs of the profession. Graduates of programs leading to initial licensure are ready to enter the profession of teaching. During advanced-degree programs leading to the professional stage of licensure and other graduate course work, educators strengthen their leadership abilities and their commitment to lifelong learning.

Extensive field experiences in schools and agencies contribute to the development of meaningful linkages between study and practice. Procedures and guidelines are implemented to ensure that high quality standards are maintained in field-based experiences and that students have experiences working in settings with diverse populations of children and youth.

Students following the curricula leading to a bachelor of science in education degree are prepared as early childhood, elementary or special needs teachers. Students majoring in early childhood education, elementary education or special education must complete an arts and sciences major (for special education (5-12), a major taught in grades 5-12), as well as a major in the College of Education and Allied Studies. Majors in early childhood education with a concentration in early education and care (PreK-K) (non-public school licensure) are not required to complete an arts and sciences major. Students majoring in most curricula leading to a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree may select a minor in secondary education, which prepares them for middle school and/or high school teaching. Students majoring in physical education earn a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree.

See “Academic Programs ” for additional information regarding academic program requirements.

Undergraduate Programs

Athletic Training

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education (Concentration in):

Early Education and Care, PreK-K (Non-Public School Licensure)

Health Studies (Concentrations in):

Community Health
School Health

Physical Education (Concentrations in):

Coaching
Exercise Science/Health Fitness
Motor Development Therapy/Adapted Physical Education
Recreation
Recreation and Fitness Club Administration
(Teacher Licensure available in):
Teacher Licensure in Physical Education (PreK-8)
Teacher Licensure in Physical Education (5-12)

Special Education (Concentration in):

Communication Disorders
(Teacher Licensure available in):
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12)
Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (all levels)

Undergraduate Minors

Coaching
Communication Disorders
Dance
Exercise Physiology
Health Promotion
Health Resources Management
Inclusive Practices in Special Education and Communication Disorders
Nutrition
Professional Practices in Special Education and Communication Disorders
Recreation
Secondary Education minor (High School, Middle School Education or PreK-12 specialist licenses) with majors, concentrations or options in:

Biology
Chemistry
Dance (all levels)
Earth Sciences
English
Health/Family and Consumer Sciences (all levels)
History
Mathematics
Music (all levels)
Physics
Foreign Language: Spanish (5-12)
Theater (all levels)
Visual Art (PreK-8 and 5-12)

Postbaccalaureate, Graduate, and Postmaster’s Programs

Postbaccalaureate programs leading to initial licensure are offered in:

Early Childhood Education
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education
Health/Family and Consumer Sciences (PreK-12)
Physical Education (PreK-8) (5-12)
Secondary Education (Middle School/High School, PreK-12 Specialist)
Special Education (Moderate and Severe Disabilities)*
*This program is currently inactive.

Graduate curricula leading to the master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) are offered in the following fields:

Licensure of Educational Personnel

All candidates seeking Massachusetts Educator Licensure are advised to check with their individual education departments or the College of Education and Allied Studies offices regarding regulation changes that may have an impact on their licensure program.

The College of Education and Allied Studies, through its departments and committees, offers the following state-approved programs leading to Massachusetts licensure and eligibility for licensure in participatory states and territories through the Interstate Certification Contract. Information on undergraduate and graduate programs leading to licensure is found in appropriate departmental sections.

Educator Licensure Programs

Administrator of Special Education (all levels)
 *Early Childhood Teacher of Students with or without Disabilities (PreK-2)
*Elementary (1-6)
Instructional Technology (all levels)
*Reading Specialist (all levels)
School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (all levels)
School Business Administrator (all levels)
School Counselor (PreK-8)
School Guidance Counselor (5-12)
*School Principal/Assistant Principal (PreK-6)
*School Principal/Assistant Principal (5-8)
*School Principal/Assistant Principal (9-12)
Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (all levels)
*Supervisor/Director (all levels)
*Teacher of Biology (5-8)
*Teacher of Biology (8-12)
*Teacher of Chemistry (5-8)
*Teacher of Chemistry (8-12)
Teacher of Dance (all levels)
*Teacher of Earth Science (5-8)
*Teacher of Earth Science (8-12)
*Teacher of English (5-8)
*Teacher of English (8-12)
Teacher of Health/Family and Consumer Sciences (all levels)
*Teacher of History (5-8)
Teacher of English as a Second Language ESL (PreK-6)
Teacher of English as a Second Language ESL (5-12)
*Teacher of History (8-12)
*Teacher of Mathematics (5-8)
*Teacher of Mathematics (8-12)
Teacher of Music (all levels)
Teacher of Physical Education (PreK-8)
Teacher of Physical Education (5-12)
*Teacher of Physics (5-8)
*Teacher of Physics (8-12)
Teacher of Spanish (5-12)
*Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
*Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)
*Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (all levels)
Teacher of Theater (all levels)
Teacher of Visual Art (PreK-8)
Teacher of Visual Art (5-12)

*As of July 1, 2014, all applicants for an initial license as a core academic teacher or as a principal/assistant principal or supervisor/director must obtain a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement applicable to their role. Candidates are advised to contact their individual education department as to the SEI requirements for their licensure field.

Students who wish to be elementary, early childhood or special education teachers are required to select a major in elementary, early childhood or special education and a major in the liberal arts or sciences. All teachers licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to have a major in the liberal arts or sciences.

The following majors meet the arts and sciences requirement at Bridgewater State University:

Students should consult with both their arts and sciences adviser and their education adviser each semester (with a final check the semester prior to their last semester) to ensure that all licensure and academic degree requirements have been successfully met.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required course work is successfully completed for the core curriculum, the liberal arts and sciences major, and the state-approved major or minor which leads to licensure. Students must additionally assume responsibility for submitting all materials to appropriate offices by the established deadlines.

Note(s): All candidates seeking Massachusetts Educator Licensure are required at the time of application to sign an affidavit indicating that they have not been convicted of and are not under charges for any crime (misdemeanor or felony) and have not been identified by any child protection agency as a perpetrator of child abuse.

Students having questions regarding their licensure and/or academic requirements should consult with their adviser, the appropriate department chairperson or the graduate program coordinator for additional information.

Admission to and Retention in Professional Education Programs – Undergraduate Students

All undergraduate students preparing for a career in education which requires licensure must formally apply, satisfy all selection criteria, and be recommended for admission into professional education programs in the College of Education and Allied Studies. Students may not enroll in education courses beyond the introductory level until they have met all admission criteria and are officially admitted to the program.

Criteria for Admission

The following criteria have been established as minimum requirements for admission to a professional education program:

• Candidates must be matriculated into an undergraduate arts or sciences degree program (with appropriate undergraduate major/equivalent).
• Candidates must provide proof of having attained a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL).
• Candidates must have an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.8. This minimum GPA must be maintained throughout the professional education program.
• Candidates must demonstrate proof of proficiency in written English (minimum grades of “C+” in ENGL 101  and ENGL 102  or equivalent).
• Candidates must provide evidence of early field-based experiences working with children or youth in schools or other agencies as part of an introduction to education course (ECED 230 , EDHM 210 , ELED 220 , PHED 205 , SPED 202  or SPED 211 ). The number of hours and placement are determined by the department.
• Candidates must have a complete health record (Immunization Record) on file with the Office of Health Services.
• Candidates must interview, if required, with their individual education departments (check with department).
• Candidates must provide two faculty recommendation ratings of at least “recommend” or “highly recommend” on the forms provided with the application packet.
• Candidates must complete the CEAS Disposition Survey, located here. Sign, date and attach the confirmation page found at the end of the survey to their professional education program application.
• Candidates must submit a complete Application for Admission to a Professional Education Program. The application includes biographical data, information on employment and volunteer experiences, and verification of completion of all criteria above. The application will be reviewed to determine competency in written expression of the English language and should reflect the candidate’s commitment to a career in education. Therefore, candidates should pay particular attention to correct spelling and the proper use of grammar when completing the application.

Candidates seeking admission to the professional education block in elementary or early childhood education should consult the “Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education ” section of this catalog regarding additional admission requirements.

Note: Teacher preparation candidates will be asked to authorize a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI) as a requirement for access to public and private schools and agencies during their prepractica and practica field experience. Also, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires all candidates to sign an affidavit that states they “have not been convicted of nor are currently charged with any crime (misdemeanor or felony)” as part of their application for a Massachusetts educator’s license. Additional criminal background checks may be required for field placement in schools and agencies according to Massachusetts laws and regulations.

Admission Deadlines

Students must apply and be admitted to a professional education program before they may enroll in upper level (beyond the introductory level) professional education courses. Students are responsible for maintaining communication with their academic advisers and for preparing and submitting the completed application packets. Applications are accepted at any time. To ensure adequate time for processing, however, application should be made several weeks in advance of the anticipated date of registration for professional education courses.

All students enrolling in upper-level courses in the College of Education and Allied Studies must have been officially accepted into professional education.

Admission Process

The following is the established process for admission to an initial licensure program in the College of Education and Allied Studies:

• The student receives the application packet from the instructor of the introduction to education course (ECED 230 , EDHM 210 , ELED 220 , PHED 205 , SPED 202  or SPED 211 ) or downloads an application from the College of Education and Allied Studies website http://www.bridgew.edu//licensurefieldplacement/.
• The student completes the application as directed in the packet and returns it to the Office of Professional Education.
• Students will be notified via their BSU email address of the status of their application.

Admission to and Retention in Professional Education Programs – Postbaccalaureate/Graduate Students

All postbaccalaureate teacher education candidates must be admitted to a postbaccalaureate program through Graduate Admissions (see the “Admission-Graduate ” section of this catalog). Candidates must submit evidence of a minimum 2.8 overall undergraduate grade point average, passing scores on appropriate sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL), three recommendations and biographical information as part of the graduate admission process.

 Note(s): Teacher preparation candidates will be asked to authorize a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI) as a requirement for access to public and private schools and agencies during their prepractica and practica field experience. Also, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires all candidates to sign an affidavit that states they “have not been convicted of nor are currently charged with any crime (misdemeanor or felony)” as part of their application for a Massachusetts educator’s license. Additional criminal background checks may be required for field placement in schools and agencies according to Massachusetts laws and regulations.

Retention and Exit Requirements

Students must remain in full compliance with all regulations, requirements, policies and procedures of the College of Education and Allied Studies, the College of Graduate Studies, the university and the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Admission/Retention Appeal Process

A student who wishes to request reconsideration of a professional education program admission/retention decision may submit a written letter of appeal to the dean of the College of Education and Allied Studies.

Application for Practicum – Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs

Admission Criteria

The following criteria must be met for admission to the practicum (student teaching):

• Candidates must be matriculated into an undergraduate arts and sciences degree or graduate licensure program
• Candidates must satisfy all admission criteria for professional education programs (MTEL^® passing scores, English proficiency, prepractica hours, health records), and maintain continued good standing in the College of Education and Allied Studies.
• Candidates must have a 2.8 overall cumulative grade point average. Middle school and high school teacher candidates must also have a 2.8 grade point average in the arts and sciences major.
• Candidates must submit evidence of having passed all program required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL), including the appropriate subject tests.
• Candidates must have successfully completed all prerequisite courses and prepractica field experiences.
• Candidates must obtain departmental approval (via the signature of chairperson or graduate coordinator on their student teaching application).

Admission Deadline

The deadline for completing and submitting the online practicum application is in the month of February for a fall practicum and in the month of September for a spring practicum. Exact dates will be posted on the College of Education and Allied Studies intranet site.

All practica are completed within the university’s service area at centers and sites established by the College of Education and Allied Studies. Students are supervised by appropriately qualified faculty. In that the practica experiences are intense and rigorous, it is recommended that students not enroll in other courses during the semester that they student teach.

Criminal Offender Record Inquires (CORI) are conducted by placement sites. An unsatisfactory CORI report is a reason for refusal of placement by the Bridgewater State University Office of Field Placement and cooperating school districts and agencies. Additional criminal background checks may be required for field placement in schools and agencies according to Massachusetts laws and regulations.

Complaints filed by schools or agencies relative to a student teacher will be reviewed by a committee from the College of Education and Allied Studies. In instances where the student teacher has not met the procedures, policies, standards and/or expectations of the university as set forth in this catalog, the Practicum Handbook and/or other university documents, the student may be removed from the assignment and the program.

The College of Education and Allied Studies is under no obligation to make a second placement for a student who has been removed from his/her field assignment for cause.

Admission to, Retention in and Exit from Professional Education Programs – MAT, MEd, CAGS

All graduate students seeking licensure must formally apply, satisfy all selection criteria and be recommended for admission into professional education programs in the College of Education and Allied Studies and the College of Graduate Studies.

The following requirements and criteria for admission to and retention in licensure and degree programs in the College of Education and Allied Studies and the College of Graduate Studies have been established:

• All students must be formally admitted to a graduate degree or licensure program by the College of Graduate Studies.
• Students must remain in good standing with the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Education and Allied Studies.

Substitutions/Waivers for Licensure

Undergraduate and graduate students with prior courses and/or experiences that are equivalent to or exceed those required in a particular state approved program may request a substitution by way of their academic adviser through their department. Students should contact their adviser for a copy of this institutional process. Grades of “D” and “F” cannot be used. This procedure is for licensure standards only; consult the major department for degree requirements.

Professional Education Review Process

A student who experiences a problem pertaining to his/her preparation program may request consideration under the College of Education and Allied Studies established review process.

The first step is for the student to submit a written appeal to his or her adviser. If the situation cannot be resolved at this level, the student and/or adviser will then proceed to the department chairperson or graduate coordinator. Should the student’s situation not be resolved, then the student may petition the dean of the College of Education and Allied Studies for review. The dean, at his or her discretion, may convene a review board to hear the appeal.

Licensure Application

Students wishing to apply for their Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education initial educator’s license will obtain application instructions during the educator licensure/career services meeting scheduled each semester during a student’s initial internship/practicum. Bridgewater State University participates in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s online Educator Licensure and Recruitment system (ELAR). Candidates can access ELAR via the following Web address: www.doe.mass.edu/educators/e_license.html.

BSU program completers seeking licensure through the batch submission process must submit a BSU Recommendation form, a BSU Educator Licensure Official Transcript Request form and transcript payment receipt to the Office of Professional Education.

Candidates applying for professional licensure should contact the BSU licensing office in their last semester of course work to review the licensure process. 

All candidates seeking Massachusetts Educator Licensure are required at the time of application to sign an affidavit indicating that they have not been convicted of and are not under charges for any crime (misdemeanor or felony) and have not been identified by any child protection agency as a perpetrator of child abuse.

Licensure Tests

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL)

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has contracted with Pearson Education, Inc. to develop and administer the educator licensure test system. Students and interested persons may contact Pearson to obtain information regarding upcoming test administrations and registration information at 413.256.2892 or www.MTEL.nesinc.com. Registering, taking and achieving passing scores of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL) are the students’ responsibility and are required for educational licensure in the state of Massachusetts. Registration bulletins and additional information may also be obtained in the Office of the College of Education and Allied Studies reception area.

Students must provide evidence of having attained a passing score (as determined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL), as part of the admission criteria of the College of Education and Allied Studies.

Students must provide evidence of having attained a passing score (as determined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) on the appropriate subject tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure^® (MTEL) prior to being placed for student teaching. Students are encouraged to consult with their individual departments regarding program-specific MTEL^® requirements.

Please note that some tests are computer-based and must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center. Opportunities for testing are limited. In order to complete educator preparation programs in a timely manner, candidates should plan to pass all required MTELs^® early in the program.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Education

The College of Education and Allied Studies offers a program leading to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Education with concentrations in educational leadership and reading. For details, students should consult the educational leadership and reading program sections of this catalog.

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