Elementary Education Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Christina Kaniu
Phone: 508-929-8753
Email: christina.kaniu@worcester.edu

The Master of Education, Concentration in Elementary Education, will provide students with an in depth knowledge and understanding of the practical applications of the content, curriculum, and assessments used in elementary schools. Students enrolled in this program also will take a careful look at how social constructs, diversity, and equity issues impact schools. During the second half of the program students will engage in an action research project designed to address a current problem of practice in a school setting. This program is designed for individuals who hold an initial teaching license from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or an equivalent credential, as well as for those seeking to enhance their professional expertise in elementary education. For students who already possess the initial license in Massachusetts, this degree may support eligibility for a professional license in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) through DESE. (This program will not lead to an initial license in elementary education from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). 

(34 credits total)

Prerequisites: Initial License or its equivalent in elementary education; a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and existing career or experience in elementary education or in a similar learning environment.

Items Needed to Apply:

• Online application found at www.worcester.edu/apply
• Essay explaining reason for pursuing this degree program
• Application fee
• Two professional references
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Official transcript evaluation for any transcript from outside the United States
• An English language proficiency test if the student’s academic background is not in English

Master of Education in Elementary Education

The program consists of the following courses:

1. RESEARCH: Graduate students will develop and implement a plan of action related to a
problem of practice by engaging in the action research process. (DESE 4)
2. PEDEGOGY: Graduate students will provide high-quality instruction to young students
related to the relevant state standards in the major subject areas (math, English language
arts, social studies, and science) through the use of research-based and effective teaching
methods and valid assessments and analysis of assessment data. (DESE 1)
3. TEACHING ALL STUDENTS: Graduate students will maintain high expectations for
all students and establish a classroom where all students are able to access the curriculum
and students of diverse backgrounds, learning styles, needs, interests, identities, native
languages, English language proficiency, strengths, and challenges are valued and
respected. (DESE 2)
4. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: Graduate students will establish effective partnerships
with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations to promote learning
and growth. (DESE 3)
5. TECHNOLOGY: Graduate students will use appropriate technology and related
instructional methods to help students become capable technology users and to enhance
student learning in all areas of the curriculum. (DESE 1)
6. PROFESSIONAL CULTURE: Graduate students will collaborate with colleagues
using high ethical standards to make continuous improvements to their teaching practice.
(DESE 4)