Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) Program
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program
Framingham State University offers the following Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) programs leading to the Massachusetts Initial Teaching License.
Initial Licensure available through PBTL:
- Biology Grades 8-12
- Chemistry Grades 8-12
- Early Childhood Grades PreK-2
- Earth & Space Science Grades 8-12
- Elementary Grades 1-6
- English Grades 5-12
- Foreign Language: Spanish Grades 5-12
- General Science Grades 5-8
- History Grades 5-12
- Mathematics Grades 5-8
- Mathematics Grades 8-12
- Middle School: Mathematics/Science Grades 5-8
- Physics Grades 8-12
- Visual Art Grades PreK-8
- Visual Art Grades 5-12
Teacher Licensure in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has several levels of teacher licensure. Framingham State University's PBTL Program prepares students for the Initial License with its coursework, field-based experiences, and supervised practicum. The Initial License has a life of five (5) years of teaching. The professional license may be earned by adding an appropriate master’s program.
The requirements mandated by Massachusetts are a major effort to strengthen the preparation of teachers and administrators in the schools. Framingham State University has responded by adjusting the requirements in its programs. It will continue to do so, as it simultaneously seeks to protect the interests of its students while remaining in compliance with state regulations. All information in this bulletin is accurate as of press time and is subject to any further change in state laws and regulations.
Further information about the PBTL Program may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Secondary Education Academic Subject Licenses
For those preparing to teach biology, chemistry, earth & space science, English, History, mathematics, Spanish, or Visual Art, applications are considered on an individual basis in accordance with the subject matter knowledge specified in Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Regulations and the program requirements of Framingham State University. Each department affiliated with a secondary education program determines the subject matter requirements needed for recommendation to the state for licensure.
Early Childhood Education (Grades Pre-K-2) or Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
The focus of the PBTL program at the early childhood or elementary level is on teaching methods. However, adequate preparation in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and mathematics is necessary to establish the groundwork for success in the classroom. Candidates lacking sufficient preparation in any area will be asked to make up deficiencies.
Studies in Education
All students in the PBTL program must take coursework in teaching methods, development and learning, and foundational studies dealing with the nature of schooling in our society. The precise courses differ according to the licensure sought, but all PBTL program include the following three core courses:
- EDIL 900 Field Study I in Education and Seminar
- EDIL 910 Education Foundations
- EDIL 920 Learning and Human Development
Enrollment in EDIL 900 Field Study I in Education and Seminar requires that students have (a) already completed or be currently enrolled in EDIL 910 Education Foundations or EDIL 920 learning and Human Development; and (b) submitted an application to the PBTL program.
NOTE: All students, with the exception of those pursuing licensure in Foreign Language, must also complete a “Sheltered English Immersion” course. This requirement can be completed by enrolling in the following FSU course:
In-School Experience
There are presently three or four in-school or “field” experiences, depending on the license sought. Only students matriculated in the PBTL program may enroll in Field Study II and III, and student teaching practicum. The first field experience focuses principally on observation. The second, and in the case of elementary and early childhood programs the third as well, are part of teaching methods courses and involve taking on some real teaching responsibility. (These first experiences are designated Field Study I, II, and III.) The fourth experience (the third for subjects other than elementary and early childhood) is the student teaching practicum. It requires a semester’s full-time commitment. PBTL students preparing for an Initial License may apply to use a semester of employment by a cooperating school district either as a teacher of record or as an aide in the field and at the level of the license sought. Students must be so employed at the time of application and have completed all other program and college requirements. The University’s Education Department will review applications on a case by case basis.
For more information, refer to the course descriptions for:
Application Process
Applications are accepted year round and students may begin a program any semester. Prospective students apply for the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program through the Office of Graduate Studies. Application requires a fee of $50.00, transcripts of college work from all previous colleges, and two letters or recommendation. Documentation of any work experience in public schools, including dates, should be submitted at this time. For an application to the PBTL program, please call Graduate Admissions at 508-626- 4528 or apply online at inrf.lgmobilereg.com.
Prospective applicants who wish to have an advising session prior to applying can schedule an appointment with an advisor on Monday evenings between the hours of 4:30pm and 7:30pm; on campus or over the phone. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling (508) 626-4755.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the PBTL Program requires a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum undergraduate overall grade point average of 2.80 is required. PBTL candidates with deficiencies in the liberal arts or sciences will be required to take appropriate courses in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and mathematics before admittance to more advanced studies in the PBTL education sequence involving teaching method and practice.
The Education Department maintains a student’s licensure folder for any PBTL applicant who began the licensure sequence as an undergraduate at FSU. This folder contains evaluations on education classroom performance and professional attributes appropriate for teachers as well as academic achievement. Therefore, the existing licensure folder for a PBTL applicant will be reviewed, in conjunction with the PBTL program application, by the appropriate admissions committee for the license sought. Where any questions arise, the appropriate admissions committee reserves the right to discuss the contents of the student’s licensure file with the PBTL applicant.
Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure
The Commonwealth presently administers MTEL examinations several times a year. The deadline to register for the exams take place approximately six (6) weeks before the examination is given. For further information and to register, visit www.mtel.nesinc.com.
Foundations of Reading Test
Although a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Test is not a requirement to apply for the PBTL Program, it is a requirement for student teaching practicum and the Initial License in early childhood and elementary education.
Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) Test
Although a passing score on the Subject Matter Knowledge Test is not a requirement to apply for the PBTL Program, it is a requirement for student teaching practicum and the Initial License in that subject matter.
Massachusetts Test for Education Licensure (MTEL) Preparation Workshops
Framingham State University conducts MTEL Preparation Workshops for the Communication and Literacy Skills Test and Foundations of Reading Test. Please contact Continuing Education at 508-626-4603 for further information, or visit inrf.lgmobilereg.com.