Department of STEM Education and Teacher Development

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Faculty and Fields of Interest

Jesse Bazzul science education; discourse and science education policy and curriculum philosophy of education; critical pedagogy; ethics and social and political issues in science education

Armand Desmarais (Professor Emeritus) teacher certification and licensure, foundations of education, mentoring, teacher induction

Beste Gucler conceptual and historical development of mathematical concepts; the teaching and learning of calculus at the undergraduate level; and the connections between mathematics education and social justice issues

Maureen Hall English education, middle and secondary education, literacy, developmental teaching and language arts, K-12 curriculum design, professional development, community-making, innovation, and reform

Shakhnoza Kayumova exploration of the conditions of possibility for the inclusion of culturally, economically, and linguistically diverse students, particularly English language learners, in science education and literacy engagement through transformative research and pedagogy embedded in equitable practices

Cynthia Kruger (Professor Emeritus) middle and secondary education, curriculum development, methodology, social studies, reading, inclusive education

Sheila Macrine reading/special education, educational reform, critical-feminist pedagogy

Chandra Orrill (Chair) teachers’ mathematical knowledge and how to support teachers’ mathematical learning, school reform, curriculum design, assessment

Karen Terrell secondary mathematics pedagogy, content-based language instruction and literacy for diverse learners, professional development, parent engagement, social justice 

Nicholas Santavica bilingual/ESL education, second language studies, international comparative education, queer studies in education

Stephen Witzig development of teachers’ specialized knowledge for teaching science, student learning

Mission

The STEM Education and Teacher Development Department is committed to providing teacher preparation, licensing and professional development opportunities for aspiring as well as already-licensed teachers. The department develops reflective practitioners who understand the complex social contexts of learning, education and schooling in both urban and suburban settings. In addition to providing a rigorous preparation in specific fields, the faculty encourage students and teachers to develop their ability to apply pedagogical theory to practice and to reflect on the complexities inherent in their craft. They are committed to the preparation of educators who are sensitive to multicultural issues, an awareness of the particular concerns of urban education, knowledge of the unique styles of individual learners, and the role of schools to promote social justice in the  21^st century.

UMass Dartmouth offers both Massachusetts Initial and Professional Teaching Licensure programs at the graduate level.  These lead to an Initial teaching license via either a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate or an Initial license MAT. The programs lead to licensure in the following areas:  Middle and Secondary Biology; Chemistry, English, Foreign Literature and Languages (French, Portuguese and Spanish), General Science, History, Political Science/Political Philosophy, Mathematics and Physics.

Goals for Student Learning

The goal of the Department of Teaching and Learning is to prepare students as K-12 teachers, as well as provide ongoing education to practicing teachers.  To this end, we seek to develop students are knowledgable of:

• Content
• Pedagogical methods
• Equity
• Professional responsibilities

Elementary or Middle and Secondary Education (BA/BS-MAT)

To hold a Massachusetts Initial License you must:

• possess a bachelor’s degree
• pass the Massachusetts State Educator Tests (MTELs) and
• complete a teacher preparation program that encompasses a Student Teaching Practicum (one full semester).

UMass Dartmouth offers teacher licensure programs at the graduate level only. However, undergraduates can begin taking courses towards becoming licensed teachers by enrolling in the BA/BS-MAT Program during their Junior year.

The BA/BS-MAT Program is an option for students who have completed 75 credits and have maintained a GPA of 3.0. Students take 15 credits of Education courses in place of five free electives. These five courses can be transferred directly to a Master’s degree upon graduation. That is, you can graduate from UMass with a Bachelor’s degree in your major and a Master’s degree in Teaching for 135 credits.

Students from the following majors are eligible:

After completing your senior year, you receive a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in your chosen major. Your graduate work begins your junior year, as you will take four additional, advanced courses in education, content, or special education, with these credits applied to both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

You may obtain your initial license in one of the following areas:

Course Lists

 BA/BS-MAT Degree: Elementary (15 credits)

BA/BS-MAT Degree: Middle/Secondary (15 credits)

How to Apply

• Submit a completed Dual Degree application, along with a copy of  your transcript to:
  Department of Teaching and Learning
  UMass Dartmouth
  398A Arts and Sciences Building
  285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747.
  You must be admitted to the program to register for courses.
• MTEL schedules can be located at www.mtel.nesinc.com.
• Students should submit an application for the MAT-Initial program to Graduate Studies during their final undergraduate semester.

Middle and Secondary Initial Licensure Post-Baccalaureate Program

Teacher candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution may earn an initial license by following a sequence of courses at the post-baccalaureate level.  This sequence prepares students for initial licensure at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Post-Baccalaureate students must successfully pass state tests and complete the sequence of education courses. The Post-Baccalaureate program includes content courses that require pre-practicum assignments in local area schools and one full semester of student teaching. For those already teaching, a supervised equivalent to a practicum may be arranged.

Art Education and Music

See the sections elsewhere in this catalog for information about admission to and progression in these programs.

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