Do I need to have a teaching position in a TEC community to participate in the TEC Teacher Licensure Program?
Do I need to have a job to apply?
How will I be supervised in the practicum?
What are the courses that are required for the program?
Is there a payment schedule for the fees or must I pay all at once?
Is there any financial aid available?
What support will I get to complete the portfolio?
Will I receive credit for the courses I take?
I have already taken some of the required courses. Can I still participate in the program?
I have questions about my current license and/or my licensure status. Can TEC help me?
How heavy is the work load?
Do I need to have a teaching position in a TEC community to participate in the TEC Teacher Licensure Program?
No, the program is open to all, provided that we are able to find a supervisor for your location. There is an additional charge of $500 for non-TEC participants. There is an additional charge of $500 for non-TEC participants.
Do I need to have a job to apply?
With a Preliminary license, you are qualified to be hired by a school district. We prefer candidates who are employed as teachers of record. We do accept some candidates for apprenticeship positions as long as they have had some experience in schools and are willing and able to find a practicum placement.
How will I be supervised in the practicum?
Someone holding the license you seek will need to supervise you on-site. That person will receive PDPs for this work as well as a $100 Professional Development voucher for TEC courses and workshops. TEC will provide a supervisor who will visit your school three times, observe you teaching and then meet with you and your mentor.
What are the courses that are required for the program?
There's Got to Be a Better Way (Classroom Management) - summer
Integration of Technology and Education - summer
Facilitating Learning - summer
Curriculum - module
Assessment - module
Adolescent Psychology - module
Special Education - module
Is there a payment schedule for the fees or must I pay all at once?
There is an initial non-refundable deposit due in May, followed by payments in August, November and March.
Is there any financial aid available?
TEC does not provide financial assistance, but you should explore any tuition reimbursement programs offered by your district. The 15 credits you may receive could also help you make a lane change on your district's pay scale.
What support will I get to complete the portfolio?
Your TEC Supervisor will guide you to develop your portfolio. Its contents must demonstrate how you are meeting the Professional Standards for Teachers. TEC also sponsors portfolio workshops to assist you.
(http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr7.html?section=08)
Will I receive credit for the courses I take?
You will be given the option to obtain credits from Framingham State College at the additional cost (2009) of $195 per three-credit course.
I have already taken some of the required courses. Can I still participate in the program?
We will examine your transcripts and course information. If you have completed the equivalent of required courses, you will not have to take them again. You must complete the other program requirements. (You will be given financial credit for waived courses.)
I have questions about my current license and/or my licensure status. Can TEC help me?
The regulations from the DESE are complicated. While we interpret them as best we can, we are not experts. Only the DESE can give you a definitive answer to your questions. You can also sign in to the DESE web site to check your current status.
How heavy is the work load?
The courses you will take are at a graduate level. They have requirements that may include reading, research papers, presentations, and projects. You will find them challenging and demanding, but with reasonable expectations.