For teachers everywhere, earning a master’s degree improves both their skills in teaching and their chances of earning the top jobs in their profession.

In Massachusetts, it’s a requirement for teaching at the highest levels in the state.

Earning a master’s degree in elementary education in Massachusetts opens the door to earning higher levels of certification with the state. For example, the Master in Education in Elementary Education from Merrimack College prepares teachers to earn the state’s initial license for working with students in grades 1 through 6.

MTEL Prep in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, part of the requirements for teaching certification includes passing the required sections of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). The MTEL and rigorous standards for teachers preparation education have paved the way for Massachusetts to have one of the best education systems in the United States.

Preparation for the MTEL is built into the master’s degree in elementary education program at Merrimack College. The curriculum prepares students for the following MTEL sections:

  • Communication and Literacy Skills: Reading and Writing subtests (the school recommends completion prior to enrollment)
  • General Curriculum: Math and Multi-Subject subtests
  • Foundations of Reading

The Merrimack College Master of Education in Elementary Education is aligned with the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers and Subject Matter Knowledge requirements. It also has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Careers with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education

In addition to helping teachers meet the requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts, the master’s degree in elementary education also can lead to a variety of top jobs in education.

These include:

Principal. Most school districts require principals to hold a master’s degree. This prepares them for leadership of a school, overseeing all aspects of a school operation.

Instructional coordinator. In this key role, those with a master’s degree in elementary education develop a school’s teaching standards and create the curriculum for schools at the district level.

Education policy. Those with a master’s degree in elementary education also may work with government agencies at the district, state and federal level that develop and oversee educational policies.

Counselor. Those who have earned a master’s degree in elementary education also are prepared to take on jobs as counselors, working with students who are experiencing difficulties and helping them achieve success by overcoming those issues.

No matter what career they decide to pursue, those who earn a master’s degree in elementary education make themselves more attractive candidates for a variety of top jobs in education. They also increase their skills and, in Massachusetts, better prepare themselves for earning educator licensure from the state.

With more degree programs now offered conveniently online, such as the one from Merrimack College, there’s never been a better time to achieve your academic goals in elementary education.