One of only three schools in Massachusetts to be “Approved with Distinction” by DESE (learn more)
Great teachers are always in demand. Teaching is a rewarding career and the Assumption faculty is dedicated to helping you chart your path to becoming an educator. When you major in education at Assumption, you will develop deep content knowledge and diverse pedagogical skills, as well gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. Graduates from our program earn a double major and a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License. Your coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching are designed to prepare you for success in your own classroom. The education department offers intensive and ongoing advising for students within the program to familiarize them with the requirements of the education major, as well as current regulations for teacher licensure. If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education, you’ll have the opportunity to pair a specific academic major with the education major, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the subject areas you will teach. The education faculty at Assumption are former classroom teachers and scholars who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that they enjoy sharing with their students. Ongoing collaboration with teachers in local public and private schools allows the University to offer a program that is informed by innovative, current research and explores emerging best practices for effective classroom instruction.
To help you become the best teacher you can be, Assumption believes in providing students hands-on classroom experience. The education courses you will take in pursuit of a teaching degree will include multiple opportunities to engage in Worcester-area classrooms, starting in your first year and culminating in full-time student teaching.
Assumption University offers the following state approved teacher preparation programs for the Massachusetts Initial license in the following areas:
• Elementary [grades 1–6]
• Biology [grades 8–12]
• Chemistry [grades 8–12]
• English [grades 5–12]
• General Science [grades 5–8]
• History [grades 5–12]
• Mathematics [grades 5–8 or 8–12]
• Spanish [grades 5–12]
For undergraduate students interested in Special Education, the Education Department offers a special, five-year program enabling a student to complete both a Bachelor of Arts degree in a liberal arts or science and the Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for a Massachusetts Initial license as an elementary, middle, or secondary teacher as well as a Massachusetts Initial license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities [grades PreK-8 or 5–12].
Assumption education majors interested in teacher licensure generally apply to the education major during their sophomore year. Education students are required to complete an appropriate major in the liberal arts or sciences and must successfully complete the requirements for a specific licensure path.
Learning Goals of the Major in Education
- By the conclusion of their studies in the Education major, Assumption University students will demonstrate:
- conceptually sound lesson planning derived from research-based methods
- effective instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students
- competent subject matter knowledge
- the ability to improve practice based upon self-evaluation of teaching
- a commitment to professional obligations and responsibilities.
Learn about Assumption University’s Mathematics Academy Leadership in Teaching Program.
Samantha Goldman, Ph.D.
An Ideal Place to Learn to Teach
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption's Rome Campus
At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)
Explore the Rome CampusLearn the Skills Employers Seek
Pre-Practicum: Field-Based Experiences
All teacher candidates complete multiple pre-practicum embedded within coursework. Through early exposure to best practices, Assumption’s licensure candidates become better aware of the intricacies associated with teaching in urban and suburban school districts. Required pre-practicum not only span the ages/grades covered by the candidate’s license, but also occur in a variety of settings and include students with special needs and English Language Learners. Elementary and Secondary teacher candidates are granted opportunities to complete 75 hours of observation, practice teaching methods, and reflect upon sustained, authentic feedback from practitioners and methods professors. Field experiences are designed to support students in seeing the connections between theory and practice, and prepare licensure candidates to work with students from diverse backgrounds as well as in high-need areas. Students work with the field-placement coordinator to determine appropriate pre-practicum and practicum experiences and to ensure successful matches to supervising practitioners in the field. Assumption currently partners with:- Worcester Public Schools
- Wachusett Regional School District
- Hudson Public Schools
- Auburn Public Schools
- Shrewsbury Public Schools
- Grafton Public Schools
- West Boylston Public Schools
- Algonquin Regional High School
- Westboro High School
Study Abroad
At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.Internships
Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more. Each education major at Assumption completes a 360-hour practicum experience as a capstone.Career Paths
Assumption education graduates are in high-demand from a number of schools throughout the region.
Advanced Math and Science Charter School
Auburn, MA Public Schools
Boston, MA Public Schools
Braintree, MA Public Schools
Chelsea, MA Public Schools
Enfield, CT Public Schools
Hartford, CT Public Schools
Hudson, MA Public Schools
Littleton, MA Public Schools
Marlborough Public Schools
Milford, MA Public Schools
Nashua, NH Public Schools
Pope John XXIII High School, Sparta, NJ
St. Joseph's School, Fitchburg, MA
St. John's High School, Shrewsbury, MA
St. John the Evangelist School, White Plains, NY
St. Peter-Marian Jr.-Sr. High School, Worcester
Shrewsbury, MA Public Schools
Wachusett Regional School District Public Schools
Watertown, MA Public Schools
Wilmington, MA Public Schools
Worcester, MA Public Schools
Mary Katherine Petterson
Education 2016
Teacher, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy / Pursued a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College Lynch School
“Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined. From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.”
Kelsey Adkins
Education 2017
Student Teacher, Dawson Elementary School
“I credit my success to the professors in the Education Department at Assumption. My professors provided me with the skills and knowledge I needed to be a successful student and educator. It was their encouraging words and the relationships that I developed with each of them that ultimately helped me to thrive.”
Erin Killeen
Education 2017
Student Teacher, Lincoln Street School
“I had over 75 hours of field experience before it came time for me to student teach. My education professors at Assumption taught me so many amazing strategies and methods for teaching elementary school students. I loved learning new concepts and skills that I could apply in the classroom.”
Kathleen Knox
Education 2017
Student Teacher, Forest Grove Middle School
“I couldn't have accomplished of my growth and progress without the help of the education department. Student teaching taught me that you can never truly know what the classroom experience is like until you take over a class for yourself. Real classroom experience is the only thing that can show you what teaching is actually like on a day to day basis.”
Sarah Olson
Education 2017
Student Teacher, Lincoln Street School
“My classes and professors at Assumption gave me vast knowledge and incredible opportunities. I was able apply what I learned in the classroom and my practicum experiences to my role as a teacher in Worcester Public schools.”
Allie Fleming
Education 2018
6th Grade Teacher, Worcester Arts Magnet School, Worcester, MA
“Assumption will teach you more than how to pass an MTEL or GRE. Assumption College's liberal arts education has given me background in so many different subjects. I was able to major in education and English while also getting minors in STEM and a Master's in Special Education.”
Carly Sakellarios
Education 2018
Paraprofessional/Co-Teacher at a Charter School in Lawrence, MA
“Assumption College’s liberal arts curriculum prepared me to better answer my students' questions. I got extra experience in observing and assisting an elementary school teacher through the AC club, Book Buddies. Any time in a classroom as an education major is exciting. I was able to volunteer my time to help out and learn more about teaching the little ones!”
Katherine Ventola
Education 2020
Camp Coordinator, James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn
“This experience will make me more prepared for my future career as a preschool teacher. I’ve learned so much from this job including that all children are unique in their own ways. I am in charge of roughly 15 to 20 eight-year-olds every day and run various activities for them focused around science, English, and art. ”
Catherine Donnelly
Education 2021
Teacher & Naturalist, Norman Bird Sanctuary
“I have really been able to experience what it is like to run a classroom. I spent the summer working with children in grades 2 – 8 teaching them about coastal creatures and ecosystems by conducting experiments, playing games, making crafts and exploring the coast.”
Jonathan Kelly
Education 2000
Principal, Sherwood Middle School
“My experience at Assumption was transformative. A wonderful community with a dedicated and supportive faculty who go above and beyond for students. My professors believed in me and motivated me to do my best. The strong personal connections I made is what gave me the confidence I needed to persevere and dream big.”
Jenn Futtner
Education 2019
4th Grade Teacher, Worcester Public Schools
“Assumption's education department thoroughly prepared me to become a teacher. My experiences working in admissions, residential life, and academic support provided me with skills for my profession as well. I learned to be a better public speaker, problem solver, community builder, team player and more. I had such a positive experience at Assumption!”
Pauliny Smith
Spanish 2022
Student Teaching at Algonquin Regional High School
“My professors encouraged me to challenge myself and apply my education to all aspects of life. I am very thankful for the Spanish program and professors. They emphasized the importance of culture and immersing yourself in the language to internalize what you learned and use it in daily experiences. I can't wait to reflect this in my own classroom!”
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.
Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost
We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.