Message from the
Dean of Education

Elaine Francis, Ed.D.

Welcome to the Web Site for Fitchburg State's  Educator Licensure Programs and Departments!

We are very proud of our educator licensure programs that are nationally recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  Fitchburg State College is one of only eight nationally accredited programs in Massachusetts.  This means that our programs have been reviewed by colleagues from the teacher preparation programs across the country.  NCATE standards demand the highest level of excellence in preparing future education personnel. 

Housed in two education departments and several liberal arts and sciences departments, faculty across the college are engaged in a concerted effort to enhance and expand undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities. We are very proud of our educator licensure programs that are nationally recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation ofTeacher Education (NCATE).  Fitchburg State College is one of only eight nationally accredited programs in Massachusetts.  This means that our programs have been reviewed by colleagues from the teacher preparation programs across the country.  NCATE standards demand the highest level of excellence in preparing future education personnel.  post-baccalaureate and graduate licensure programs in the context of a standards-rich, performance based environment. Fitchburg State also sponsors a Center for Professional Studies for school personnel, through its collaborations with area schools and school districts. The Education Unit coordinates with the CPS as well as the college's Graduate and Continuing Education Division, which also supports an extensive number of extended campus programs through educational partnerships with nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Taken together, these programs make the college's continuum of offerings a seamless system for educator preparation. Within our programs is a shared Conceptual Framework, as well as widespread incorporation of the core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards for what accomplished teachers in all areas should know and be able to do.

The educator licensure programs at the college are supported by a Educator Licensure Office that facilitates and monitors licensure candidates' progress at all levels. This office also supports program faculty and staff responsible for verifying the eligibility of students to be admitted as education majors, sponsored student teaching interns, and endorsed candidates for initial and advanced licensure in their respective professional areas.

Fitchburg State is proud of its historic mission as a teachers college, in the context of an excellent liberal arts and science education. Whether you are a student, parent, faculty member, staff member, or education partner, we hope you find this Web Site and related links useful. We welcome your suggestions for improving the content and delivery of our programs to better serve your needs.  If you would like to come and talk to us, please give us a call @ 978-665-3501.

Dean of Education Roles and Responsibilties