High Quality Teacher Education Since 1894

Educating outstanding teachers has been a core of our mission since our founding, as the North Adams Normal School, in 1894. Our graduate program in education will prepare you for leadership as a master teacher, specialist, administrator, policy maker, or other education professional. 

We offer a dynamic blend of classroom excellence and practical, hands-on fieldwork. Our program is known for its dedicated faculty, diverse academic programming, high return on investment and strength in meeting the tangible needs of educators and institutions.  Learn more about the advantages of MCLA's graduate program in education.

Masters of Education

Concentration areas are available in administration (school principal or supervisor/director, superintendent/assistant superintendent), special education, reading, instruction, curriculum, physical education and health, instructional technology, and other areas. The program offers considerable flexibility, allowing you to pursue specific educational objectives and career opportunities. Courses are now offered both in North Adams and Pittsfield. Learn more.

Leadership Academy

Summer 2012 dates: TBA

We offer an innovative Leadership Academy providing educators with the opportunity to complete graduate credits in administration during the summer. This program benefits educators who already have a master's degree or a minimum of 3 years of K-12 experience, and/or any school administrator who is seeking Educational Administrative Licensure. Learn more.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership

Summer 2012: TBA

This program (CAGS in Massachusetts, CAS in New York State) benefits teachers, administrators, and other education professionals who wish to develop and expand their skills beyond the master's level in their field. The program offers three concentrations under Educational Leadership CAGS: Administration, Special Education, and Reading. A minimum of 33 approved graduate credit hours are required for CAGS completion. Learn more.

Teacher Licensure Programs

Graduates of MCLA's state-approved licensure programs have a 98% pass rate on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure.  We offer licensure  programs for teachers wishing to (1) teach at the early childhood, elementary, middle school, and secondary levels, or (2) teach biology, business, English, general science, history, mathematics, physics, political science/political philosophy at the middle school or secondary level, reading specialist and moderate disabilities. Learn more.

For additional information about obtaining a teaching license, contact the Education Department Office at 413-662-5381 or the Licensure Officer, Susan Wismer, at 413-662-5522, susan.wismer@mcla.edu