Wellesley Teacher Scholars Program: Teacher Certification/Licensure
The Wellesley Teacher Scholars Program is a cohort-based teacher licensure program devoted to cultivating thoughtful, compassionate and equity-driven teachers. Wellesley Teacher Scholars are prepared to teach full-time upon graduation, and licensure through Wellesley is transferable to all 50 states. Beginning with the Class of 2026, teacher licensure course requirements will align with the education studies major; we encourage students to consider pursuing both. A complete description of the program requirements can be found on the Wellesley Teacher Scholars website.
Wellesley Teacher Scholars gain internship experience and teacher licensure at the high school (grades 8-12) and middle school (grades 5-8) levels. Please consult with the Director of Teacher Education Soo Hong (shong@wellesley.edu) about middle and high school education to plan a program of study. Students may also consult Diane Tutin (dtutin@wellesley.edu) with questions about obtaining teacher certification/licensure.
Middle and High School Teacher Certification
To attain teacher licensure, students must complete:
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One introductory course from those listed in the first requirement of teaching and learning studies minor. Beginning with the Class of 2026, EDUC 214 will be required as the introductory course for the teacher licensure program. We recommend that, if possible, students take this course during their first or sophomore year;
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EDUC 325, preferably taken at Wellesley in a fall semester before senior year;
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Education coursework to be taken during a student’s senior year: EDUC 300 and EDUC 398H in the fall semester, EDUC 399H during wintersession, and EDUC 303, EDUC 339, EDUC 340, and EDUC 341 in the spring semester.
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Arts and sciences coursework appropriate to the specific teaching field (please contact the department for details).
Faculty are also available to discuss other options, such as enrolling in graduate teacher preparation programs or other alternative teacher certification programs.
Early Childhood Education
Students may also gain internship experience (and a possible certificate) in early childhood education. Issued by the Department of Early Education and Care, the early childhood education Lead Teacher certificate qualifies students to teach in private preschools and child care centers, but not in public kindergartens, and is not transferable directly to other states. For early childhood education, students take required courses and complete their student teaching at the Wellesley College Child Study Center or Wellesley Community Children’s Center. Please consult with Maureen Morgan about early childhood education and courses.
Title II information can be viewed at
https://sites.google.com/wellesley.edu/wellesleyteacherscholars/program-requirements