Reading Comprehension and Evaluation – Objective vs Biased Writing
All teacher candidates wonder how to score their best on certification exams, whether they are taking the MTEL, FTCE, Praxis, or another state test. Each certification exam includes a reading comprehension section. Even the best readers often shudder when approaching this subject matter. What if your interpretation is different than what the text means? Can you even prepare for the reading comprehension portion of the exam?…
Sample MTEL65 Middle School Math Open Response
MA DESE is updating many MTEL exams over the coming year. As of the end of May, the MTEL 47 Middle School Math exam will be replaced by the MTEL 65 Middle School Math exam. This is a welcome change for many as many of the more difficult concepts, including calculus and discrete math, were removed for this new exam. There will still be two open…
Using Social Media in the Classroom
If you teach young people ages ten and up (and often younger), it is a given that they are attached to their phones at every opportunity. Why not take advantage of social media in and out of the classroom to engage your students in a different and exciting way? Many educators view social media as a nightmare to be tolerated, but it can be useful -…
Professional Development for Teachers – COVID Edition
Not only has the pandemic affected instructors, students, and families around the world profoundly and unexpectedly over these last 12 months, it has created a multitude of other educational concerns. From computer access and proficiency to lack of socialization to innovations in teaching safely in-person, online, and in a hybrid setting, many issues must necessarily be addressed sooner rather than later. One problem directly involving teachers…
Praxis Test I and II Today
Becoming an educator is not for the faint-hearted. Not only must you complete your college courses with acceptable scores, but you are also subjected to one or more licensing exams that you must score well on before you receive your teaching certificate. If your state requires Praxis exams for teacher licensure, it can help to understand what type of tests are needed and what you will…
MA DESE is Updating MTEL Teacher Certification Exams
No matter what state you hope to teach in, potential educators in their junior year of college should begin planning for taking teacher certification exams. Your college advisor can help you determine what tests you need to take, or you can research the state education website to decide the most suitable time to take them. Early consideration can be quite beneficial, particularly if you lack specific…