Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?
Posted by JG on 6/24/08

It is of course true that content is very important and without a solid
grasp on the material, teachers would doing our students a disservice.
It should not, however, be the only measure of a good teacher. I've
always thought the MTEL should have both a content and a practical
portion. A mini teaching session should be a component. They do it for
drivers licenses, they can do it for teaching licenses too! As a Math
tutor/instructor for the MTEL, I come into contact with many fine people
who would make great teachers if only they can clear the test hurdle. I
find that those who lose any resentment about taking the exam are the
ones most likely to pass on a subsequent try. It's not easy. There is
alot of information to cover but in the long run, it will be a huge
benefit to be able to tap into those resources of knowledge.

On 6/23/08, Amanda wrote:
> I agree with Boston. The test isn't about how well you teach, it is
> about how well you know your content area. The test is hard; I got
> straight A's at Bridgewater State, which has one of the best but
> toughest teaching programs around, and I only scored a 78 on the MTEL.
> The MTEL is set-up like the MCAS Exams our 10th grade students take
> but it's longer and geared toward college curriculum.
>
> On 6/16/08, Same Boat wrote:
>>
>> I am in the same boat. I went to school in Rhode Island and passed
>> their requirements to get into the education program. I also passed
>> the Rhode Island teachers test and am certified(eled.and sped)in
> R.I..
>> I then went on to get my Masters degree in Sped 5-12. I am currently
>> in a CAGS program. I have been teaching in Massachusetts in the same
>> position (sped) for the last three years.
>> The problem is that I have been on a waiver for the last three years
>> because I can't pass the MTEL. I have taken the prep classes at
>> Bridgewater, Umass Dartmouth, and Cambridge College.---More than
>> once--. I am horrible at multiple choice questions. I get full credit
>> for the open response questions.
>> The MTEL should not be the only indicator of being a qualified
>> teacher. I have a coworker who has taught at a community college
>> (math), but is going to be laid off because he can't pass the MTEL
>> math portion. This clearly makes no sense. I don't agree with the
>> three strikes, but there needs to be other information that should be
>> taken into account. I also know people who are good test takers, get
>> certified, but can't teach.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 6/09/08, moi wrote:
>>> Yes, agreed. Content is extremely important. Which is why I
>>> majored in Spanish, and studied abroad, to get as much out of my
>>> undergrad career as possible. The Spanish MTEL is a bit ridiculous
>>> however. I graduated with A's and B's, a 3.6 gpa, in my subject
>>> area, but cant pass this test? I guess I'll just teach in RI,
>>> where I passed a test that was more reasonable.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 6/05/08, Boston wrote:
>>>> The MTEL is not for determining your ability to teach, it is for
>>> determining your content
>>>> knowledge. I think that is extremely important.
>>>>
>>>> On 5/20/08, moi wrote:
>>>>> I just graduated from a school in RI, with a double major and
>>>>> I received a B.A.S. I am from Massachusetts, and would like to
>>>>> teach in MA, however, I cannot seem to pass the MTEL that I
>>>>> need to. I took all of the RI tests, which are accepted in 48
>>>>> other states. I think it is kind of ridiculous to be honest,
>>>>> and a test should not determine your ability to teach at all.
>>>>

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 4/25/08, by Curious.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 4/26/08, by Mrs R.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 4/26/08, by Mrs. D..
• Re: ReMRS d, 4/26/08, by Mrs R.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 4/26/08, by Mrs D.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 4/27/08, by Ms. S.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 4/27/08, by Mrs R.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 4/27/08, by Mrs. R.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 5/06/08, by Shannon from Hingham.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 5/07/08, by Personally.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?-To Mrs.R, 5/08/08, by Shannon Tabor.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 5/20/08, by moi.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 5/20/08, by a moi de votre ami.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 6/05/08, by Boston.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 6/09/08, by moi.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 6/16/08, by Same Boat.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 6/23/08, by Amanda.
• Re: Are MTELs keeping potential teachers away?, 6/24/08, by JG.