Hours of grueling studying. Endless nightmares. Dead trees. Broken pencils. Chocolate.
What do all of these items have in common you ask? They are typical symptoms of the MTEL study cycle, and they will become your close friends.
what’s an MTEL?
MTEL stands for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure; a series of three tests, all education majors must pass their MTELs ideally before the spring semester of their junior year. The purpose: basically, to make sure you are prepared and know what you’re talking about before you get into the field. These tests can be pretty intimidating, like an SAT but on a much larger scale. However, with some honest studying and confidence, you’ll pass no problem!
All education students are required by the state of Massachusetts to pass the Communications and Literacy MTEL (a test focusing on basic communication skills with writing and reading subtests). I took this test in January for the first time and just found out that I PASSED! It was such a relief knowing that I have one of three under my belt, just two more to go! However, I understand it can be disappointing, as well as costly, to hear that the qualifying scores were not met, but don’t be discouraged. MTELs can be taken as many times as needed to pass.
The next elementary education MTEL I will be taking this summer is the General Curriculum test [it consists of two subtests: the multi-subject subtest (language arts, history and social science, and science and technology/engineering) and the mathematics subtest]. Personally, I’m nervous about passing this test because like I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve recently switched my major to education. The problem is I’m missing a couple key courses that are needed to pass this test, so I’ll need to teach myself a bit before I can successfully take it.
After General Curriculum, I will be taking the final MTEL, Fundamentals of Reading, which is required for teachers focusing on education between kindergarten and sixth grade.
carpe diem.
Despite the long hours of studying material, stressing about the test day, emptying out Bay Path printers with practice test sheets and timing yourself… chocolate will be there to get you through! Indulge yourself, you deserve it for all that hard work!
College is certainly about having fun, making new friends and discovering who you are as a young adult. The truth is, as a student, you’re here to learn how to become successful in your future career. MTELs are definitely a pain, but if Education is the right fit for you, they’re worth the stress to get to your ultimate goal. And just remember, any teacher you have ever had in the past has passed these tests! Piece of cake. (And yes, when don’t I have food on my mind?)
For all the information you ever wanted to know about MTELs, visit the official site at http://www.mtel.nesinc.com.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A New Beginning for Bay Path
“A New Beginning for Bay Path”
February 18, 2010: A day to remember in Bay Path College history!
Why you ask? Because this is the College’s first official blog! Check in frequently as I will be blogging the inside scoop about life on campus and sharing helpful tips as well as my own college life experiences.
a little bit about myself.
I’m a sophomore at Bay Path, majoring in elementary education (my third and FINAL major switch—but that’s another story) as I aspire to become an elementary school teacher. A member of the Education Club, I am actively involved within my major, working with fellow students, faculty, and the community.
Last year, my work-study job was in the Admissions Office, learning all about the application process from the College’s perspective; which helped me develop an understanding of the complete process from applying to Bay Path during senior year of high school to receiving an acceptance letter. I currently work in the Communications and Marketing Office on campus, helping manage campus press releases and this new blog!
overnights are here & there, overnights are everywhere!
Last week, the campus held an Overnight Program for prospective high school and transfer students to check out the College and find out what we’re all about. I can honestly say that the student body was eagerly waiting their arrival for several reasons:
1. Girls (and I say “girls” as a friendly, unified expression, also because “accomplished young women” may seem too corny) who go to Bay Path are genuinely proud to show off their beautiful campus and talk to fresh new faces. After all, we are all women.
Student hostesses take on a mentoring role as they enjoy talking about their own college experiences and aim to truthfully illustrate real life at Bay Path. Especially for the current first-year students who most recently adjusted to college life, sharing the inside scoop with prospective students gives a sense of leadership in knowing that they are guiding fellow (and hopefully future Bay Path) peers.
Reflecting on our own overnight experiences, current students can relate to common questions and concerns about living on campus and attending college-level classes for the first time. It’s fun to play 20-questions! For example: How is living with a roommate? What happens if you don’t get along? When can I have guests stay in my dorm? Can I have my car on campus? Where do I park? Are there jobs on campus? Where do people go for fun off-campus? What happens if I get sick on campus? Do you still get snow days? Can I change your major? All pretty essential, everyday questions.
2. Live entertainment! Bay Path’s SEC (Student Event Committee) generally keeps the campus active with monthly calendar flyers hung around campus advertising Wacky Wednesday crafts at lunch, hosting a pre-released movie night each weekend, an occasional concert during the week, lots of bake & tag sales for clubs and charities (in particular Haiti relief). However, it’s during the Overnight Program when a big act will be brought to campus.
This year, back by popular demand, Bay Path hosted The Adult Circus featuring Michael DuBois, a comedy variety show featuring magic, juggling, telepathy, and circus and sideshow stunts. He’s even been on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and MTV! Also, the performer is a young, real-life, non-faculty man; a rarity on campus—the crowd went wild!
3. Despite the packed dining hall, students made it a point to grab dinner in Blake Dining Hall. All the best foods are served during events!
From my own observations, majority of students are not overly thrilled about the usual menus day-to-day. Then again it is hard to please everyone (when you live on campus, you really begin to miss your mom’s home-cooked meals). Still, simple food choices, when offered on campus, seem to be the most popular. Bay Path certainly presents students with a variety of stylish, innovating and international options. Between classes I know all I really need is a quick sandwich or a fresh salad; not a big fan of the fancy stuff.
To recap on the food: Campus Event = many new students. Many new students = hungry teen girls. Hungry teen girls = lots of generic healthy options AND grilled BBQ, golden and buffalo chicken, French fries, ice cream, and DESSERTS!
carpe diem.
The big college decision is a challenge; we’ve all been through it! Getting personal life experience on campus, before the final move-in day chaos, is a wonderful opportunity to help ease nerves, meet new friends before the semester even begins, and picture yourself becoming part of the College’s community.
I encourage any prospective student who was not able to attend our Overnight Program to contact the Admissions Office to schedule a tour or for more information on upcoming events. Feel free to add Bay Path on Facebook or follow the College on Twitter!
Bay Path College Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Longmeadow-MA/Bay-Path-College/327652194837?ref=ts
Bay Path College Official Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=347964687655&ref=ts
Bay Path College Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/Bay_Path
February 18, 2010: A day to remember in Bay Path College history!
Why you ask? Because this is the College’s first official blog! Check in frequently as I will be blogging the inside scoop about life on campus and sharing helpful tips as well as my own college life experiences.
a little bit about myself.
I’m a sophomore at Bay Path, majoring in elementary education (my third and FINAL major switch—but that’s another story) as I aspire to become an elementary school teacher. A member of the Education Club, I am actively involved within my major, working with fellow students, faculty, and the community.
Last year, my work-study job was in the Admissions Office, learning all about the application process from the College’s perspective; which helped me develop an understanding of the complete process from applying to Bay Path during senior year of high school to receiving an acceptance letter. I currently work in the Communications and Marketing Office on campus, helping manage campus press releases and this new blog!
overnights are here & there, overnights are everywhere!
Last week, the campus held an Overnight Program for prospective high school and transfer students to check out the College and find out what we’re all about. I can honestly say that the student body was eagerly waiting their arrival for several reasons:
1. Girls (and I say “girls” as a friendly, unified expression, also because “accomplished young women” may seem too corny) who go to Bay Path are genuinely proud to show off their beautiful campus and talk to fresh new faces. After all, we are all women.
Student hostesses take on a mentoring role as they enjoy talking about their own college experiences and aim to truthfully illustrate real life at Bay Path. Especially for the current first-year students who most recently adjusted to college life, sharing the inside scoop with prospective students gives a sense of leadership in knowing that they are guiding fellow (and hopefully future Bay Path) peers.
Reflecting on our own overnight experiences, current students can relate to common questions and concerns about living on campus and attending college-level classes for the first time. It’s fun to play 20-questions! For example: How is living with a roommate? What happens if you don’t get along? When can I have guests stay in my dorm? Can I have my car on campus? Where do I park? Are there jobs on campus? Where do people go for fun off-campus? What happens if I get sick on campus? Do you still get snow days? Can I change your major? All pretty essential, everyday questions.
2. Live entertainment! Bay Path’s SEC (Student Event Committee) generally keeps the campus active with monthly calendar flyers hung around campus advertising Wacky Wednesday crafts at lunch, hosting a pre-released movie night each weekend, an occasional concert during the week, lots of bake & tag sales for clubs and charities (in particular Haiti relief). However, it’s during the Overnight Program when a big act will be brought to campus.
This year, back by popular demand, Bay Path hosted The Adult Circus featuring Michael DuBois, a comedy variety show featuring magic, juggling, telepathy, and circus and sideshow stunts. He’s even been on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and MTV! Also, the performer is a young, real-life, non-faculty man; a rarity on campus—the crowd went wild!
3. Despite the packed dining hall, students made it a point to grab dinner in Blake Dining Hall. All the best foods are served during events!
From my own observations, majority of students are not overly thrilled about the usual menus day-to-day. Then again it is hard to please everyone (when you live on campus, you really begin to miss your mom’s home-cooked meals). Still, simple food choices, when offered on campus, seem to be the most popular. Bay Path certainly presents students with a variety of stylish, innovating and international options. Between classes I know all I really need is a quick sandwich or a fresh salad; not a big fan of the fancy stuff.
To recap on the food: Campus Event = many new students. Many new students = hungry teen girls. Hungry teen girls = lots of generic healthy options AND grilled BBQ, golden and buffalo chicken, French fries, ice cream, and DESSERTS!
carpe diem.
The big college decision is a challenge; we’ve all been through it! Getting personal life experience on campus, before the final move-in day chaos, is a wonderful opportunity to help ease nerves, meet new friends before the semester even begins, and picture yourself becoming part of the College’s community.
I encourage any prospective student who was not able to attend our Overnight Program to contact the Admissions Office to schedule a tour or for more information on upcoming events. Feel free to add Bay Path on Facebook or follow the College on Twitter!
Bay Path College Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Longmeadow-MA/Bay-Path-College/327652194837?ref=ts
Bay Path College Official Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=347964687655&ref=ts
Bay Path College Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/Bay_Path
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