That first spark of inspiration can ignite a lifetime of curiosity, ingenuity, and success, producing learners who not only engage with but are empowered by knowledge.
At American International College’s School of Education, our decades of classroom and research experience tell us that facts and ideas aren’t enough to propel these moments. Rather, seeing oneself represented and elevated establishes an unshakable connection that an individual carries through school into their career and community.
Discover how our hands-on, real-world-based, and equity-driven approach graduates teachers, counselors, administrators, and leaders who promote change in districts across Massachusetts.
Undergraduate Programs
On campus and in our model classrooms, you’ll prepare to support all learners and guide outcomes as an educator, counselor, or leader, laying the groundwork for initial licensure.
Of our 2025 Educational Studies graduates are employed in schools.
2
Majors—Educational Studies and Early Childhood Education and Administration—plus an education-focused Hive.
5th
Year program for a fast track to a master’s and an endorsement.
Master’s Programs
Our accelerated master’s programs blend asynchronous and synchronous online instruction with in-person placements to qualify you for initial or professional licensure. Endorsement areas include early childhood, elementary, middle/secondary education, moderate disabilities, reading, counseling, school leadership, and ESOL.
Licensure areas: 15 initial educator, three professional, three administrator, one specialty, and two school counseling/school adjustment counseling.
6-8
Week courses let you finish your degree in as little as one year.
92%
Of graduates are employed in public schools, and 94% remain employed after two years.
Doctoral Programs
Our 100% online, non-licensure EdD programs intensify your expertise and commitment while positioning you to foster large-scale outcomes through research, leadership, and policy development.
As lifelong learners ourselves, we embrace emerging theories and champion actionable strategies to help entry-level to seasoned professionals improve their practice.
AIC’s entirely online bachelor’s program builds from your existing credits to prepare you for the PK-12 classroom around life’s obligations, taking you one step closer toward a career as a teacher or counselor.
This 18-month credentialing program hones instructional skills through a full-time classroom assignment in one of our region’s schools. Selected students benefit from mentorship and reduced tuition as they learn to serve diverse populations.
Receive guidance in test-taking and study tactics before you sit for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Open to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.
Solidify and deepen your skill set through opportunities for re-licensure or to earn additional endorsements, optional credit, or Professional Development Points in your district.
School-Specific Programming
Collaborate with us to develop specialized programming based on your school’s needs.
Experiential Learning and Partnerships
Early classroom placement and comprehensive literacy instruction produce informed educators who confidently uplift current and future generations.
In model classrooms located in area schools, School of Education undergraduates observe how experienced teachers develop lessons, engage learners, and uphold diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging.
An immersive format places Master of Education and Master of Educational Psychology students in school environments for supervised pre-practicum, practicum, and clinical experiences. Here, they deploy and evaluate recently acquired concepts and get inspiration for data-driven, relevant research.
For placements, students benefit from the School of Education’s partnerships with Springfield Public Schools, East Longmeadow, Hampden-Wilbraham, West Springfield, and numerous other public and charter schools.
Our partnerships with area districts and Teach Western Mass have created several supported routes into and through the education field, including non-traditional and accelerated pathways, an administrative leadership cohort, and easily accessible professional development programming.
Grant-supported Early Literacy partnerships with the Western Massachusetts Literacy Collaborative and Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District prepare our students to introduce and reinforce vital language, reading, and analysis skills across all grades and subject areas.
Our History and Mission
The post-World War II years marked a significant turning point in AIC’s history: an influx of students led to an increase in programming, with a fully developed teacher education curriculum launched over this period.
Our Growth
1970 saw the official establishment of the School of Psychology and Education. Our offerings continued to expand over the next 30 years, with special education programs and a still-in-demand doctorate in educational psychology added.
Our Mission
Today, the School of Education graduates highly qualified, effective educators who are equipped to meet the diverse needs of PK-12 populations. In preparation, our students acquire and demonstrate in-depth content knowledge, cultural competence, and sensitivity while learning to empower all individuals and become agents of change in diverse settings.
Our Methods
All School of Education students are encouraged to achieve their fullest potential—academically, socially, and emotionally—without exception. At the same time, our focus on social justice enables them to identify personal biases and create equitable, inclusive environments for all learners.
The School of Education is approved as an Educator Preparation Program through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). We also participate in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Compact to ensure license portability between states and greater professional opportunities for our students.
Meet Our Faculty
Every student benefits from an accomplished, innovation-minded mentor: The School of Education’s scholar-practitioners, known for developing policy, new theories, and district partnerships, invest in your progress from day one.
Collaborative learning complemented by extensive fieldwork throughout Massachusetts creates professionals fully committed to serving all students.
From Our Students
AIC fosters a learning experience that allows for flexibility and open-mindedness. Much of the experience is based in relevant teaching practices.”
Jillian Levreault MEd ’21
Being a first-year assistant principal and completing the program at the same time, AIC offered me advice and support and made sure I would be successful in my role. It’s not just what’s happening now—next week, next year, the School of Education will always support us and our future success.”
Shahein Kiaresh MEd ’21, CAGS ’24
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Discover your potential for transformation as you help students across our region discover theirs.
