General TVI Program Information
The Vision Studies program at University of Massachusetts Boston is the only academic center for preparing Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments in New England. The university is seeking graduate applicants in each of the six New England states, and is particularly interested in expanding enrollment of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as students with disabilities.
The UMass Vision Studies program in TVI has grant funding to address a national and regional shortage of teachers and related service professionals with specialized knowledge in visual impairments. Students meeting admission and grant scholarship requirements may be eligible for tuition support.
The UMass Boston TVI program uses a combination of web-based courses and pre-practicum field-based activities which allow students to build a portfolio of professional skills and experiences.
The M.Ed. degree program in Vision Studies: Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments track accepts students to begin in the summer. The application deadline is March 1 and all parts of the application must be submitted to Graduate Admissions by that date.
The program is fully accredited for initial licensure as a TVI by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). All students who graduate from the program are eligible for endorsement and initial licensure as a TVI in Massachusetts. If you are outside of Massachusetts, the educational requirements are reciprocally recognized in all states except Missouri. Please see the link for Missouri requirements: https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/become-certified-teacher
MTEL Information
Students who are accepted into the TVI program will need to pass three MTEL tests before they begin their practicum. These three tests are
- Communication and Literacy
- Foundations of Reading
- General Curriculum
- Math and
- Multi-Subject
More information about the MTELs can be found here.
Important notice about Braille Requirement
The final exam for each Braille course requires students in the UMass Boston Vision Studies: TVI program to be able to read unaltered, embossed Braille (visually or tactually) in order to finish the two required Braille courses and the Braille Proficiency Test.
In order to enroll for Practicum, each student is required to pass the Braille Proficiency Test. This test of the Unified English Braille code includes two sections: transcription (print to Braille) and interlining (Braille to print).
Note: Students in the Vision Studies Program must earn a B- or better in each vision core course on their program of study. Students who earn a C+ or below must repeat the course at their own expense and pay any associated fees.
Scholarships
Federal tuition scholarships may be available for qualifying students pursuing a master’s degree but alternate sources for tuition or financial aid are encouraged.
For more information about federal tuition scholarships, contact the Program Coordinator, Tammy Reisman.