Preparing for the MTEL

Resources for Preparing for MTEL

For the Communication & Literacy Skills Test:

Courses and Workshops:

MTEL Workshops at Lesley University:
http://www.lesley.edu/soe/certification/mtel-workshops.html

MTEL Prep Classes:  Mass Teachers Test.com
http://www.massteachertest.com/
Classes are held in Jamaica Plain. There are classes in the summer.

Other Test Prep courses:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/tprep_courses.html

Study Materials:

Rae, G., Jenson-Wilson, A., Brick, B., & Walsh, B. (2007). MTEL Communication & Literacy Skills (REA) The best Test Prep for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.   New Jersey Research & Education Association.

Online text of Strunk’s classic text Elements of Style with chapters on rules of usage and principles of composition

An MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

MTEL Communications & Literacy Skills 01: Teacher Certification Test Prep Study Guide, XAMOnline.com , 2010.

Zucco, Chuck. MTEL Magic, Comunication and  Literacy Skills Test — Writing Subtest.   Author House, 2009.

MTEL Test Preparation Resources web site:
Practice Test – Reading: http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/PDFs/MA_FLD101_Reading_PRACTICE_TEST.pdf
Practice Test – Writing: http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/PDFs/MA_FLD201_Writing_PRACTICE_TEST.pdf

The Writing Center
If you need help preparing for the writing section of the MTEL (or any other writing project), the Writing Center at MassArt is open for consultations with writing tutors. It is located on the fifth floor of the Tower Building. Consult the sign-up book near the Learning Center for open appointment times. The service is free and open to all matriculated MassArt students.

 

For the Subject Matter Test:

Beckett, W. & Wright, P. (1999). Sister Wendy’s 1000 Masterpieces. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishers.

Beckett, W. (2002). Sister Wendy – The Complete Collection (Story of Painting/ Grand Tour / Odyssey / Pains of Glass). Warner Home Video.

Fichner-Rathus, L. (2003). Understanding Art. Kentucky: Wadsworth Publishing.

Greer, T. & Lewis, G. (2001). A Brief History of the Western World. Florida: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

Hume, H. (2003). Art Teachers Book of Lists. Indiana: Jossey-Bass.

Hoving, A., & Wyeth, A. (1999). Art for Dummies. N.J.: Wiley Publishing.

Kleiner, F. (2000). Gardner’s Art Through the Ages. Kentucky: Wadsworth Publishing.

Parks, Michael.  The Art Teacher’s Desktop Reference.  (1994)  Prentice Hall.

Preble, D.  Artforms: An Introduction to the Visual Arts, Revised.  (2003) Canada: Person Education.

PBS collection of art videos in the Godine Library at MassArt

Robinson, Walter (1995).  Instant Art History:  From Cave Art to Pop Art. Ballantine Books.

Stokstad, M. (2001).  Art History. Canada: Pearson Education.

Stokstad, M. (2003).  Art History Trade. Canada: Pearson Education.

Strickland, C. & Boswell, J. (1992). The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern. Kansas: Andrews McMeel Publishing.

MTEL Visual Art Sample Test 17.  XAM (XAMOnline). (2007)  Boston

The Artist’s Handbook by Ray Smith

MTEL Visual Art Test Information Booklet:  http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/PDFs/MA_FLD017_PRACTICE_TEST.pdf

Art for Dummies by Thomas Hoving and Andrew Wyeth

Understanding Art by Fichrer Rathus (2003).  Kentucky: Wadsworth Publishing.

Study tips for Visual Arts Test:

  • Make an art history time line and be sure to know one artist and one work representing each movement
  • Review 14th century Italian art
  • Review Non-western art, including African and Aboriginal
  • Note in the essay question that, along with a main question, there are sub-questions.  Answer all sub-questions within the main question when answering the essay questions.
  • Read essay questions first so you can be thinking about them while you take the multiple choice section. Hopefully some of the specific names in the multiple choice questions may trigger an approach to the essay question.