Academic Educator
Content area teachers, specialists teachers and administrators in PreK-12 public schools are required to hold an academic educator license.
Educator licensure requirements apply to Massachusetts public school teachers, specialist teachers, professional support personnel and school administrators. Maintaining educator licenses is the responsibility of the educator.
Vocational-Technical Educator
Vocational technical educator licenses are required for employment in Chapter 74 vocational technical programs.
License Renewal
Planning and applying to renew Professional stage licenses for both academic educator and vocational-technical educators.
Quick Links
Licensure Requirement Tool
Determine the requirements for a particular license. All professional licenses for Massachusetts public school educators must be renewed every fifth calendar year.
Educator Preparation Search Tool
One of the requirements for obtaining an Initial Teaching or Teaching Specialist License is the completion of an approved educator preparation program. This requirement can be met in a number of settings. Use DESE's educator preparation organization search tool to learn more.
Instructional Paraprofessionals
Instructional paraprofessionals are not required to hold a license but must work under the supervision of a licensed educator.
DESE Office of Educator Licensure
The Office of Educator Licensure handles all licensure applications and renewals of professional licenses. Visit DESE's Office of Educator Licensure website. The Office of Educator Licensure also provides information on adding additional licenses, requesting a names change, templates and forms to document employment requirements.
All licensure applications, payment fees, records, communications from DESE can be accessed through the ELAR (Educator Licensure and Renewal) online system. Paper applications and document submissions may be completed by mail; however, there will be a significant increase in processing time
DESE does not provide hard copies of licenses. Paper copies may be requested in ELAR for a fee and unofficial copies may be printed at no cost. Massachusetts school districts will have electronic access to licensure files for verifying the validity of a license.