Educator Preparation

All teacher, specialist teacher, professional support personnel, vocational technical teacher and administrator licenses require completion of an approved educator preparation program to qualify for ongoing licensure. Approved teacher preparation programs for Massachusetts licensure will require successful completion of a school-based practicum and the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) before a candidate can be endorsed for an Initial teacher license. Approved administrator preparation programs for Massachusetts licensure will require completion of a school-based practicum and passing scores on the Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL).

Before committing to an educator preparation program, the Massachusetts Teachers Association recommends you confirm with both the program and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Educator Licensure that the program is approved for the field and grade levels for the license(s) you for which you are applying.

Future teachers who are enrolled in an educator preparation program are eligible to join SEAM – the Student Education Association of Massachusetts.