Teacher Specialist Teacher and Professional Support Personnel Academic Licensure

Initial

Initial teacher licenses require the completion of a DESE-approved educator preparation program and demonstration of subject matter knowledge through passing scores on the appropriate MTEL exams and/or other required documentation. A Preliminary license is not a required prerequisite for an Initial license. Certain specialist teacher licenses and professional support personnel licenses do require a perquisite teacher or occupational license. DESE-approved educator preparation programs are formal educator preparation programs that include successful completion of the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP). CAP is a performance review that includes assessment of an educators professional work products and observations in the classroom. Approved educator preparation program may be part of undergraduate, graduate or non-degree (licensure-only) programs. Massachusetts also authorizes the Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL) as an approved route to Initial licensure. Educators who are currently employed in a school and have met other requirements are eligible to seek an Initial license via PRPIL. Educators who have completed preparation programs outside of Massachusetts must demonstrate that the program was accredited by NCATE, TEAC, CAEP or part of the NASDTEC inter-state agreement. The Sheltered English Immersion endorsement is required for content area licenses that are considered “core academic teacher” areas under Massachusetts regulations. “Core academic teachers” include teachers of early childhood, elementary, moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, English, reading or language arts, mathematics, sciences, history, civics and government, economics and geography. The SEI Endorsement may be required by a district or preparation program for any license. An Initial license is valid for five years of employment. A one-time extension of five years is available for educators who can demonstrate hardship in completing the requirements for a Professional license after five years of employment under the Initial license.

Temporary

Experienced teachers who hold certain out-of-state licenses are eligible for a Temporary license. A Temporary license will permit an educator to be legally employed while completing Massachusetts educator licensure requirements, including the required MTEL exams. The Temporary license is valid for one calendar year from date of issue.

Preliminary

Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed the appropriate MTEL exams or other demonstration of subject matter knowledge are eligible for a Preliminary license. Educators who wish to continue employment must meet all requirements for an Initial license, which may include completion of an approved program or route to Initial licensure. A Preliminary license is valid for five years of employment and cannot be renewed or extended.

Professional

Professional teacher licenses are available to educators who hold an Initial license in the same field and level. An Initial license is a prerequisite for a Professional license. Educators must be able to document three years of employment under that same Initial license. Additional requirements include completion of an induction and mentoring program, and Master’s degree, advanced coursework or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. Professional teacher licenses are valid for five calendar years and must be renewed with DESE.

Fields and Areas of Academic Teacher Licensure

The requirements for each field (subject area) and level (grade span) are unique to each license and field. Educators are encouraged to use the Licensure Requirements Tool and review the specific requirements for each license area.