How to Get Your Massachusetts Teacher Certification
Your Massachusetts teaching license is a gateway to a rewarding career. With a strong commitment to educational excellence and a reputation for top-ranked schools, Massachusetts offers a dynamic and meaningful environment for educators.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teaching license in the Bay State — from selecting an Educator Preparation Program to passing the required assessments and submitting your licensure application.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) oversees teacher licensure and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information about licensure requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities within the Bay State.
How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there are several pathways to obtaining a teacher license, including traditional and alternative routes.
Massachusetts Pathways
Traditional Pathway
Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including student teaching, and meet all assessment and coursework requirements. This is the most common route for individuals earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education.
Alternative Licensure Pathway
Massachusetts offers alternative routes such as the Provisional License, available to candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and have passed the MTEL tests but may lack additional requirements, such as subject matter knowledge. Provisional Licenses allow educators to gain classroom experience while meeting any remaining criteria for Initial Licensure.
Out-of-State Applicants (Reciprocity)
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has a list of state-approved Educator Preparation Programs. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state and use reciprocity to get your Massachusetts license.
Example: Out-of-state credentialing via D.C.
Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online.
Step 3: Pass the required certification exams for D.C.
Step 4: Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teacher credential.
Step 5: Apply to transfer your D.C. credential to Massachusetts.
Step 6: Complete any additional requirements, which may include passing the required MTEL tests and/or earning the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement.
For detailed information, visit the DESE Out-of-State Applicants page.
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For comprehensive details on all licensure pathways and requirements, refer to the Massachusetts DESE license types page.
Benefits of Earning Your Massachusetts Teaching License
Comprehensive Perks
Massachusetts provides competitive benefits for teachers, including comprehensive health insurance packages covering medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Educators are part of the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System (MTRS), which offers pension and retirement benefits.
High Demand for Teachers
Massachusetts has a strong demand for educators, with the number of secondary school teachers expected to increase by 10% from 2020 to 2030. There’s a particular need for special education, STEM subjects, and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
Competitive Teacher Salaries
Massachusetts teachers rank among the highest-paid educators in the nation, with an average annual salary of $92,307, the third-highest in the U.S. In comparison, the national average teacher salary is $69,597, highlighting Massachusetts’ strong investment in educators.
Supportive Community
Massachusetts’ education community thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence. Educators benefit from strong networks, active associations, and a culture of mentorship and advocacy that supports their growth and success.
Licensure Types in Massachusetts
There are four primary types of teacher licenses in Massachusetts: Provisional, Initial, Professional, and Temporary.
Provisional License
This is a non-renewable, five-year teaching license issued to individuals who have not yet completed an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) but have met basic competency requirements. It allows educators to gain classroom experience while working toward an Initial License.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Passing Scores on Required Assessments: Successfully pass the relevant Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
- Background Check: Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
Initial License
This is a five-year license, renewable one time, for individuals who have fulfilled all licensure requirements, including education, assessments, and field-based experiences.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completion of an EPP: Training may include student teaching or an equivalent field-based experience.
- Passing Scores on Required Assessments: Complete all required MTEL exams.
- Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement: Demonstrate proficiency in SEI strategies, a requirement for most academic PreK-12 licenses.
- Background Check: Successfully pass state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
Professional License
This is the highest level of licensure in Massachusetts, required for teachers who have been in the field for an extended period. It is valid for five years and is renewable upon meeting continuing education requirements.
Requirements:
- Teaching Experience: Hold at least three years of teaching experience under an Initial License.
- Completion of a Mentoring and Induction Program: This must be supervised by an approved Massachusetts school or district.
- Advanced Education or Professional Development: Candidates must either earn a master’s degree in education or a relevant field, complete an approved professional development program, or achieve National Board Certification.
- Background Check: Successfully pass state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
Temporary License
This is a one-year, non-renewable license available to experienced educators licensed in another state who have not yet met all Massachusetts-specific licensure requirements. It allows them to teach while fulfilling additional requirements for an Initial License.
Requirements:
- Valid Out-of-State License: Hold a current teaching license from another U.S. state.
- Teaching Experience: Candidates must have at least three years of full-time teaching experience under a valid out-of-state license.
- Background Check: Successfully pass state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
For comprehensive information on licensure types and requirements, visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Licensure page.
Massachusetts Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Massachusetts teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a clinical learning (student teaching) experience.
- Pass all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Testing Requirements
To teach in Massachusetts, candidates must complete a series of state-mandated assessments. Specific exams will vary by grade level and subject but are grouped into these key categories:
Communication and Literacy Skills (MTEL)
Measures reading and writing proficiency for all educators.
Content Knowledge Assessments (MTEL Subject Tests)
Required for specific subject endorsements.
Foundations of Reading Test
Required for elementary and special education teachers.
Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement Assessment
Required for most core academic teachers.
For comprehensive information on testing requirements, visit the Massachusetts DESE MTEL page.
Education & Degree Requirements
Massachusetts requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in a subject
other than education, you can earn your license through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Massachusetts Licensing Application Process
Once you’ve completed the requirements for teacher licensure in Massachusetts, you can apply online through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Educator Licensure and Renewal (ELAR) portal. The application process requires submitting official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, proof of passing scores on all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), and verification of EPP completion, if applicable. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the Massachusetts DESE Educator Licensure page.
Massachusetts Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides a list of state-approved Educator Preparation Programs. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state and use reciprocity to get your Massachusetts license.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Massachusetts provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Bay State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Massachusetts. We have answers.
How do I become a Massachusetts teacher?
Massachusetts offers multiple pathways to teacher licensure, including the Traditional Pathway (through an approved Educator Preparation Program), Alternative Licensure Routes, and Out-of-State Reciprocity. The state has a structured licensure system with four main types of licenses: Temporary, Provisional, Initial, and Professional.
For more detailed information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Licensure page.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching license in Massachusetts?
Educators holding a valid teaching license from another state may qualify for a Massachusetts teaching license through reciprocity. Massachusetts recognizes many out-of-state licenses and participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates licensure for experienced teachers.
For detailed information, visit the DESE Out-of-State Applicants page.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Massachusetts?
Yes, in most cases, you need a valid Massachusetts teaching license to teach in public schools. Massachusetts offers a structured licensure system with four main types of licenses: Temporary, Provisional, Initial, and Professional.
For comprehensive information on licensure types and requirements, visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Licensure page.
What are the requirements for Massachusetts teacher licensure?
The specific requirements for teacher licensure in Massachusetts vary depending on the license type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
In general, Massachusetts teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Fulfill a student teaching practicum.
- Pass all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks.
- Submit all required application materials to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
How do I maintain my Massachusetts teaching license?
Specific renewal requirements in Massachusetts vary depending on the license type.
- Provisional Licenses are valid for five years but cannot be renewed. Educators must advance to an Initial License before the Provisional License expires.
- Initial Licenses are valid for five years, with a one-time extension available. Educators must work toward a Professional License during this period.
- Professional Licenses are renewable every five years and require educators to complete Professional Development Points (PDPs).
For details regarding your specific license, visit the DESE Licensure Renewal page.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Massachusetts?
The timeline to become a licensed teacher in Massachusetts can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
The Traditional Pathway, for example, could take around four years as you work to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to teaching could be much quicker. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Since Moreland is an out-of-state EPP in Massachusetts, it’s important to note that you would earn your teaching credential in another state and then transfer the license to Massachusetts through a process called reciprocity. For more information, visit the DESE Out-of-State Applicants page.
How much do Massachusetts teachers make?
Massachusetts teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association (NEA):
- The average annual salary for a Massachusetts teacher is $92,307.
- The average starting salary is $51,057, varying by district and experience.
Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.
How can I learn more about becoming a licensed teacher in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the best resource to learn more about teacher licensure, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).