Massachusetts

Undergraduate student teachers receive endorsement for initial licensure in the state of Massachusetts upon successful completion of all course and practicum requirements. All undergraduates are required to complete three (3) pre- practica (one day per week) and one (1) full practicum (semester long) to receive endorsement.

Graduate students with no prior teaching licenses, enter a teacher education program seeking initial licensure. Graduate students who are already certified in one area, may enter a program for a specialist license in Special Education or Reading at initial level.

Initial licensure requires one (1) pre-practicum experience (one day per week is minimum requirement; additional time is strongly recommended and required for some programs) and a semester-long student teaching.

Teachers who are already certified may seek a new field of Initial licensure and are required to complete a clinical experience in the new field. A pre-practicum may be required.

Upon successful completion of all courses and practicum requirements, graduate  students receive endorsement for initial licensure in the appropriate field.

Licensure is granted by the state, not by the University. Students must apply directly to the state for licensure and must pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure, in addition to satisfactory completion of the Lynch School teacher education program. The Certification Officer guides students through the process.

MTEL Registration packets are available in the Office of Practicum Experiences and Teacher Induction and online at http://www.doe.mass.edu/. All students receive this packet and an explanation of licensure at the endorsement meeting with the Director.

All students are required to register for and pass the MTEL for Massachusetts licensure. You can download a copy of Four Steps to Massachusetts Licensure in PDF format.   

More information can be obtained from the MTEL Information and Resource Guide by stopping by the Office of Practicum Experiences and Teacher Induction in Campion 103 or downloading the MTEL Results.

Out-of-State Licensure
Students will receive a copy of out of state procedures at the endorsement meeting.  Packets are also available in the Practicum Office. Reciprocity for licensure in other states means the states honor the teacher education training. Students may still be required to take another test to meet state license requirements. The National Teacher Exam or Praxis is a typical exam required in other states.

Licensure FAQ