3. How long will the Educator Licensure application process take?
5. I plan to teach out of state. What do I do to become certified in another state?
6. I have already passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?
7. What tests are required for Licensure in Massachusetts?
8. What are the different categories of educator licenses available in Massachusetts?
9. How do I know which license to apply for?
11. I have taught three years in a private school. Does this count on my license?
12. If I teach three years and then take two years off will my license expire?
1. What is the first step to apply for my license?
Please download a copy of the Boston College 4 steps to Massachusetts Licensure information (PDF format).
2. Why do I need an endorsed transcript to complete my Licensure application process and how do I apply?
An endorsed transcript is used to certify to the state Department of Education that you have completed an Approved Program. You can apply online for a transcript through Agora by clicking “Transcript Request” and filling out the attached form.
Once you receive your transcript, you need to send it to 
The State
Department of Education. Boston College does not send it for you. Graduate Students
must send undergraduate transcripts as well to the State Department of Education.
3. How long will the Educator Licensure application process take?
It is not possible to say exactly how long it will take. The answer depends
on several factors, such as the date on which your application is received,
the type of license for while you are applying, the volumes of applications being processed at the time,
and whether the application was filled out correctly and completely. However,
the State Department of Education is committed to completing the application
process for each applicant as quickly as possible.
4. I have been considering changing my career and am wondering what I would need to do to return to teaching? I received my elementary teaching certificate in 1985. Since then I have worked in corporate settings. What would I need to do to go back to teaching?
The first step would be to go to the the State
Department of Education web site and create a profile. After,
you need to go online and register under license renewal. It will tell you what
you'd need to do regarding Professional Development Points (PDP's).
5. I plan to teach out of state. What do I do to become certified in another state.
Candidates who take the MTEL and receive Massachusetts certification may be
eligible for reciprocal certification in other states within the Interstate
Certification Compact. Candidates who apply to states not in the ICC will have
to undergo transcript review and take the states test, if applicable. Course
requirements vary from state to state and states may impose additional requirements
for licensure. Download more information on how to apply for out of state certification in PDF format.
6. I have already passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?
After August 30, 2003, all candidates for licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Special Needs programs must take and pass the Foundations of Reading or The Reading Specialist test and the Communications and Literacy Skills test. (Note: Candidates for the Specialist Teacher of Reading license must take and pass the Reading Specialist and, if they have not already taken it, the Communications and Literacy Skills test.) This does not apply to secondary licensure candidates. Click here for the list of MTEL test(s) (http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/testrequire.html).
7. What tests are required for Licensure in Massachusetts?
In order to meet the Licensure requirements, you must pass the appropriate Massachusetts Test(s) for Educator Licensure (MTEL). A Communications and Literacy Skills test is needed for all types of licenses (teachers, specialist teachers, support personnel and administrators). In addition, a subject matter test is required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas.
After August 30, 2003, all candidates for license in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Moderate Specialist Needs programs must take and pass the Foundations of Reading test.
Click
here for what subject matter test to take (http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/testrequire.html)
8. What is the difference between Preliminary, Initial, and Professional licenses?
Massachusetts offers three types of educator licenses. Based upon your training you can be employed by a school under a Preliminary, Initial , Temporary, or Professional license. Please click http://www.doe.mass.edu/Educators/e_license.html?section=k12 for more information.
9. How do I know which license to apply for?
All Boston College programs lead to Initial Licensure unless otherwise stated.
10. I already have an Initial Elementary license. What do I need to do to get an Initial Early Childhood License?
Achieve a passing score on the Reading Specialist Subject Matter OR Foundations of Reading Subject Matter test.
Pass the Early Childhood Subject Matter test.
A course, seminar, or institute approved by the Department of Education addressing the curriculum and development characteristics of the age group appropriate to the license sought OR mentored employment of at least a semester in the field and at the level of the license sought OR a practicum equivalent of 150 hours in the role of the license in an appropriate classroom.
11. I have taught three years in a private school. Does this count on my Massachusetts license?
No. Your license is activated only when you teach in a public school.
12. If I teach three years and then take two years off will my Massachusetts license expire?
No, your initial license is valid for 5 teaching (on the clock) years. IN this case you would still have 2 years left on your license.
Students who intend to teach in other states are strongly advised, but are not required to take the MTEL in the event that a state requires a candidate to be Licensed, in addition to having completed an Approved Program. Although the Boston College Practicum Office has attempted to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate and complete at the time of posting, the contents are subject to change at any time.