Please note: This information was last updated in 2023. Check with your state for the most recent information.

Massachusetts

Contact Information

Address:
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Office of Educator Licensure
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4906

Phone: 781-338-6600

Massachusetts Department of Education: http://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/

Certification Requirements

Teacher Licensure Needed: Yes

Master's Degree Needed: Yes

Praxis II Library Media Content Test Needed: No

Other Testing Needed: Yes, Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). In addition, starting September 1, 1998, all candidates are required to meet the qualifying score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test in the MTEL. The Act mandated the two-part testing program as one component of the state's Educator Licensure Requirements. As part of the identity verification process, starting with the September 15, 2007 test administration, each examinee will be required to have a thumbprint taken at the test site. [ Due to COVID restrictions, the electronic Palm Print has been waived if you are afraid. Each site will be cleaned after each administration.]

Description: An educator license is issued to a person who has completed a bachelor's degree, passed the MTEL, completed an educator preparation program approved by the Commissioner, and met other eligibility requirements established by the Board. The initial license is valid for five years of employment and may be renewed at the discretion of the Commissioner for an additional five years.

Evaluation Process for Licensure:

• The School Librarian/Media Specialist is granted an Academic license after a competency review which is an evaluation of a candidate's license application materials to determine if specified competencies are met. As of 2005, candidates must have satisfactorily completed a 150-hour practicum in school library.

Or

• Course, seminar, or institute approved by the Department of Education addressing the curriculum and developmental characteristics of the age group appropriate to the license sought. There is a Masters in Library Teaching K-12 at Simmons College and Cambridge College.

Reciprocity: Massachusetts follows the Interstate Agreement with the 44 states and the District of Columbia in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education & Certification (NASDEC). However, one must meet the state's requirements for teaching licensure. Further information can be found at http://www.nasdtec.net/?InterstateAgreements.