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Massachusetts Teacher Certification and Career Guide

All public K-12 teachers in Massachusetts need to fulfill the certification requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Massachusetts are:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component.
  2. Complete a student teaching placement.
  3. Pass the required teacher certification exams.
  4. Apply for a teaching certificate or license.
  5. Upgrade your license.

Continue reading to learn more about the traditional certification pathway in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents


How to Become a Teacher in Massachusetts

The following steps detail the traditional pathway to teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a tiered licensure process with two main license types for the traditional pathway, both of which are valid for five years:

  • Initial License: For new teachers who have met all requirements for licensure and completed the Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL).
  • Professional License: For teachers who have been employed for at least three years, completed an induction and mentoring program, and completed one of the following: an approved licensure program leading to the Professional License sought, a program leading to eligibility for master teacher status, or a master’s degree or higher.

If you are a bachelor’s degree holder who has yet to complete a teacher preparation program, check out our guide to alternative teacher certification in Massachusetts.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an approved teacher preparation program.

The first step to obtaining a teaching license in Massachusetts is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The major of the bachelor’s degree will vary depending on the grade level and subject of the desired license. As part of the degree, teacher candidates must complete a teacher preparation program. A list of DESE-approved educator preparation programs (EPPs) is available on the website.

You can compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs on our Massachusetts schools page. You can also read about two important accreditations to consider, institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation, on our teaching schools guide.

2. Complete a student teaching placement.

As part of your EPP, you will complete a practicum or field-based learning experience of at least one semester, or 300 hours, under the supervision of a teacher with a Professional License. Prospective teachers should assume full responsibility in the licensure role for at least 100 hours. This student teaching experience should be at the grade level and subject area of your desired license.

3. Pass the required Massachusetts teacher exams.

Massachusetts State SealThe state requires teacher candidates to take and pass the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Although the exact examinations required will vary depending on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach, most teachers must pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Reading and subtests and the subject test related to their specific content area and/or grade level. You can read more about the required exams on the DESE website or the MTEL website.

4. Apply for Massachusetts teacher certification.

Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for an Initial License. Core academic teachers must also apply for the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement, typically when they apply for their license. Applications for an Initial License should be submitted through the online ELAR system. You will need to include:

  • Official transcripts
  • Verification of completion of approved EPP
  • Proof of passing MTEL scores
  • Proof of SEI endorsement, if required
  • Fingerprint based background check
  • Payment of non-refundable application fee

More information on applying for a Massachusetts teaching license can be found on the DESE website.

5. Upgrade your license.

You can upgrade to a Professional License once you have taught under an Initial License for at least three years, completed an induction and mentoring program, and completed one of the following: an approved licensure program leading to the Professional License sought, a program leading to eligibility for master teacher status, or a master’s degree or higher. The ELAR system is also used to advance a license. Initial Licenses may be extended one time only for an additional five years if you have not yet satisfied the requirements for advancing to the Professional License.

Guide to Other Teaching Pathways

Massachusetts Teacher Certification Renewal

Initial Licenses cannot be renewed, but Professional Licenses must be renewed to remain active. Teachers with a Professional License will develop an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) with their supervisor and identify professional development activities that meet the DESE guidelines. Teachers can renew their licenses on the ELAR system once they have earned at least 150 Professional Development Points (PDPs). Supporting documentation is only required if you are selected for an audit. More information on the PDP requirements can be found on the Advancing or Extending a License page. You can find DESE-sponsored PD offerings can be found on the DESE website.

Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate

Massachusetts teachers are only authorized to teach at the grade level and subject area listed on their certificate, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. To teach in a subject area or grade level outside of your certification area, you must demonstrate content knowledge in the new subject, typically by passing the related MTEL test. You may also have to complete additional coursework or training, such as a practicum or internship. For information on the requirements for each license area, review the DESE website. There is no limit to the number of licenses Massachusetts teachers can hold.

Massachusetts Teaching License Reciprocity

Out-of-state applicants with a valid comparable license from another state or who have completed an out-of-state traditional or alternative educator preparation program can qualify for an Initial License in Massachusetts through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. Initial Licenses are good for five years. Applications should be submitted through ELAR system and must include:

  • Official transcripts
  • Verification of completion of approved EPP
  • Proof of passing MTEL scores
  • Proof of SEI endorsement, if required
  • Fingerprint based background check
  • Payment of non-refundable application fee

Out-of-state applicants can qualify for a Temporary License while they complete the MTEL tests or a Provisional License while they complete their SEI endorsement. For more information, review the Out-of-State Applicants page. You can learn more about transferring a teaching certificate or license between states on our guide to certification reciprocity.

The DESE offers additional licenses and endorsements for candidates other than traditional classroom teachers:

  • Administrator License: For endorsements such as principal, superintendent, and supervisor. Requires a graduate degree, completion of an approved preparation program, and passing the relevant MTEL exams.
  • Professional Support Personnel License: Intended for roles like school nurses, counselors, and psychologists. Requires a relevant graduate degree, completion of an approved program, relevant work experience, and passing MTEL exams.
  • Teacher Specialist License: Requires a master’s degree with specific coursework and at least three years of relevant educational experience. This license is for roles such as reading specialists and literacy coaches.

Advanced licenses and endorsements typically require a graduate degree and EPP in the area of endorsement and teaching licenses require passing the required assessments. For more information, visit the Office of Educator Licensure page.

Massachusetts Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs

Projected Job Growth

9.9%

Growth in Teaching Jobs in MA through 20322*

During the 2017-2018 school year, Massachusetts had an estimated 1,854 K-12 public schools.3 With 964,791 students and 73,381 teachers, the state has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 13:1.3

Job growth for Massachusetts teachers is expected to be much faster than national projections. Growth for kindergarten teachers, 9.9% versus 0.6% nationally; for elementary school teachers, 9.5% versus 0.7% nationally; for middle school teachers, 9.9% versus 0.8% nationally; and for secondary school teachers, 10.1% versus 1% nationally.2 The table below provides a detailed comparison of job growth prospects and salary levels for Massachusetts teachers.

TypeNumber Employed in MA4Average Annual Openings in MA2MA Proj. Job Growth 2022-20322Average Annual Salary in MA425th Percentile Wages in MA575th Percentile Wages in MA5
Preschool Teachers12,160520-0.8%$43,750$36,300$45,850
Preschool Teachers, Special Education8102010.5%$85,540$60,930$104,990
Kindergarten Teachers2,530909.9%$85,240$62,900$100,260
Elementary School Teachers31,8908409.5%$82,690$61,430$100,400
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education5,5801508.8%$82,230$62,810$99,070
Middle School Teachers13,7803709.9%$85,460$62,940$100,610
Middle School Teachers, Special Education2,2901909.5%$80,500$62,150$97,960
Middle School Teachers, Career/Technical Education80——$78,410$66,870$84,490
Secondary School Teachers27,18063010.1%$82,960$62,310$100,150
Secondary School Teachers, Special Education3,490——$83,990$65,410$98,910
Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education2,850708.6%$86,770$76,610$98,040

*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.

Teacher Shortages in Massachusetts

According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-2024, Massachusetts has designated the following deficits:

Massachusetts had over 175 teacher vacancies during the 2022-2023 school year.7 A further 4,961 teachers were considered underqualified for their positions during the 2021-2022 school year, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification area on a temporary or emergency basis.7

Additional Resources

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I become a substitute teacher in Massachusetts?

Answer: Massachusetts does not require certification for substitute teachers serving for fewer than 90 days in the same position. However, school districts may set different requirements. Some districts, such as Boston Public Schools, prefer candidates to have a teaching license or at least two years of teaching experience in a K-12 environment. Candidates in any school district must also be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check.

Question: How many private schools are in Massachusetts?

Answer: There were 657 private schools in Massachusetts during the 2019-2020 school year.8 In those schools, over 15,000 teachers taught over 104,000 private school students.8 Private school teachers in Massachusetts are not required by state law to be licensed. Each school has its own requirements, so you should check with schools of interest for more information about teaching positions.

References:
1. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: https://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2017-2018: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Massachusetts: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
7. Teacher Shortages in the United States, Tuan D. Nguyen et al.: https://teachershortages.com/
8. National Center for Education Statistics, Private School Universe Survey, 2019-20: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/TABLE15fl1920.asp