1. The Multi-Step Teacher Licensure Process in Massachusetts
Katherine Lopez Natale

2. Steps of the Licensure Process
Temporary License
Provisional License
Bachelor’s Degree
Communication & Literacy; Subject Matter
Initial License
Courses or PD in pedagogy
Supervised practicum & portfolio
Professional License
Three years work under the Initial License
License Renewal

3. Provisional License – Basic Qualifications
Open an ELAR account er
Provide your transcript (Bachelor’s degree)
Center For Educational Documentation, 20 Park Plaza #515, Boston, MA
Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Communication and Literacy
Subject Area
Valid for 5 years of employment. Cannot be renewed for an additional 5 years after July 1, 2019.

4. MTEL
Visit the Nesinc website ( for sign up and review information
Understand the rubric
Search DESE for review resources:

5. Initial License – The Pedagogy
Coursework
Portfolio
Supervised practicum
Portfolio and practicum are based on a subset of the the teacher evaluation standards
SEI endorsement for core teachers and administrators
Valid for 5 years of employment. Can be renewed once if some coursework has been begun.
In the case of alternative routes, some teaching experience may be required before the applicant can begin the program.

6. Professional License
Requires 3 years of teaching experience under the Initial License
One year of mentoring plus 50 documented hours of extended mentoring
Has completed one of the following:
an approved Massachusetts subject area program
a national program for master teachers
has 12 hours of graduate subject matter courses in addition to a Master’s Degree ( may have been earned prior to application for this license)
Valid for 5 years and renewable in 5 year increments

7. License Renewal
15 PDPs in both SEI and effective strategies for students with disabilities and diverse learning styles
At least 15 PDPs in both subject matter knowledge and pedagogy
Remaining 90 PDPs can be earned through any combination of elective activities that address other educational issues and topics that improve student learning, additional content or pedagogy. These include time spent in education-related activities.
30 PDPs required for additional licenses but only 15 of those required in the content area
At least 10 points must coordinate with the IPDP or Educator Plan and be approved
Renewal must be repeated in 5 years

8. Contact DESE
Office of Educator Licensure 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA Fax:
Licensure Call Center: Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–12pm & 2pm–5pm. Wednesdays Open at 8:00am Until June 27th.
Walk-in Welcome Center Service Counter Hours: Monday–Friday 8:45am – 4:45pm Located on the 1st floor
Bring a form of photo identification that includes your name (cannot be a photo copy) with you when visiting ESE.