MASSACHUSETTS
STATE RESOURCES

• Bachelor’s in a content area with minor in education at an approved educator preparation program (see DESE website) 

• Must take coursework in Sheltered English Instruction (SEI).  

• Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure 

More information can be found here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/academic-prek12/license-types.html  

Massachusetts requires educators to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). 

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website provides detailed information on the licensure process for educators in the state, including special educators. It outlines the various types of licenses available for teaching in pre-K through 12th grade, such as initial, professional, and temporary licenses. 

To get licensed, special educators must typically complete several steps, including: 

• Education Requirements: Completing a relevant degree program. 

• Testing: Passing required tests, such as the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). 

• Application: Submitting a licensure application through the DESE online system. 

• Background Check: Undergoing a criminal background check. 

The website also specifies who is responsible for licensure, primarily the Massachusetts DESE. For more detailed information and specific links to the application process, visit the Massachusetts Licensure Website. 

• Boston Teacher Residency Program 

• Teach Western Mass 

• TFA Massachusetts 

• MA technically does not have any alternative route programs or specific requirements for alternative route programs (see NCTQ, 2015; also noted MA technically does not have alternative route pathways, at least approved or a state approval process for an alt pathway) 

Massachusetts's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers a search engine of all accredited schools, which you search by program and category: https://elar2.com/Public/ProgramSearch 

• Massachusett's Council for Exceptional Children

• Teach Boston 

• Massachusetts Service Alliance (includes AmeriCorps) 

• John & Abigail Adams Scholarship: For students who score in the advanced range on the MA Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). These students receive tuition credits at eligible MA colleges. 

• Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship 

Boston Teacher Residency Program