Frequently Asked Questions

• Questions regarding the MTEL test can be found here. Also, download the Lesley MTEL study guide handbook [pdf].

1. I am a Lesley University student and want to learn how to apply on-line for my license. What is the first step?
2. Why do I need an endorsed transcript to complete my licensure application process and how do I apply?
3. How long does it take for my endorsed transcript to be processed and sent to the Department of Education?
4. How long will the educator Licensure application process take?
5. Do I send my undergraduate transcripts to the Department of Education or does Lesley University?
6. 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?
7. I plan to teach out of state. What do I do to become certified in another state?
8. I have an educator license from another state. Can I use that to teach in Massachusetts?
9. I have already passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?
10. What tests are required for Licensure in Massachusetts?
11. What are the different categories of educator licenses available in Massachusetts?
12. How do I know which license to apply for?
13. I have a bachelor's degree. If I pass the Elementary Teacher Subject-Matter Test and the Communications and Literacy Skills Test, can I get a Preliminary Elementary Teacher license?
14. I already have an Initial Elementary license. What do I need to do get an Initial Early Childhood license?
15. I have taught three years in a private school. Does this count on my license?
16. If I teach three years and then take two years off is my license expired?
17. Can I count my three years of experience teaching in the private school as the required three years for moving an Initial to a Professional?
18. After I have taught three years and completed the Reading Specialist All levels Initial approved licensure program at Lesley University can I use course credits to upgrade my Initial to Professional status?

What is the first step to apply for my license?

Please download the Lesley University Licensure Application Instructions [Acrobat PDF].

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 that you completed an approved program. You can apply on-line at https://www.lesley.edu/soe/certification/transcriptrequest.html

How long does it take for my endorsed transcript to be processed and sent to the Department of Education?

It takes seven to ten business days to forward the endorsed transcript to the Department of Education.

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 in which your application is received, the type of license, the volume of applications being processed at the time, and whether the application was filled out correctly and completely. However, the Department of Education is committed to completing the application process for each applicant as quickly as possible.

Do I send my undergraduate transcripts to the Department of Education or does Lesley University?

Graduate students are responsible for providing an official undergraduate transcript(s), showing conferral of degree to the Department of Education.

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 Department of Education Web site. After, you go online and register under license renewal. It will tell you what you'd need to do regarding Professional Development Points (PDP's).

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. Please check the National Association of State Directory of Teacher Education and Certification Web site. Transcripts will not be reviewed. If applicable, one may have to pass the new state's test. Those same candidates who apply to states not in the ICC will have to undergo transcript review and take the state test, if applicable. Course requirements vary from state to state and states may impose additional requirements for Licensure.

I have an educator license from another state. Can I use that to teach in Massachusetts?

No. However, the Massachusetts Department of Education may issue you a temporary license in your Licensure field if you have three years of employment under an out-of-state license, which is comparable to the Massachusetts Initial license. Temporary licenses are good for one year from the date of issue, and you are not required to pass the MTEL to obtain it. However, it will not be granted if you have failed the MTEL.

I have already passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?

After August 30, 2003, all candidate for licenses in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Special Needs programs must take and pass the Foundation of Reading or The Reading Specialist test and the Communication and Literacy Skills test. ( Note: Candidate for the Specialist Teacher of Reading license must take and pass the Reading Specialist and, if they have not already taken it, the Communication and Literacy Skills test.) Click here for the list of MTEL test(s) http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/test require.html

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 Communication and Literacy test is needed for all types of license (teachers, specialist teachers, support personnel and administrators). In addition, a Subject Matter test is required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas.

After Aug. 30, 2003 all candidates for licenses in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Moderate Special 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/test require.html

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 Preliminary, Initial, Temporary, or Professional license. Please link https://www4.doemass.org/elar/licensure help/EducatorLicensesPageControl.ser to see a diagram to understand the different types of educator licenses.

How do I know which license to apply for?

If you are becoming an educator and you need to determine the licenses for which you are potentially eligible, please link to the Department of Education https://www4.doemass.org/elar/licensurehelp/EducatorLicensesPageControl.ser and follow the steps in order to determine your license(s) eligibility.

I have a bachelor's degree. If I pass the General Curriculum(formerly known as Elementary) Teacher Subject-Matter Test and the Communications and Literacy Skills Test, and Foundations of Reading can I get a Preliminary Elementary Teacher license?

No. There are additional pedagogical requirements for the Elementary, Early Childhood and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities licenses, including:

• Seminars or courses that address the teaching of
  1. Reading
  2. English Language Arts,
  3. Mathematics
• Seminars or courses on preparing and maintaining students with disabilities in general classrooms.

I already have an Initial Elementary license. What do I need to do 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 developmental characteristics of the age group appropriate to the license sought OR mentored employment of at least a semester in the field and at th level of the license sought OR A practicum or practicum equivalent of 150 hours in the role of the license in an appropriate classroom test.
  

I have taught three years in a private school. Doest this count on my license?

You will still have 5 years on your license to teach in a public school where the license is required in order to be hired.

If I teach three years and then take two years off is my license expired?

No, your license is valid for a total of 5 teaching (on the clock) years. In this case, you will have two years left on your license.

Can I count my three years of experience teaching in the private school as the required three years for moving an Initial to a Professional?

At least since 1997, the License Office has accepted private school experience to receive, add, or advance a license.

After I have taught three years and completed the Reading Specialist All levels Initialpproved licensure program at Lesley University can I use course credits to upgrade my Initial to Professional status?

12 content course credits may be used for the Professional license in another eligible field from Lesley's Reading Specialist All levels Initial licensure program in the following areas:

• ECE Prek 2
• Elem Ed 1-6
• Teacher of Student with Moderate and Severe

Although Lesley Certification 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.