Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

Lesley University Policy for MA Tests for Educator Licensure

Approved by the Deans and the Provost of Lesley University October 30, 2001, Updated October, 2004

Policy Memo regarding Lesley University's requirements pertaining to the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure (MTEL)

The following policy regarding students' compliance with the State requirement for passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure (MTEL) will be effective June 1, 2002. This policy applies only to those students seeking licensure in areas where passing the test is required for licensure in the State of Massachusetts. The goal of this policy is to provide students with early identification of issues that potentially could affect their ability to be licensed to teach or work in schools. The University is committed to providing students with resources based upon needs that are identified by the results of this test or by other evaluative tools in place in the academic programs. The policy was developed after reviewing the experiences of past test-takers and considering the most effective times for providing necessary interventions. The ultimate goal for Lesley University is to comply with State licensure requirements and to provide students with the skills, guidance, and supports to become successful classroom teachers or school personnel.

  For all graduate programs leading to Initial Licensure:

• All students must pass the Communication and Literacy Test prior to registering for the student teaching/practicum course or the final practicum course.
• For the licenses for which it is required, students must pass the Foundations of Teaching Reading MTEL prior to registering for the student teaching/practicum course or the final practicum course. This requirement will be effective for all students enrolling in their practicum Jan. 1, 2006 or later.
• All students must take any other MTEL(s) required for licensure in their fields prior to registering for the student teaching/practicum course.
• All students must pass any other MTEL required for licensure in their fields in order to successfully complete the student teaching/practicum course.

For all Adult Baccalaureate programs leading to Initial Licensure:

• All students must pass the Communication and Literacy Test in order to be fully admitted to the Certification Component and prior to entering the Education Minor.
• For the licenses for which it is required, students must pass the Foundations of Teaching Reading MTEL prior to registering for the student teaching/practicum course or the final practicum course. This requirement will be effective for all students enrolling in their practicum Jan. 1, 2006 or later.
• All students must take any other MTEL(s) required for licensure in their fields prior to registering for the student teaching/practicum course.
• All students must pass any other MTEL required for licensure in their fields in order to successfully complete the student teaching/practicum course.

For all undergraduate Lesley College programs leading to Initial Licensure:

• In order to be eligible for Senior Student Teaching a student must pass ALL portions of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) required for his/her license. A general timeline for taking the MTEL is outlined in the Requirements for Progression in Education Majors.

CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS

Massachusetts Licensure

The educational programs at Lesley University fulfill the Massachusetts teacher licensure regulations instituted by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Students completing the Lesley University master's program in each licensure area will be eligible for initial license and/or a Professional license.

Beginning in the Spring of 1998, students applying for their initial teaching license are required by the Massachusetts Department of Education to pass a two-part licensure test. To become licensed, a candidate must take and pass both the Communication and Literacy Skills Test and the appropriate subject test for each certificate sought (if available).

Mandated by the Education Reform Act, the purpose of the tests is to ensure that each license teacher has the necessary skills and knowledge to teach in Massachusetts public schools. Information about the tests can be obtained from Massachusetts Teacher Tests (Phone: 413-256-2892) or the MA Department of Education.

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.