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Prerequisite Coursework in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Massachusetts does not list specific course or credit hour requirements; however some subject fields may have such requirements. Also, every college or university teacher preparation program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher preparation program or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for more information.
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Massachusetts Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher certification programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the desired content area. Visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for a list of accredited teacher preparation programs.
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Required Tests for Massachusetts
Aspiring Massachusetts teachers are required to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
All candidates registering to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are required to enter a MEPID (Massachusetts Education Personnel ID) number in order to register for a test. Before registering for the MTEL, you must know your MEPID number.
Initial Teaching Certifications
To earn your Massachusetts teaching credential you will have to complete the required amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. Massachusetts issues an Initial license for new teachers (valid for five years and renewable once), and a Professional license (renewable every five years), issued after at least three years of teaching under an Initial License and completion of a teacher induction program.
Learn more at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education about earning your teaching credential or learn more about getting your teaching credential at Teach.com.