What degree do you need to be a teacher in Massachusetts?
To teach in Massachusetts you must have at least Bachelor’s degree and have passed the state instruction courses. The applicants should also provide MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure) certificate.
The initial certification doesn’t mainly require a Master’s degree but if you want to get a Massachusetts Teaching License for Professionals you must also have completed the Master’s program.
Why choose the profession of teacher in MA?
Being a teacher is the best but one of the hardest decisions you can come across during your life. Teachers are not just people who give the information but also they create values and provide the lifelong experience of dealing with the information. That’s why many states of the U.S such as Arizona, Georgia, etc. have submitted the demand of licensing for teachers.
The article below touches upon the requirements and steps of a Massachusetts Teaching certification to help you out with your further application and decisions.
Educational requirements for Massachusetts Teaching License
Teachers here use a systematic educational system. All of them must receive a master’s degree and pass the MTEL exam for MA professional certification. However, Massachusetts doesn’t demand a master’s degree for starting teachers. But if you want to give lessons and conduct lectures in higher educational institutions and get a proper salary it’s surely better to apply for a Master’s.
As we have mentioned already every profession requires some background and experience before you can get a permit. To become a LPT in MA your main requirements are;
- Complete at least the bachelor’s degree
- Pass the special teachers program approved by the state
In fact, not in all cases, you will have the same-hour requirements for accreditation. It is mainly up to the universities and schools you apply to work for.
Generally, state programs for teachers to obtain a certificate are conducted both online and offline. The courses include both theory and practical fieldwork. Future professionals will need to pass some training hours at schools and colleges
The testing for the future professionals is organized by the state government and is called MTEL (Massachusetts tests for educator licenses).
The applicants will have to take the following steps to access the testing portal;
- First of all, they will need to contact the MTEL examination center and get their personal number
- After, they need to register for the test.
- Then, the applicants will have to open a special website for testing or visit the nearest examination center.
All of them have to provide their ID and the state Education Personnel ID
Initial Certificate and Professional Licensure
Whenever you have decided on getting an MA educational permit you’ll first need to provide undergraduate studies documents. Your second step will be passing some tests and attend a special training program.
If you have successfully finished all the processes you will get the Initial Certificate. The due date for the certificate is five years and you can only renew it once.
After you have 3+ years of experience as a teacher you can apply for a Professional License. Massachusetts Professional Teaching License are to be renewed every five years.
Note that the applicants for a professional teaching license must also attend and complete a teacher introduction program organized at the state level.
Average fees
Generally, the fee differs every two or three years but the average fee is $100.
You are to proceed with the payment before the submission of your application.
The applicants who have completed the application but haven’t made the payment may face denial or delay of their applications.
Provisional license for teachers in MA
Whenever a person had completed his studies for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees the state gives the opportunity to get MA Provisional License. The applicants must also have
successfully passed the MTEL exam.
To submit your application you’ll have to meet the following criteria;
- Firstly, you must complete the ABE (Adult Basic Education) Application.
- After, you must get your academic transcript.
- It is important to successfully pass your communication and literacy skills.
FAQ’s
Do I need to renew my MA Teaching license every year?
No. All the teaching licenses have a due date of five years. So you need to apply and renew your license before the renewal date.
The renewal process requires to provide;
- your previous license ID,
- proof of identity
- renewal fee
- documents proving you’ve passed the required amount of LPT program hours (PDP)
Can I teach in a high school if I haven’t completed my Master’s degree?
Yes, you can. If you have completed your Bachelor’s degree and passed the required amount of TP hours, you may give lessons in high schools. In this case, MA proceeds you with the initial licensure until you get 3 years of experience.
