Educator Licensure Regulations

Educator Licensure Regulations

All the education licensure programs at Lesley are approved through July 2021 by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE). Massachusetts is a member state of the NASDTEC and a signatory of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of educator licensure between member states (not necessarily immediate reciprocity). Depending on your professional goals, where you plan to reside or teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are different pathways to licensure that may be relevant, including additional coursework, required tests, assessments, and classroom experience.

The Educator/Counselor Preparation and Professional Development Program at Lesley University received accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), for a period of seven years, 2014 to 2021.

The Lesley Certification and Educator Licensure Office is located within the Graduate School of Education, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. The Certification and Educator Licensure website is the primary source for information on educator licenses. The process for applying for Initial and Professional licenses, and information regarding both licensure and Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are highlighted. Information regarding adding a license, license renewal, and licensure regulations outside Massachusetts is also available, along with the latest MTEL information and study resources. This website has MTEL workshop and math course schedules and registration instructions. Specific links to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education keep the Lesley community aware of current and emerging changes to regulations and procedures. 

All teacher licensure programs are aligned to the Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs). Revised Subject Matter Knowledge standards were finalized in 2018. Guidelines for Pre-practicum for Teachers were finalized in May 2018, and teacher licensure programs were revised and updated accordingly. License name changes were made in 2018-2019.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA ESE) is located at 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA. You may visit ESE's Walk-in Welcome Center Service Counter Monday through Friday, 8:45 am - 4:45 pm or call 781.338.6600, Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (hours may vary; check the Office of Educator Licensure website for updates). ESE's 24-hour automated line can be reached at 781.338.3000; press "2" to obtain the status of an existing license application.