Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Policy Memo

Taking MTELS early and passing all required exams before the practicum provides educator licensure candidates with early identification of issues that potentially could affect their ability to be licensed. The university is committed to providing students with information and resources that will help them address any academic needs identified by the results of this test(s) or by other evaluative tools in the academic programs. 

For all graduate (post-baccalaureate) programs leading to an Initial License in Massachusetts:

Teacher candidates are required to take the Communications & Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs by the end of the first semester. Candidates must have passed Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs and have taken (though not necessarily passed) all remaining required MTEL exams prior to applying for Practicum. 

Teacher candidates who have not passed all MTELs by the application deadline may be eligible to waive some MTEL requirements and proceed with Practicum. Waiver considerations include academic progress, number of tests requirements remaining, performance on previous attempts, as well as plans to complete remaining MTEL requirements. Waiver requests will be reviewed by the Field Office in consultation with the Program Director. 

Note: Candidates will not be eligible for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure until all MTEL requirements are complete.

This policy will be in effect as of Fall 2022. Applicants for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 practicum should strive to meet the MTEL requirements specified and discuss any challenges with their advisor. It may be possible to proceed subject to review by Field Office in consultation with the Program Director.

For all undergraduate (baccalaureate) programs leading to an Initial License in Massachusetts:

Teacher candidates are required to take the Communications & Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs by the end of sophomore year. Candidates must have passed Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs and have taken (though not necessarily passed) all remaining required MTEL exams prior to applying for Senior Practicum. Teacher candidates who have not passed all MTELs by the application deadline may be eligible to waive some MTEL requirements and proceed with Senior Practicum. Waiver considerations include number of tests requirements remaining, performance on previous attempts, as well as plans to complete remaining MTEL requirements, and waiver requests will be reviewed by the Education Division Chair, Director of Field Placement, & the Certification & Regulatory Affairs Officer. Note: Candidates will not be eligible for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure until all MTEL requirements are complete.
 
Transfer students who bring in 60+ credits must take the Communications & Literacy Reading & Writing MTELs by the end of their first year at Lesley.
 
This policy will be in effect as of Fall 2022. Applicants for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 senior practicum should strive to meet the MTEL requirements specified and discuss any challenges with their advisors. It may be possible to proceed subject to review by the Education Division Chair, Director of Field Placement, & the Certification & Regulatory Affairs Officer.