Want to become a teacher in the great state of Massachusetts? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Massachusetts.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

In Massachusetts, you must have at least an undergraduate degree and complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Massachusetts does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements; however, some subject fields may have such requirements. Also, every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for more information.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. Go to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education for a list of accredited teacher education programs.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To earn your Massachusetts teaching licensure, you must complete required the appropriate number of undergraduate courses and standardized exams, and an accredited certification program. The state of Massachusetts issues an Initial license to new teachers, and a Professional license, issued after a minimum of three years of teaching under an Initial License and completion of a teacher induction program.

Find out more at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education about earning your teaching credential.

Step 3: Submit a Massachusetts Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply for teaching licensure in the state of Massachusetts. This can be done online through the ESE Security Portal, or you may mail a hard copy application.