Renewal of Teaching Certification

Once you obtain your Initial Teaching License in Massachusetts, it is good for 5 years. After that first 5-year term, you should apply for your Professional Teaching License. Conditions for a Professional Teaching License in Massachusetts are as follows:

• 3 years of experience with Massachusetts Initial Teaching License
• Finish of a Teacher Induction Program during your first year of employment as a teacher
• Finish of 50 hours of mentoring beyond the Teacher Induction Program
• Finish of one of the following options:
  • 50 hours of sanctioned content-based seminars offered by your school district
  • An M.Ed. program or in your subject matter field
  • If you already possess a Master’s Degree, finish a 12 credit academic program with at least 9 credits in your academic licensure area.
  • Possess Master Teacher Status by becoming certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
  • Finalize a State Performance Assessment Program (when available)

When obtained, your Professional License is good for 5 years. To renew it, you have to complete sanctioned PD Points (PDPs) and submit a PD Plan endorsed by your school administrator. Finish the Application for Professional License Renewal.

• For your main area of licensure, you have to complete 150 PDPs
• For each additional area of licensure, you have to complete 30 PDPs

Teaching Certification Reinstatement

If your teaching license has lapsed for 5 or more years, it is considered good. If you are hired on a valid license, you have two years to complete the correct number of PDPs to make the license good.  Once you meet the conditions, you can apply to have your license reinstated via the Application for Professional License Renewal.