DESE Teacher Licensure & Certification Requirements Flashcards

Massachusetts regulations require that a teacher candidate pass subject-matter MTELs before:

Answer: Being recommended for licensure by their preparation program

Passing the relevant MTEL subject-matter tests is required before a preparation program can recommend a candidate to DESE for licensure.

Under DESE regulations, which of the following constitutes an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) clinical experience requirement?

Answer: A supervised student teaching practicum of at least 150 clock hours in a Massachusetts public school

Massachusetts EPPs must provide student teachers with a supervised clinical practicum of at least 150 clock hours in a public school setting to qualify for licensure recommendation.

Which license endorsement can Massachusetts educators add to document specialized competency in a second subject area?

Answer: Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement

The SEI endorsement is a DESE-recognized credential added to existing licenses for educators who teach English learners, demonstrating content and language support competency.

What is the minimum academic degree requirement for obtaining a Massachusetts Initial educator license at the secondary level?

Answer: Bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is the minimum degree required for an Initial educator license at any level, including secondary, in Massachusetts.

An educator who holds a Massachusetts Professional License and wants to add a new subject-area license must:

Answer: Pass the MTEL for the new subject and meet any additional preparation requirements set by DESE

Adding a new license area requires passing the relevant MTEL and meeting DESE's subject-specific preparation standards, regardless of existing license status.

Which Massachusetts law governs the certification and conduct standards for licensed educators?

Answer: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71 and its related DESE regulations (603 CMR 7.00)

MGL Chapter 71 and 603 CMR 7.00 (Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval) govern all aspects of Massachusetts educator certification and conduct.