DESE DESE Teacher Licensure & Certification Requirements

Question 1

Which Massachusetts state agency is responsible for issuing educator licenses?

Accepted Answer

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Answer

Massachusetts Board of Education

Answer

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Answer

Office of the Secretary of Education

Question 2

Which license level is typically required for a first-time teacher entering the Massachusetts classroom?

Accepted Answer

Initial License

Answer

Professional License

Answer

Provisional License

Answer

Emergency License

Question 3

How many years is a Massachusetts Initial educator license valid before it must be renewed or upgraded?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

3 years

Answer

7 years

Answer

10 years

Question 4

What is required to advance from an Initial License to a Professional License in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Completing three years of effective teaching and a MEPID-based professional development plan

Answer

Passing a second set of MTELs and a graduate degree

Answer

Submitting a portfolio and paying a renewal fee

Answer

Receiving a district superintendent recommendation only

Question 5

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills test is required for:

Accepted Answer

All candidates seeking any Massachusetts educator license

Answer

Only English/Language Arts candidates

Answer

Only candidates seeking an administrative license

Answer

Only out-of-state transfer candidates

Question 6

Which of the following is an approved pathway to Massachusetts educator licensure for candidates who completed their preparation out of state?

Accepted Answer

Submission of a License Evaluation application demonstrating comparable out-of-state requirements

Answer

Automatic reciprocity for any US state license

Answer

Retaking all Massachusetts preparation coursework

Answer

Serving one year as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts school