Educator Licensure Programs Admissions Policies

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education licensure regulations require that all candidates for educator licensure in Massachusetts pass the Communication and Literacy Skills (CLS) portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

In addition, all candidates in most licensure areas must pass the appropriate Subject Matter Test to become licensed educators.

The following policies concerning admission to preparation programs for educators and admission to the practicum are in response to Federal Title II and Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines.

Admission To Educator Licensure Programs

In addition to meeting other University, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and individual program admissions criteria, undergraduate students must achieve a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to admission into professional preparation programs for educators.

Post-baccalaureate and graduate students will be required to achieve a passing score on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Test early in their program of study (normally in their first semester and prior to the practicum).

Students who do not pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Test and who are not admitted to professional preparation programs, but who still seek to become licensed, will be encouraged and guided to take advantage of University-wide support services and the MTEL Workshops to prepare them for retaking the Communication and Literacy Skills Test.

Admission To Practicum

In addition to meeting other preparation program requirements, each student in a program for which there is an MTEL Subject Matter Test must pass the appropriate Subject Matter Test as a prerequisite for enrolling in his or her practicum. (If the student's program requires two practicums, the student must pass the Subject Matter Test before his or her second practicum begins.) Students seeking licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education are also required to pass the Foundations of Reading Test.

Students who do not pass the Subject Matter Test and who are not admitted to the practicum, but who still seek to become licensed, will be guided towards a course of study to prepare them for re-taking the Subject Matter Test.

For Further Information

Further information concerning these policies may be obtained by contacting the director of the professional preparation program in which a student is interested or by contacting the Educator Licensure Office (School of Education, Room 130, Furcolo Hall) at (413) 545-2701.