Elementary Teacher Education Licensure

License Requirements

To teach in Massachusetts public schools, , one must obtain a teaching license for your age group endorsed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  Learn more about the specifics of the licensure process.  One of the requirements for licensure is to pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) specified for your program.  UMass provides preparation workshops (see below)

MTEL Preparation Workshops

The College offers MTEL preparation workshops that help students develop skills and provide strategies to help manage your time and test anxiety.  MTEL workshops are free for UMass Amherst, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College.   Click here for registration information. 

 

Contact

For questions about Elementary Education, or if you would like to make an advising appointment, please contact the Education Advising Center at (413) 545-2231 or educadvisor [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: Inquiry%20via%20Elementary%20Ed%204%2B1%20Program%20Page) (educadvisor[at]umass[dot]edu).

Licensure

All Educator Licensure programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second Education to meet licensure requirements in the state of Massachusetts ONLY.  

Many US states are signatories to the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. This agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction, with possible additional requirements. 

If you are seeking licensure in another state, here is a Teacher Licensure Agency Directory for you to contact other states.