Be a Teacher

You will have a vocation full of variety, human interaction, laughter, autonomy, challenges, and learning. You will help make the world more equitable and just. You will change the future—one student at a time.

To teach in a public school in Massachusetts, you need a license for a specific age group or content area, such as elementary, high school math, or reading. The UMass Amherst College of Education offers many paths to licensure and a variety of options to fit your needs and goals. Our graduates are known as consistently well-prepared, effective teachers and are highly sought by schools throughout the Commonwealth.

These programs lead to initial teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Because of reciprocity agreements between states, you may be able to transfer your license to another state. However, the College of Education at UMass Amherst makes no guarantees that this program meets teacher licensure requirements in any state other than Massachusetts. For more information on licensure requirements, check with individual programs and the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.