How to Become a Teacher in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the brightest young minds in the nation, and is home to the nation's first public elementary school, first college, and some of the best academic institutions in the world. Consequently, Massachusetts is always interested in hiring well-trained teachers, and the State offers extended training programs, mentorship programs, teacher induction workshops, and continuing professional education to create an effective education department. Teacher certification in Massachusetts also requires that students pass Massachusetts' Tests for Educator Licensure in their discipline, rather than passing the standardized tests that most states employ.

How to become a teacher in Massachusetts - traditional route for residents

Most Massachusetts residents hoping to become a teacher in their home state must first earn a bachelor's degree, and then enroll in a traditional teacher preparation program, usually at a state university or college. After completing one of these training programs, which must involve coursework and classroom student-teaching experience, those seeking a teacher certificate in Massachusetts must achieve a passing score on the MTEL- the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure.

How to become a teacher in MA - alternative route for residents

In order to begin teaching in classrooms more quickly, some candidates with exceptional credentials may be eligible to bypass the teacher preparation program requirement. Given that they may demonstrate significant subject knowledge and pass the necessary subject tests, a candidate may be able to begin teaching in Massachusetts public schools more quickly, but must complete additional training during their first year of experience. This course of certification is often popular with students who have completed extensive volunteer teaching, or former member of programs like Teach for America and AmeriCorps.

How to become a teacher in MA - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Massachusetts is interested in attracting qualified teachers, including those with out-of-state experience. Current teachers researching how to become in a teacher in MA will find that their credentials are easily transferrable, provided that they hold a valid license, have three years of full-time teaching experience, and have passed relevant sections of the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure). There may be an application fee, and teachers must be prepared to produce proof of education and credentials.

How do I become a teacher in Massachusetts - necessary exams for residents

While researching how to become a teacher in Massachusetts, potential teachers will discover the unique requirement of passing the MTEL in Communication and Literacy Skills and Content for the subject in which they intend to teach.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Massachusetts?

Guides on how to become a teacher in MA will require that teaching candidates must hold an accredited bachelor's degree in a subject relevant to their area of teaching interest before they may be accepted into teacher preparation programs or allowed to register for MTEL exams. For individuals applying to elementary school teaching programs, a degree in education or psychology is often acceptable.

What are teacher preparation programs in Massachusetts?

The best information on how to become a teacher in Massachusetts is often available at local colleges and universities, as most teacher preparation programs take place at these institutions. Teaching in Massachusetts necessitates that candidates complete these programs, which must include internship-level teaching practice and courses or seminars in teaching. Many schools also offer preparatory classes for the teaching certification exams.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Massachusetts?

Renewing a teacher certificate in Massachusetts requires teachers to seek approval for an Individual Professional Development Plan. A supervisor must sign off on their plan every two years. Additionally, teachers must have completed 150 professional development points, which may be completed by pursuing graduate study or teaching experience. Teaching in Massachusetts requires license renewal every five years.

In order to renew an initial license, candidates must also have logged 50 additional hours of mentoring, completed a first-year induction program, and demonstrated teacher competency through a Department of Education assessment, district-based program, or master's degree program.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in MA?

For Massachusetts residents looking into becoming a teacher in their home state, or for teachers or education students in other parts of the country interested in working in MA, the following websites provide authoritative and current information on topics such as teacher certification, a listing of accredited teaching programs, and certification requirements.

• Massachusetts Department of Education

  Massachusetts' official Department of Education website provides nearly all necessary information on how to become a teacher in Massachusetts, including exam registration and preparation.

• Massachusetts Teacher Association

  The Massachusetts Teacher Association is dedicated to providing accurate information on how to become in a teacher in MA, including detailing the alternative routes open to teacher candidates.