Teacher Licensure Resources

In order to apply for an extension of your Emergency License, DESE requires you to demonstrate:

1. That you have completed (or are currently completing) the CPS New Teacher Induction Program; AND

2. That you are making progress towards obtaining a provisional or initial license. “Making progress” includes:

   • Attempting or passing the Communication & Literacy MTEL;

   • Attempting or passing a required content test;

   • Enrolling in an approved preparation program; OR 

   • Having completed coursework within an approved preparation program.

In addition to the requirements above, educators seeking to extend an Emergency License in Special Education or English as a Second Language (ESL) must also submit a paper application. For more information on Emergency Licences and Emergency Licensure extensions, please visit this page on the DESE website.

If you are currently teaching under an Emergency or Provisional License and want to learn more about advancing to the Provisional or Initial level, please click here.

To earn your Professional Teaching License in Massachusetts, you must:

1. Possess a MA Initial license in the same field as the Professional license sought;

2. Have been employed under the Initial License for at least three (3) years;

3. Have completed an induction and mentoring program (learn more about the CPS New Teacher Induction & Mentoring Program); AND

4. Have successfully completed of one of the following:

   • For those who have completed any master's or higher degree or other advanced graduate program in an accredited college or university, at least 12 credits of graduate level courses each of which includes subject matter knowledge or pedagogy based on the subject matter knowledge of the Professional license sought; these may include credits earned prior to application for the license.

   • An approved licensure program for the Professional license sought as set forth in DESE's Guidelines for Program Approval.

   • A program leading to eligibility for master teacher status, such as those sponsored by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and others accepted by the Commissioner.

5. Additional requirement for the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing license (American Sign Language/Total Communication): Passing score on a test of sign language proficiency approved by the Department.

The Professional License is valid for five calendar years, and is renewable every five years thereafter. 

Professional licenses are valid for five (5) calendar years and must be renewed in order to remain active. Professional licenses that are either one (1) year from expiring or currently on inactive status can be renewed only if the required number of Professional Development Points (PDPs) has been earned. Individual professional development plans must include at least 150 PDPs that break down as follows:

• At least 15 PDPs in content (subject matter knowledge)

• At least 15 PDPs in pedagogy (professional skills and knowledge)

• At least 15 PDPs related to Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) or English as a Second Language (ESL)

• At least 15 PDPs related to training in strategies for effective schooling for students with disabilities and the instruction of students with diverse learning styles

• The remaining required 90 PDPs may be earned through either "elective" activities that address other educational issues and topics that improve student learning, or additional content, and/or pedagogy.

Please click here to find out more about earning Professional Development Points (PDPs) through CPS professional learning activities. For more information please review DESE's recertification guidelines.