Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Massachusetts
Becoming a teacher is not just a profession but for many, it is a calling. The opportunity to be a preschool teacher is especially important because numerous studies are now showing that students who enter these preschool programs are positively impacted throughout their entire school years. Massachusetts is a state that rewards quality teachers with salaries that are above average. Here we will take a look at how to become a preschool teacher in Massachusetts.
On average, many teacher positions within the state pay as much as $10,000 a year more than elsewhere. Preschool teachers can earn up to over $40,000 a year on the high-end. Massachusetts, like many states throughout the country, is recognizing the tremendous impact that preschool has on setting children up for succeeding throughout their school years. Because of this, the position of preschool teacher has strong projections for growth from now over the next decade.
Massachusetts Steps to Follow for Teachers
Anyone who gets into this profession now will have a career they can count on. Salaries are on the rise and positions are in demand. Anyone who lives in Massachusetts or is interested in moving there, and loves children, should seriously consider this career.
Those who hold a license to practice early childhood education will work with children in Pre-K through the second grade. The Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Union is working hard to establish legislation that will significantly improve the quality of early childhood education within the state. As part of this effort, they are seeking to recruit and to retain good preschool teachers. That could mean you!
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
Although you might find a few positions outside of the public-school system that allow you to teach with an associate's degree, the state requires anyone who wants to become an actual preschool teacher to have a bachelor's degree. The degree does not need to be related to education, although the state has a preference for those degrees when they hire, and so it may be beneficial to have a degree in that area of study.
Approved education degrees in the state will usually include a teacher preparation program that you will complete as you move through your degree. This allows you to be ready to take your licensure exams as soon as you complete the education degree of your choice. However, if you complete a degree in any other discipline, you will have to go through a state-approved teacher preparation program in early childhood education separately.
There are two ways to go about getting licensed. The first way is the most direct, which would be completing all of the educational requirements as well as satisfying the work experience and the exam requirements set forth by the state. Then you would apply for your initial teaching license. The second option would be to complete your bachelor's degree program along with other examination requirements, after which you would need to get a preliminary license, which would allow you to finish your teacher preparation program and practicum while earning money.
Taking the second option you would then be able to begin leading a classroom while you complete your teacher preparation program. If you have completed a similar program in another state, you would need to submit that information to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to see if it meets the necessary requirements. In most situations, if the program was accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education then it will likely be accepted. If the school where you received your preparation program is part of the NASDTEC Interstate contract, then there is also a good chance that it will be accepted.
Anyone who has attended University abroad will need to go through a separate process and have their credentials evaluated to determine if they meet all of the requirements. Those that need to complete a teacher preparation program focused on young children will need to satisfy the requirements in several subjects. These include: instructional strategies for young children, planning early childhood curriculum, creating positive learning environments for children with and without disabilities, early intervention and education, language development in early childhood, and family systems.
Before any candidate will receive their license as a preschool teacher it will be necessary for them to complete 300 hours of internship. That is, you will need to go through a practicum or student-teaching experience. This is split into 100 hours of teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children, and 200 hours teaching children in grades one and two. Some of this work experience will require working with children who have disabilities as Massachusetts requires that all of their early childhood educators be able to teach a mixed classroom, including children with and without special needs.
As you go through your program you will have a senior teacher and a supervisor who will be evaluating the work you do. They will work together to assess your overall performance as compared to the standards set forth by the state Board of Education for teachers of Pre-K-Grade 2. The state of Massachusetts requires that student-teaching has to take place in a public school within the state, or an approved private school. In some cases, it may also take place in state-approved preschools or others where a state license is required.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Just as in other states throughout the country, Massachusetts has a set of required examinations that must be passed with acceptable scores. Unlike many other states in the country, this does NOT mean that you will be taking the PRAXIS exams. Massachusetts has its own exam called the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). These are the tests that are required for licensure in the state. Some basic tests may be required by your college that aren’t necessarily needed for licensure. It is up to each school to decide whether or not to assign basic tests for graduation purposes, but every licensed teacher must have passed the MTEL tests.
These skills tests include multiple choice questions along with open response questions. It will take about four hours to complete each one, so be prepared to be there for some time when you go to sit for them. The required tests for early educators include: Early Childhood and Foundations of Reading, with a required score of 240 on each. These tests are only provided at approved testing centers located throughout the state. You can find practice exams and testing center locations at the MTEL website.
Step 3. Apply for your Teachers License
After completing your degree, preparation program, and all of the necessary exams, you are ready to apply for licensure. Even if you already received your Preliminary License, what you’ll apply for now is the Initial Teaching License. You can easily complete the application online or have a physical copy sent to you to complete. When you submit your application, you'll need to include documentation that supports that you are fully qualified.
The application will require a $100 fee that can be paid to the Commonwealth by check, money order, or credit card. If you have credentials from another country or state, you'll need to supply copies. All applicants will need to send sealed official transcripts from any and all colleges and/or universities attended. Additionally, you should make sure to put your social security number on each document that you're including with your application.
The initial license is good for 5 years and you are then expected to have completed additional requirements to upgrade your license to professional.
Step 4. Upgrade Your License
At the end of your first five years of teaching, you will then be expected to upgrade your license to the level of professional. It will be necessary to have completed a number of requirements during those 5 years you had your initial license in order to upgrade it. It will be necessary to have at least 3 years of teaching experience with your initial teaching license and you will need to successfully complete the teacher induction program the first year that you are employed. Additionally, you will need to have 50 documented hours of mentoring.
You will then need to complete at least one other thing: 50 contact hours of seminars through your school district; earn your master's degree in education or in the field you are teaching; if you already have a master's degree, you can take a 12 credit program that includes 9 credits in academic licensing; complete the state performance assessment program; or get certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
Once you have successfully been approved for your professional license it will also be good for 5 years. Be aware that the state has requirements that you will need to meet in order to renew that license after the five-year period. To renew your Professional License, you’ll need to complete 150 Professional Development Points (the name in Massachusetts for continuing education credits).
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Massachusetts Programs
As with the other New England states, regional accreditation in Massachusetts comes from the New England Commission of Higher Education. If a community college or university has accreditation from this agency, you can expect to receive a quality education. You can also expect your credits to be transferable to other colleges or universities in the region. So, if you want to start your core courses in a community college, first make sure that they are accredited by the NEASC
Boston College
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Curriculum and Instruction; MS & Dr.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; MS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Reading Teacher Education; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation from the NEASC; Programmatic accreditation for the Education Department from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Degrees Offered:
Education, General; BS., MS, & Dr.
Multicultural Education; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation from the NEASC; Programmatic accreditation for the Education Department from the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
Salem State University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Reading Teacher Education; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Teaching English as a Second Language; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation from the NEASC; Programmatic accreditation for the Education Department from the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE)
University of Massachusetts – Boston
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Education, General; MS., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Urban Education and Leadership; Dr.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation from the NEASC; Programmatic accreditation for the Education Department from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
Like all states, Massachusetts calls for trainers to hold credentials from the state before they can inform in the K-12 public institution system. The Massachusetts accreditation process is taken care of by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and learning and also is outlined carefully listed here for those searching for info on how to end up being a trainer in Massachusetts.
In all circumstances, the minimal need to come to be an educator in the state is a bachelor's level. Candidates have to likewise pass the suitable Massachusetts Tests for Teacher Licensure (MTEL) for the content areas in addition to top quality levels they desire to instruct. Potential customers that please these basic requirements may acquire an Initial permit, which stands for five years while the Preliminary teacher ends up a state-approved instructor preparation job program.
Throughout the period of Initial licensure, leads ought to fulfill the requirements for a Specialist certificate. A Professional authorization can be made by completing an accepted master's program in education and learning or in the permit content location, acquiring National Board for Specialist Advisor Requirements (NBPTS) accreditation, or ending up a postgraduate 12 credit score program in the certification product location.
There are additionally different teacher qualification programs in Massachusetts for those who have a bachelor's degree yet have really not finished a trainer preparation job program. 11% Potentially one of the most critical activities to find to be a fully-licensed Massachusetts instructor is completing an accepted instructor preparation job program at an identified establishment. You can see a directory site of approved programs via the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education And Learning.
Prospects that complete an educator preparation program out-of-state or online should guarantee that the institution participated in holds regional certification. There are six neighborhood recognizing firms in the United States, which are handled by the Division of Education and also learn. Without this qualification, the state of Massachusetts will certainly not grant teacher certification. Trainer preparation programs that enter into the NASDTEC Interstate Setup can additionally accredit prospects for Massachusetts instructor licensure.
CAEP accreditation is not required, but it is very connected to its strenuous requirements. The degree of education needed to lead a class in Massachusetts differs based upon the type of licensure looked for. Occupation educators go through continual education and learning as well as finding out to move up with the rates in addition to acquire the highest possible level of licensure for class trainers, the Specialist certificate.
Professional authorization: Satisfy the needs for a Preliminary certification, plus: Conclusion of an accepted master's level program; or, conclusion of an accepted alternating program; or, making National Board Certification; or, 3 years of teaching incorporated with completion of a 1 year induction program. Once an educator obtains a specialist license, they ought to most likely to workshops and/or take programs to get the specialist development factors (PDPs) needed for their certification to be recovered.
Although the precise assessments called for will definitely differ depending upon the quality level and also technique a prospect prepares to advise, possible teachers will usually require to pass the Interaction along with Efficiency Abilities Examine in addition to a Subject test created to take a look at the prospect's proficiency in their details internet content place.
This procedure is handled using the Statewide Candidate Fingerprint Recognition Solutions (SAFIS) division, which prospects might explain for extensive information on the procedure. When possible instructors have actually ended all demands for Massachusetts trainer accreditation, an application for a certificate must be sent out. The Massachusetts Qualification Work environment obtains most applications in June, July along with August, so it's advisable to send out all information 3 to 4 months ahead of your projected day of work.
Verification of final thought of a Massachusetts instructor prep job program (if obtaining a Very first license). Proof of passing rankings on the MTEL test collection. Settlement of non-refundable application fee. Entry of completed application for accreditation. Applications must be sent via the online Educator Licensure along with Renewal (ELAR) website. Check Out the Massachusetts Department of Education for more details on gaining coach certification in Massachusetts.
Have the ability to demand a greater income and have even more possibilities for enhancement. The focus on employing instructors that have actually taken college coursework in very early childhood years education and learning and also learning as well as improvement is elevating, along with prospective preschool trainers need to take into consideration pursuing a degree.
Before you decide on which college to go to for your bachelor's degree, it may be helpful to understand what degree is needed to become a preschool teacher in Massachusetts. This will be very helpful as you make decisions about which college to attend, as well as when to complete your degree.
The basic degree required to teach at a public school in Massachusetts is an associate's degree. There are some schools that require a bachelor's degree in preschool teaching in addition to an associate's degree.
Some high school students who are considering pursuing a career in the field of education should have a high school diploma. There are other schools and programs that will accept students who do not have this diploma, however.
Many people are familiar with the state of Massachusetts, but do not know much about the requirements that are required to become a preschool teacher in Massachusetts. There are specific requirements for this state, as well as other states. This is necessary because the educational system varies by state.
The requirements for becoming a preschool teacher in Massachusetts include earning a bachelor's degree or a bachelor's with honors. You must also have a GED. There are special programs that you can earn by taking additional courses after your bachelor's degree or by enrolling in an online program.
Other states require that you have at least a master's degree before you can take classes to become a teacher in Massachusetts. Some people have to wait until they have earned their doctorate degree before they can pursue an education degree. In some cases, an individual needs to work in the field for a period of time before they can get their master's degree. This is also a requirement in some states.
There are many online degree programs available, as well as many options to earn a certificate. These programs can be completed in your spare time and they offer flexibility for many people's schedules. It is important that you look into any of the programs that you are interested in as you make decisions about your degree.
If you choose to pursue a higher education degree after completing your bachelor's degree, there are a number of different career opportunities that you can consider. For example, there are some schools that will allow you to enroll in their program after having completed your high school education. Some even give you the opportunity to attend an accredited college to complete your education while working in their classroom.
You could take the public service route. Many schools will offer opportunities to teach students in various departments of the school system. You could teach special education, pre-school, elementary, or even middle school students. You will be responsible for preparing the curriculum, teaching mathematics, reading, and language skills, and even helping to develop the character of students who need help with these subjects.
There are opportunities to teach children with disabilities in special education. In these classes, you will have to provide activities and support for children who are physically challenged. and those who have learning disabilities. Some schools even teach physical therapy for students with hearing and vision problems, as well as children who have physical disabilities.
You may even be able to teach children with developmental disabilities such as autism or dyslexia. These students will need to be taught basic skills such as language, math, science, and social studies. Once you complete your education, you will be qualified to teach them. These are some of the most rewarding positions in the world.
The most popular part of all of these jobs is the fact that many of these schools offer a variety of special education programs. This means that the curriculum can change as the students develop and they can continue to progress through the ranks, gaining more knowledge and skills over time. This can allow the students to progress into other areas in life as well.
Massachusetts is a state full of great things to do and places to live. You will find plenty of opportunities to choose from to advance in your education in the area of teaching. No matter what your level in education, you should check out the career possibilities that are available to you in Massachusetts.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
When it comes to choosing which program to enter there are a few considerations that most people will make. One of those considerations will be costs, another will be if the area of study is something the individual feels confident they can successfully complete, and finally, there is the question of convenience. Fortunately, the state of Massachusetts has educational opportunities online to earn your degree and complete your teaching preparation program.
These online opportunities include the chance to earn an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a masters. The opportunity to earn a degree in education is offered as an online option at both public and private institutions. Getting a degree online has all the same credentials and validity as earning one by attending campus. Once you graduate and receive your college transcripts there will be nothing on them that will be different from those who attended by going to the campus.
The main thing that you have to make sure of is that the institution you're going to is regionally accredited. It will also be necessary that you enter a student teaching internship which will mean physically going to a location as a teaching intern. You should also make sure that the institution you're going to carries accreditation by the NCATE and the CAEP.
Preschool Teachers in Massachusetts May Have Their School Loans Forgiven
Paying for college is always a serious consideration. The state of Massachusetts has in place a program that can mean that teachers may qualify to have their school loans forgiven. These forgiveness programs are sponsored through local, state, and federal agencies and they may cover part or all of your school loans. To qualify for these, it will usually mean that you have to agree to work for a certain amount of time in areas where the state is struggling to get quality teachers.
Federal subsidies could pay for over $17,000 of student debt and you may also qualify for a Stafford loan which could help as well. It will mean that you are willing to work at least 5 years in certain designated areas that are low income. There are programs that can cancel out any remaining debt after a teacher has made at least a hundred and twenty payments while working at a government agency or non-profit. Most public schools will qualify for this category.