A Note about Teaching Licenses in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires that all candidates for the Initial Teaching License (“Initial” being the stage of licensure required for teachers of record in a public school) must complete an approved program including a supervised practicum. Students in the Simmons class of 2024 and beyond will pursue that preparation elsewhere after graduation. The Education Minor Advisor can guide students to the various post-Simmons programs that might be good matches.

While at Simmons, candidates can satisfy the other important requirement for licensure: passing all appropriate sections of the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure).

In devising the minor study plan, Simmons students will work with their Education Minor Advisor to align a plan for passing the required MTEL sections for their desired license. Many of the courses listed as ‘Content’ in the above description support curricular knowledge toward passing the MTELs for licensure in elementary or special education, and students may choose to take additional courses on the list to supplement their knowledge. Students who want to pursue other teaching licenses can consult their advisor to learn what those tests will be, what relevant courses would support that knowledge base, and how best to prepare for the exams.

Passing these professional exams and completing their bachelor’s degree may qualify our graduates for a preparatory stage of licensure called Preliminary License. Together with a strong transcript and the exposure to foundations, content, context, and pedagogy in our Minor in Education, by passing the MTELS, and (if possible) holding the Preliminary License, our alumni become strong candidates for next steps to a teaching career.