{"id":46631,"date":"2024-10-06T12:43:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T17:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46631"},"modified":"2024-10-06T12:44:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-06T17:44:22","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Massachusetts – Step by Step Guide 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
Massachusetts teachers are committed professionals who shape the next generation. It is the ideal career for those who enjoy an interactive environment, have a passion for learning, and appreciate having a career that makes a difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts is looking for more quality teachers to join their schools. <\/span>The teaching shortage<\/span><\/a> has impacted the entire country, including Massachusetts. The state can proudly boast that its students are some of the <\/span>most well-educated<\/span><\/a> in the country. However, to keep that status, they need to curb the disturbing rise of their <\/span>student-to-teacher ratio<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n How to become a teacher in the United States depends on where you live. Each state has its own process. We at <\/span>Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a> will walk you through the pathways to becoming a teacher in Massachusetts, including <\/span>alternative programs<\/span><\/a>. We’ll also give you some tips to help make finding your first teaching job easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Teaching is a demanding yet fulfilling profession. It is not a standard 9-5 career. Planning, preparation, communicating with caregivers, and grading are often done outside of school hours, and some activities occur after the school day is complete. However, working with young people is mentally stimulating and comes with a host of rewards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Those who thrive as teachers enjoy an interactive career that shares knowledge and leads to discovery. Teachers love seeing their students develop and work towards goals. Educators take pleasure in having a meaningful role in their community and working collaboratively to benefit our youth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Those seeking high monetary rewards quickly become frustrated in a teaching career. Bonuses amongst educators come in the form of beaming smiles and handmade thank you cards. Other perks to working as a teacher include generous vacation allowance, healthcare and retirement packages, and fairly secure employment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in <\/span>Massachusetts is $92,307, whereas in Rhode Island it is $79,289<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Each US state has its own pathways to becoming a certified teacher. In Massachusetts, the process is overseen by the <\/span>Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education<\/span><\/a> (DESE).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are various <\/span>routes to licensure in Massachusetts<\/span><\/a>. Requirements also depend on a candidate’s grade level, teaching area, and specialty. The DESE has an interactive help guide to help candidates through the process. To access it, visit the <\/span>DESE Licensure Page<\/span><\/a> and click on License Requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most popular route to becoming a teacher in Massachusetts is the traditional route. We have outlined the general steps below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts, like all US states, requires teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from <\/span>an accredited institution<\/span><\/a>. Ideally, the degree should be focused on elementary or secondary education. For those wishing to teach high grades, taking courses towards your desired teaching area, such as English or biology is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Examples of bachelor’s degrees or accelerated MEds available to Massachusetts teacher candidates include:<\/span><\/p>\n A bachelor’s degree provides a bedrock of knowledge, skills, and tools to help a teaching candidate succeed as an educator. Courses cover many topics, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Completing an accredited teacher preparation program is a Massachusetts Initial License requirement. The length and requirements depend on the program. Many colleges and universities in Massachusetts incorporate the accredited teacher preparation program into a 5-year degree, where candidates are awarded a Master’s upon completion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, some institutions award a bachelor’s degree, and the teacher preparation program is an additional year or two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts requires many educators, including Core Academic Teachers, to have <\/span>Sheltered English Immersion Endorsements<\/span><\/a> (SEI).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The following educators are defined in Massachusetts as Core Academic Teachers:<\/span><\/p>\n Educator Preparation Programs in Massachusetts are supposed to offer the necessary courses to qualify for an SEI Teacher Endorsement.<\/span><\/p>\n However, there are alternative ways for candidates to obtain their SEI, including taking a <\/span>DESE-approved assessment<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note that the requirement also extends to academic administrators and vocational educators.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts takes youth safety seriously. <\/span>Section 38R<\/span><\/a> requires a criminal background check of anyone who has direct contact with children at school, including employees, volunteers, and student teachers. Teaching candidates must <\/span>complete a background check<\/span><\/a> before entering a school for fieldwork and student teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teachers must have a background check done every three years. However, a background check may be required more frequently. For instance, many new hires at a school must have a background check done even if they recently had one for their student teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Student teaching experience and fieldwork are part of the traditional pathway teacher preparation programs. Teaching candidates need at least 150 hours. Usually, student teachers work for no pay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, due to the teaching shortage, a student teacher is sometimes asked to work as a <\/span>substitute in a short-term or long-term position<\/span><\/a>. If invited for the latter opportunity, there may be more requirements and paperwork to complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts requires teaching candidates to take the <\/span>MTEL exam<\/span><\/a> or take part in the <\/span>alternative assessment<\/span><\/a> (available through June 30, 2025).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The MTEL is not a singular test. There are general requirements and <\/span>subject matter tests<\/span><\/a> for specific areas of licensure. Candidates must determine which tests they must pass to achieve their teaching goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To get certified, Massachusetts teaching candidates must apply for their Initial license through the DESE <\/span>Educator Licensure and Renewal<\/span><\/a> system (ELAR). A step-by-step guide can be downloaded to help candidates create an ELAR account, explain the various licenses, how to navigate the systems and the stages of the license application review process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts teachers do not need a master’s degree to be licensed or hired. However, many colleges and universities in the state offer master’s to traditional candidates through an accelerated option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Other teachers in the state obtain their master’s while completing the <\/span>professional development<\/span><\/a> requirements needed for renewing their licenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Advantages of having a master’s degree include:<\/span><\/p>\n Not everyone feels called to teaching when they graduate high school. Many get a bachelor’s degree and join the workforce, serve in the military, or start a family before deciding to become a professional educator. Alternative routes make switching careers easier and more affordable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts prefers candidates to use a traditional teacher preparation program to become a teacher rather than an alternative provider. A bachelor’s degree is required, and the steps are the same. It generally takes around 2 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, due to the teaching shortage, candidates can apply for a Provisional License and teach while completing the Massachusetts Initial License requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A Provisional teaching license is valid for 5 years. A candidate is expected to complete their Initial License requirements during those 5 years.<\/span><\/p>\n To qualify for a Provisional License, a candidate must:<\/span><\/p>\n Note that a background check will be required to teach in a Massachusetts school.<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts needs teachers, but not all schools are impacted by the shortage. Positions in higher-paying districts are eagerly sought. Putting your best self forward is essential if you want to stand out from other applicants in these highly desirable positions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Below are some top tips for landing the teaching role you want in Massachusetts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Polish your CV before applying for a teaching position. First impressions matter, and your CV frequently acts as the initial introduction when job hunting. Thus, you want it to look its best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Top tips for producing a polished CV:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once your CV is perfect, save it as a template. The modern workplace does not like generic CVs. Instead, they want applicants to tailor their CV for the specific job. Use your template to make a bespoke version for each position you apply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lastly, read your CV again before sending it out. There is always one last error lurking, so do your best to catch it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIs Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
State Requirements for Teaching in Massachusetts<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
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2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Obtain The SEI Teacher Endorsement<\/span><\/h3>\n
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4. Complete a Background Check<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Gain Student Teaching Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Pass Massachusetts Teaching Exams<\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Get Certified<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Alternative Route to Teaching in Massachusetts<\/span><\/h2>\n
Provisional License Requirements in Massachusetts\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Getting Hired as a Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n
Polish Your CV<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Upgrade Your Skill Set<\/span><\/h3>\n