Teacher Education Program: Teaching & Curriculum (TAC) and Midcareer Math and Science (MCMS) Licensure Requirements

Name of Massachusetts License

Teacher of (Subject)

Stage

Initial (This license is valid for five years of employment in Massachusetts.)

Grade Levels

5-8, 8-12

Subjects for Licensure

• For grade level 5-8: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, General Science, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science/Political Philosophy
• For grade level 8-12: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science/Political Philosophy

Requirements for Initial Licensure

1. Complete all TAC/MCMS Coursework and Fieldwork requirements.
2. Pass the 2-part Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). The 2-part MTEL exam is composed of the Communication & Literacy Skills and Subject-Matter exams. Please see the NES MTEL website and the Licensure Unit MTEL website for more information.

Requirements for Professional Licensure

1. Teach under the Initial license for 3 years.
2. Complete a 1-year Induction Program provided by the school district.
3. Complete a 50-hour mentored experience beyond the Induction year.
4. Complete one of the following:
   • 12 graduate credits in the appropriate subject area,
   • an approved 12 credit non-degree program,
   • an approved district-based program,
   • a program leading to master teacher status, e.g., National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or
   • when available, a Department-sponsored Performance Assessment Program to obtain coursework requirement.

(Please see Section 7.04 of the Massachusetts Licensure Regulations for more detailed information.)

How to Obtain Licensure at an Additional Level

Completion of the H-210A Summer Component course, which is a required course in the TAC/MCMS Program, fulfills this requirement for licensure at both the 5-8 and 8-12 grade levels.

Special Mention: For MS Math interns who also want a HS Math license, you must pass the HS Math (Field 09) Subject Test.

How to Obtain Licensure in an Additional Subject

Generally, you simply need to pass the Subject-Matter MTEL exam in the additional subject. However, additional fieldwork of 150 hours is required for the Early Childhood and Elementary licenses. Additional fieldwork of 150 hours and a competency review are required for the Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and Teacher of the Visually Impaired licenses. Please see the MA DOE Regulations, Section 7.14 General Provisions/Additional Licenses, for more detailed information regarding these exceptions.

Cost for Licensure

$100 First Massachusetts license
$25 Each additional license

Licensure Processing Information

All licenses are processed through the Licensure Unit. Meetings are scheduled throughout the year to keep you informed of all licensure requirements and deadline dates.

Required Paperwork

1. Online Application
2. Original Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
3. Name Change Documentation (e.g., marriage license, valid driver's license with Social Security number, Passport)

Resource to answer additional questions about Licensure Requirements

Please visit our FAQ section for TAC/MCMS students or e-mail HGSE Licensure at licensure@gse.harvard.edu.

Resource to answer additional questions about the TAC/MCMS Program

Please visit the TAC/MCMS website or e-mail Susan Kandel at susan_kandel@gse.harvard.edu.