Educator Services
Preparing Educators

MTEL: Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 included testing for licensure of educators as part of a comprehensive, standards-based system for improving teaching and learning. All new teachers and administrators must now pass a written test of communication and literacy skills and a written test of subject matter knowledge for the license sought (where available) as part of the requirements for the Provisional and Initial Licenses. National Evaluation Systems (NES) develops, updates, and administers these tests under the direction of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education so that new educators will have the knowledge they need to teach Massachusetts students effectively.

The Educator Preparation Office works with senior Department staff and NES on new test development, test updating, and testing program quality assurance. More Information on MTEL