Step 1. Learn More

If you are an ESP (Education Support Professional) or a teacher on a waiver with a bachelor's degree or higher, you may qualify for the Teacher Career Ladder and the Collaborative for Educational Services Educator Licensure Programs. CES Licensure Programs invites you to attend an Information Session or call one of their experienced staff people to answer your specific questions. Visit Contact CES Licensure Programs for more information.

Step 2. Prepare, take and pass Communication and Literacy Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)

The MTEL Program was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Education and includes tests covering communication and literacy skills as well as subject matter knowledge. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts educators:

1. Can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians and other educators.
2. Are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought.

You must pass the Communications and Literacy Skills MTEL. Passing the Communications and Literacy MTEL is a prerequisite for admittance to the Collaborative for Educational Services Educator Licensure Programs. You will have access to Paradigm Shift tutoring and preparation courses for this MTEL during the application process.

Step 4. Enroll and Complete CES Program

Phase 1 Year 1 Fall - Positive Behavior Supports Spring - Learning Disabilities & Instructional Techniques Summer - Understanding Differences & Disabilities Northampton Public Schools pays for all 3 Phase 1 courses. Candidates can choose to take these courses for graduate credit for an additional $295 per course which is not covered by NPS. Phase 2 Year 2 Fall - Curriculum & Assessment for Teachers Spring - Assessment for Reading Instruction Summer - Working with the Range of Students in Mathematics Year 3 Fall - Sheltered English Instruction - Endorsement Course Spring - Working with the Struggling Reader Summer - Preparing for the practicum Ongoing: - Writing Best Practice IEPs (one day face-to-face workshop) and - Differentiating Instruction through Word Study (self-paced online workshop) can be integrated into district professional development plans. Candidates in the CES Licensure Program can earn their Master’s Degree or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) through a partnership with Fitchburg State University. Details are available from CES Licensure Program Advisors.

Step 5. Prepare, take and pass relevant subject matter Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure® (MTEL®)

You must also prepare for and pass your subject matter MTELs. PreK-8 ● Foundations of Reading AND ● General Curriculum with Math (subtest) Grades 5-12 ● Foundations of Reading AND ● General Curriculum with Math (subtest) OR Content test

• Our MTEL Resources page provides extensive information about the MTELs.
• Our PS Test Prep Support page offers information about test prep.
• Use our Request a Tutor form for free tutoring help.
• Paradigm Shift will also reimburse your MTEL test fees. Simply email a completed W9 form and a copy of your MTEL receipt to the Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator. You will receive a reimbursement check within two weeks' time.

Step 6. Complete Your Practicum

The practicum is the supervised practical application of your coursework. Once you have passed your MTELs and completed Phase 2 of the CES program, you will participate in a full-time student teaching practicum for a fall semester. Over the course of the semester, you will also participate in a Reflective Practicum Seminar. Completion of Phase 1, MTELS, Phase 2, and the practicum will qualify you for the Initial License.

Step 7. Apply for your Initial License

Once you have completed Phase 1, MTELs, Phase 2 and practicum, you can apply for your Massachusetts Initial License. Once you receive your license, you are a fully qualified teacher. Your license is valid for 5 years and may be renewed only once. After three years teaching, you can choose to work toward earning your Professional Teaching License. The professional license expires every five years but can be renewed as many times as you'd like.

It takes one to four weeks to receive your license.

Congratulations! You did it! Northampton Public Schools and the children you serve are fortunate to have you!

Step 3. Apply

You will need to talk to your principal about your desire to become a licensed teacher. All teacher candidates are nominated for the Career Ladder by their principals. After receiving a recommendation from your principal, you will meet with a representative from the Collaborative for Educational Services to begin your application for the educator licensure program.

Northampton Public Schools Contribution

Northampton Public Schools will pay for all 3 Phase 1 courses listed above. These courses will count towards your licensure but not as graduate credits. Candidates can choose to pay an extra $295 per course for 3 graduate credits per course.

What is the full cost of teacher preparation?

The total cost to obtain a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License is different for each person. We have included a worksheet in the Paying for Grad School section that you can print and complete as you gather financial information and explore financial support that may be available to you. The full cost of Phase 2 of the CES/NPS program is approxiamately $8,335. NPS will cover tuition costs for Phase 1 of the program (without graduate credits). CES offers a number of payment plans for students seeking Licensure as well as graduate credit, in addition to a Continuing Education Consumer Loan in conjunction with the UMass Five College Credit Union.

When would I have to pay for my college courses?

Tuition payment options for Phase 2 and graduate credits: Six Quarterly Payments made over a period of 18 months. To be paid every 3 months,. The first quarterly payment is due on the first quarter ending date following enrollment: April 1, July 1, October 1, January 1. Eight Quarterly Payments made over a period of 24 months. To be paid every 3 months. The first quarterly payment is due on the first quarter ending date following enrollment: April 1, July 1, October 1, January 1.

Would free tutoring be available to me?

Yes. There is abundant free academic and MTEL tutoring that would be made available to you. Paradigm Shift offers free MTEL tutoring. Simply complete and submit the online Request a Tutor Form. You will be contacted within the week by a prospective tutor. Paradigm Shift also offers free test preparation courses.

How do I get reimbursed for MTEL test fees?

Paradigm Shift will reimburse your MTEL test fees. Simply send a completed W9 form and a copy of your MTEL receipt to the Paradigm Shift Program Coordinator. You will receive a reimbursement check within two weeks' time.

How do I find out how many and which MTEL tests I have to take?

Our MTEL Resources page provides extensive information about MTELs, test preparation, and exams by popular licensure programs.
Our PS Test Prep Support page offers information about test prep. Your academic advisor at CES is also happy to help.

What is the ESP to Teacher Career Ladder?

The ESP to Teacher Career Ladder is a collaboration between Northampton Public Schools and the Collaborative for Educational Services that recruits ESPs (Education Support Professionals) from the district. The ESPs are granted tuition assistance from NPS so they can earn the Initial License in Moderate Disabilities and become Special Education teachers within the district.