Question 1

Step 1. Learn More

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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:
Can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians and other educators.
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.
 
Paradigm Shift will also 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.

Question 3

Step 3.  Apply

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Step 4. Enroll and Complete CES Program

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.
At the end of Phase 1, candidates take the MTELs.  Upon passing the MTELS, candidates can apply for the Provisional License in Moderate Disabilities. Additional documentation in support of this application is provided by the CES Licensure Program upon request.
 
This license will make it possible for a school to hire the candidate without a waiver. The candidate will have 5 years of teaching under the Provisional License to complete Phase 2 and the practicum of the CES program and be endorsed for the Initial License. District tuition reimbursement and/or professional development funds could be used to reimburse candidates for course tuition.

Question 6

Step 6. Complete Your Practicum

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Step 7. Apply for your Initial License

Accepted Answer

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!

Northampton Public Schools

You are

Quick Contacts