TITLE

The Preliminary License

HISTORY

The April 1995 Regulations for the Certification of Educational Personnel in Massachusetts established the Provisional Certificate, which was available to candidates who had not completed an educator preparation program, but who had a bachelor’s degree in the arts and sciences appropriate to the instructional field of the certificate, and passed the subject matter knowledge test and the Communication and Literacy Skills test.

In October, 2001 the regulations were revised and the Provisional Certificate became the Preliminary License, and it is available to any candidate who holds any bachelor’s degree and passes the subject matter knowledge test for the field licensure sought and the Communication and Literacy Skills test. It is good for five years of employment in Massachusetts Public Schools.

MOTIVATION

To provide an easy route for candidates to become teachers.

GRADE LEVELS and/or SUBJECT AREAS

All teaching areas.

WHO OPERATES

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

A Bachlore's Degree.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Preliminary License is the first stage of a three-stage licensure system. Candidates must only document knowledge of the subject matter to be issued the license. School districts that hire teachers who hold only a Preliminary license must provide support and a mentor.

NUMBER of CREDIT HOURS to COMPLETE

N/A.

LENGTH OF TIME

Five years of employment.