Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

Support as You Prepare for Your MTELs

• MTEL Support at Lesley
  • For Lesley affiliates and the general public, we offer MTEL Workshops three times a year for Communication and Literacy Skills, Early Childhood, General Curriculum Multi Subject, General Curriculum Math, and Foundations of Reading. Additional MTEL workshops include: Reading Specialist; English as a Second Language; and an online math and phonics diagnostic to support MTEL preparation.
  • Candidates for Initial license in Elementary 1-6, Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 and Severe Disabilities (All levels) are encouraged to take an online math diagnostic; elementary and/or moderate disabilities license candidates take the diagnostic while enrolled in EEDUC 5012 Teaching Elementary School Mathematics, or earlier, if desired. Online math diagnostic results help determine whether students should register for the Math General Curriculum workshop.
  • Candidates for Initial license in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12), take an online phonics diagnostic with an instruction module while enrolled in their first literacy course, or earlier if desired. Information gained will help with the focus and additional study needed to prepare candidates for the Foundations of Reading MTEL, as well as the Reading Specialist MTEL.
  • Our Study Resources page offers specific study resources for different MTELs.
  • Our MTEL Student Guide has planning suggestions, MTEL registration information, and links to resources. Contact the Certification Office to request a copy.
  • The Center for Academic Achievement offers free tutoring to Lesley students for the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL.
  • The Disabilities Services Office can assist candidates who have or think they may need diagnostic testing or accommodations.
  • The Certification/Educator Licensure Office, 617.349.8673, has a limited list of private tutors that students can hire.
  • Sherrill Library has MTEL guides and sample test books available for borrowing.
  • Steve Yurek, syurek@lesley.edu, offers Math MTEL support.
• Lesley's MTEL Test Policy

  Taking MTELS early and passing all required exams before the practicum provides educator licensure candidates with early identification of issues that potentially could affect their ability to be licensed. The university is committed to providing students with information and resources that will help them address any academic needs identified by the results of this test(s) or by other evaluative tools in the academic programs.

  For the most current MTEL guidance, please contact your Field Office representative.

  For all graduate (post-baccalaureate) programs leading to an Initial License in Massachusetts:
  
  Teacher candidates are strongly encouraged to take the Communications & Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs by the end of their first semester. Candidates must have passed Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs and have taken (though not necessarily passed) all remaining required MTEL exams prior to beginning practicum.

  Teacher candidates who have not passed all MTELs by the application deadline may be eligible to proceed with Practicum.

  Note: Candidates will not be eligible for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure until all MTEL requirements are complete.
  
  This policy will be in effect as of Fall 2022.
  
  For all undergraduate (baccalaureate) programs leading to an Initial License in Massachusetts:
  
  Teacher candidates are strongly encouraged to take the Communications & Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs by the end of sophomore year. Candidates must have passed Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing MTELs and have taken (though not necessarily passed) all remaining required MTEL exams prior to applying for Senior Practicum. Teacher candidates who have not passed all MTELs by the application deadline may be eligible to waive some MTEL requirements and proceed with Senior Practicum.

  Note: Candidates will not be eligible for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure until all MTEL requirements are complete.
  
  Transfer students who bring in 60+ credits must take the Communications & Literacy Reading & Writing MTELs by the end of their first year at Lesley.
  
  This policy will be in effect as of Fall 2022.

  Massachusetts Licensure

  The educational programs at Lesley University fulfill the Massachusetts teacher licensure regulations instituted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE). Students completing a Lesley University program in each licensure area will be eligible for Initial license and/or a Professional license. Candidates for Professional licensure programs are required to show evidence of the appropriate MA Initial license, or sign a non-licensure agreement.

• State MTEL Updates

  For information on testing, MTEL test revisions, alternative testing arrangements,  important announcements, and more, visit the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure site.

• Communication and Literacy Test Options

  ESE has approved a range of Alternative Assessments to meet the Communication and Literacy Reading and Writing skill requirements. Review available options.