Licensure Information

It is the responsibility of the teacher candidate to initiate the license process. The issuance of a license to teach is the responsibility of the State. In Massachusetts, the licensure agency is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. All Gordon College students completing a teacher education program are urged to apply for a teacher license in Massachusetts. The possession of a Massachusetts teacher license may be helpful in obtaining a teaching license in another state or territory. 

All teacher candidates will have the opportunity to apply for Massachusetts license during the last practicum seminar class. The cost of one license is $100. Each additional license is $25. The teacher candidate should bring a credit card or debit card to the last practicum seminar class. The Director of Teacher Licensure and Placement will submit the application materials to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Gordon's teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary to remain in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure standards for those programs where licensure standards apply.

Massachusetts is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Graduates of our programs are eligible to obtain an initial teaching license in the member states and territories on the basis of this Interstate Agreement. Gordon College does not make final determinations about whether the program leads to professional licensure in states other than Massachusetts. Some states may require additional tests or coursework. To determine whether Gordon's educational program will lead to professional licensure in your state, please contact your state's department of education.

You may find contact information for your state with this link: https://www.nasdtec.net/page/State_Directory_Map

You may also reach out to the Gordon College Licensure Officer, Kim Winsor at [email protected].

South Dakota is not currently a member of NASDTEC. Gordon College does not make final determinations regarding whether programs lead to licensure in any state outside of Massachusetts. If you are interested in teaching in South Dakota, please visit https://doe.sd.gov/certification/ to investigate requirements for certification and https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/24:28:16 for information about licensure reciprocity.