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 a state not covered by the Interstate Agreement.

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 Education and 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 50 member states on the basis of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. The candidate may have to complete additional requirements, such as coursework, teacher tests, or classroom experience, before receiving a full professional certificate in the new state. After seeking the MA license, the Teacher Candidate should be familiar with the licensure requirements and procedures of the new state from which licensure is desired. Teacher candidates should check with the Department of Education in the states in which a license is desired to ascertain information concerning additional requirements that may be required.