School Teaching Requirements in Massachusetts, MA
Massachusetts, ranking 14th in population, has 980,459 students. There are 1,934 public schools, broken down into 1,171 elementary, 329 middle, and 296 high schools. Massachusetts’s SAT scores among the highest in the nation, scoring number one in Math and Reading. Massachusetts has a graduation rate of 74% which is above average, and maintains an average high school to college enrollment ratio.
Massachusetts Teaching Certification Requirements:
- Conditional Teaching Certificate (valid for 2 years)
- Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Massachusetts Teacher Preparation Program
- Take and Pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Test part of the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure)
- Take and Pass the Content Assessment part of the MTEL in the subject matter you wish to teach
- Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
- Pass a criminal background check
- Complete the certification application packed, including transcripts, certifications, and references
- Pay any applicable fees
Massachusetts Teaching Standard Professional Certificate:
The Standard Professional Certificate is issued upon review after the initial 2 year license has expired, this license is then valid for a period of 5 years after which it must be renewed.
Some districts may require additional training and certification.
Massachusetts Teaching Employment Outlook:
Massachusetts is hiring teachers, although with an emphasis on those that are highly qualified. The state boasts one of the highest SAT averages in the nation, and as such is very interested in teacher’s who obtain a National Board Certification in order to maintain that standard. Along with a better possibility of employment upon receiving one, Nationally Certified teachers also enjoy a healthy pay increase. There are a few sites online the school districts have posted job offerings for, specific to school and district, although most of those positions are directed towards current teachers with high qualifications. On the whole the teaching industry has proved to be a relatively safe job market, and even through the volatile job market of the recession Massachusetts teachers faired well. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, as well as increased salary opportunities.
Massachusetts Teaching Salary Expectation:
Massachusetts remains ranked 7th nationally in salary for the second year in a row with the average teacher making $59,640 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). Student enrollment in Massachusetts has remained fairly consistent, with the obvious fluctuation due to a growing state population. While teachers in Massachusetts do have one of the highest salaries in the nation, the cost of living is relatively high as well, so it is a good idea to obtain a Masters degree or National Board Certification in order to boost income.