April 30, 2024 |Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Education, News, Resources, State of MA

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Regional Licensure Assistance Centers to Support Educator Workforce

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Newly contracted partners will offer wrapround assistance for educators transitioning from Emergency licenses provided during the pandemic

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the creation of five Regional Licensure Assistance Centers designed to help the approximately 4,000 educators currently employed on an Emergency teaching license grow in the profession and transition to their next license. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) began offering the Emergency license in June 2020 as a way to keep the pipeline of educators open during the pandemic, when teacher candidates could not student teach or, initially, take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs). The new centers aim to help retain these educators and build a diverse Massachusetts educator workforce.

The Regional Licensure Assistance Centers and areas they will serve are:

• Bridgewater State University: Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties;
• Class Measures: Suffolk County;
• Salem State University: Essex County;
• Stonehill College: Worcester and Middlesex counties; and
• Westfield State University: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties.

“The Emergency license for educators was an important tool during the pandemic, and we want to help these teachers remain and grow in the field,” Governor Maura Healey said. “The licensure centers we’re announcing today will help ensure that Emergency licensed educators receive the additional support they need in order to obtain a standard teaching license and remain in the profession.”

“As a former mayor, I know how important teachers are for the future of our students and our state. These Regional Licensure Assistance Centers will help keep Emergency licensed teachers in the classroom, providing a quality education for our kids,” Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said. “Teaching is a critical role, and we’re happy to help these educators take the next step in their license.”

Regional Licensure Assistance Centers will reach out to individuals and districts to provide customized, virtual and in-person, wrap-around support to help Emergency licensed teachers advance to a Provisional or Initial license. This support includes but is not limited to mentoring, one-on-one coaching through the licensure process, free preparation for the MTELS and vouchers for the cost of MTELs. 

“Many Emergency license holders are committed members of their school communities. And we are committed to helping them stay there. These centers are our investment in their future, supporting educators to stay in the profession they love while helping them to meet the necessary licensing requirements. I hope Emergency licensed educators will take advantage of the opportunities for mentoring and financial support and remain in education for many years to come.”

 Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler

“The Emergency license for educators was an important tool that helped prevent a sudden teacher shortage during the pandemic,” said Dr. Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “The Department is committed to helping Emergency license holders transition to more traditional licenses and remain in the profession.”

While research on the initial Emergency license cohorts showed promising results, updated findings released today by the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER) show that students of teachers who have engaged with training and supports available to standard licensed teachers have better outcomes. With support from sources like the new Regional Licensure Assistance Centers, Emergency licensed educators can increase their knowledge and skills and progress to their next license, supporting their economic mobility and students’ educational success.

The newly released research also shows that both early and later cohorts of Emergency license holders were more diverse than other novice teachers. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education continues to analyze effective ways to strengthen teacher diversity, including through their existing resources and programs like the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship, the Massachusetts Public K–12 Educator Diversification grant program and the Influence 100 fellowship.

Emergency license holders may have already taken steps to move to a Provisional license (the next step for most Emergency licensed teachers), such as passing the MTELs. There were also several chances for Emergency license holders to extend their license. Some Emergency licenses will expire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, while others will be eligible for extensions that could take them through 2026. Emergency license holders must demonstrate progress toward Provisional or Initial licensure in order to be eligible for extensions.   

The above press release was submitted to us by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education