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Proposed Amendments to Regulations on Educator Licensure Alternative Pathways - 2025 Public Comment

The proposed amendments to the Regulations on Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval are in response to Section 300(d) of the LEADS Act (see link: https://www.mass.gov/economic-development-bill) that included a new alternative licensure pathway that would allow for the waiving of no more than one MTEL. In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education invites written comments on the proposed amendments to these regulations. Public comment may be submitted by completing the form below, or by emailing: educatorpreparation@mass.gov, or by submitting written comment via mail to: New Alternative Licensure Pathway Public Comment, c/o Commissioner’s Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. The deadline to submit public comment is January 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Following the period of public comment, the Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for March 24, 2026.

Key information:
  • Link to Proposed Amendments to Current Regulations: https://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/docs/fy2026/2025-11/item2.1-a603crm7-strikethrough.docx 
  • Regulatory Authority: M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B.
  • Summary of Proposed Amendments: In summary, the passage of the LEADS Act in November of 2024 included a new alternative licensure pathway that would allow for the waiving of no more than one MTEL. As a result, the Board was required to amend its educator licensure regulations to include the new pathway.
  • Email Address to Submit Public Comment or Questions: educatorpreparation@mass.gov
1. Contact information *This question is required.
2. Please indicate your role(s)
  • * This question is required.
4. Who are you submitting on behalf of?
5. Please rate your level of support for the options for the new alternative pathways to waive the Communications and Literacy Skills Test.
Space Cell SupportSupport with EditsNeutralDo Not Support
Completion of a Massachusetts-approved Educator Preparation Program
License from another state (equivalent to MA Initial or Professional license)
Master's/Doctorate from an accredited degree program
2-years of field-based experience and a recommendation from a school/district leader
6. Please rate your level of support for the portfolio and prerequisite requirement options to access the new alternative pathway to waive the Subject Matter Knowledge Test.
Space Cell SupportSupport with EditsNeutralDo Not Support
Completion of a Massachusetts-approved Educator Preparation Program in the field of the license sought
License from another state (equivalent to MA Initial or Professional license) in the field of the license sought
Master's/Doctorate from an accredited degree program in the field of the license sought
2-years of field-based experience in the role of the license sought and a recommendation from a school or district leader
Passing subject matter knowledge licensure assessment in the field of the license sought from another state
Portfolio Requirement
7. Please rate your level of support for the following proposed changes:
Space Cell SupportSupport with EditsNeutralDo Not Support
Alternative Licensure Pathway: 5-Year Evaluation, 7.04
Alternative Licensure Pathway: New and Revised Definitions, 7.02
Alternative Licensure Pathway: Administrators (7.09) and Professional Support Personnel (7.11)
Alternative Licensure Pathway: Add License Provisions, 7.15
Other Amendments: Subject Matter Knowledge implementation timeline, 7.15
Other Amendments: Updated References in various sections
14. If you would like to provide any supporting documentation, please upload it here.
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