Office of Educator Licensure

Additional Flexibility for Educator Licensure: 2021-2022 Update

In order to support educators and school districts as they work to staff learning environments DESE has extended the following policy updates through the 2021-2022 school year:

1. Increase in the time allowed to be teaching "out of field." Under an emergency regulation, licensed educators can teach up to 50 percent of their time outside of their license area (up from 20 percent), except in a role requiring a Special Education, School Nurse, or English as a Second Language license.
2. Increase in the length of time an individual can be considered a long-term substitute. Under an emergency regulation, individuals who hold a bachelor's degree can work in a teaching assignment as a long-term substitute for up to the full school year (increased from 90 days), except in a role requiring a Special Education or English as a Second Language license.

Please note that the above emergency regulations and policy changes are in addition to existing modifications, and extending the time period that a retired educator may work before needing a critical shortage waiver.