Professional License Renewal Reminder (Computer Lab Sessions in Malden)

The Education Reform Act of 1993 stipulates that all educators who hold a professional level license must renew the license every five years. The first two major rounds of renewals were accomplished by June 17, 1999, and by June 17, 2004, leaving these educators until June 17, 2009 to renew their professional license.

License renewals granted prior to the deadline will take effect the day the old ones expire, and will remain in effect through June 17, 2014. Professional license renewals will cost $100 for each designated primary area license, and $25 for each additional area.

In 2004, 93 percent of the 64,000 educators who renewed did so online through ELAR, the online Educator Licensure and Recruitment system. This system is streamlined and easy to follow, allowing those with all of their paperwork in order and who complete their application online to get their new license mailed out by the end of the next business day.

To get a license renewed, teachers must have completed their professional development plan, and earned the requisite number of Professional Development Points (PDPs). PDPs should be organized into three categories: content, pedagogy, and other. Educators will need to indicate PDPs earned in each category so they can confirm that they have met the minimum requirements to renew their licenses when they go online to apply. The Department provides a    downloadable form that many educators will find helpful in organizing their PDPs.

The Department will accept an "electronic signature" on an affidavit included with the online application that constitutes the educator's assurance that he/she has the required documentation. For most educators, the online process will take just 10 minutes. Some of the online and paper applications will be selected for an audit to confirm that they meet all the requirements. Prior audits have confirmed that over 97 percent of educators can provide the documentation that they have met all requirements.

Representatives from the Office of Educator Licensure will conduct licensure renewal computer lab sessions this fall. These licensure renewal lab sessions will be held in the Department's Computer Lab at 350 Main Street in Malden. The renewal labs will be open on the following dates from 2:30-5:00 p.m.: www.doe.mass.edu/Conference (Click on License Renewal)

Note: The Department is in process of coordinating lab sessions in Central and Western Massachusetts, information regarding these sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Educators that do not wish to renew online can submit a paper application here:   , however, applicants could experience a delay if they submit their applications on paper.

If you have any questions, please contact Amena Swinton at aswinton@doe.mass.edu (781) 338-3238.

Last Updated: September 19, 2008