Resources for Paraprofessionals

Are you interested in becoming a paraprofessional or learning more about the work of paraprofessionals?

Paraprofessionals are essential to student success, providing vital support that helps classrooms run smoothly and students thrive. Their dedication, flexibility, and close relationships with students make learning more accessible, inclusive, and effective for everyone.

Paraprofessional hiring requirements in Massachusetts

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Paraprofessionals Hiring Requirements - Educator Effectiveness

Resources to learn more about the work of paraprofessionals

Are you a Massachusetts paraprofessional interested in pursuing a career as a teacher?

Paraprofessionals are excellent candidates for classroom teaching because they already understand the heart of the work. They know students, school culture, and daily classroom realities, and they build strong relationships that support learning and growth. With their hands-on experience, dedication, and deep commitment to students, paraprofessionals bring practical wisdom, empathy, and resilience that make them effective teachers.

There are two entry-level licenses in Massachusetts for paraprofessionals to consider:

To earn a provisional license (valid for 5 years) you need:

A bachelor's degree
Demonstration of Communication and Literacy Skills
Demonstration of Subject Matter Knowledge
Other criteria may vary depending on the license you want

To earn an initial license (valid for 5 years) you need:

A bachelor's degree
Complete one of the following:
- Approved educator preparation program leading to initial licensure for the license you want, or
- Complete three years on a provisional license and then apply for and complete the PRPIL program
Demonstration of Communication and Literacy Skills
Demonstration of Subject Matter Knowledge
Other criteria may vary depending on the license you want

Support for Licensure Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Requirement

Learn about the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program
Learn about MassReconnect and MassEducate; Free Community College Tuition and Fees
Other financial assistance Office of Student Financial Assistance / Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

If you prefer to start by earning an Associate's Degree:

Go from an Associate's Degree to a Bachelor's Degree: Map your Associate's degree to a Bachelor's degree: For education pathways, choose from the dropdown menu A2B Mapped Pathways Program Search / MassTransfer / Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Pathways to Initial Licensure

For individuals who already hold a Bachelor's degree: Learn about Massachusetts Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) currently operating in 7 districts
PRPIL
Approved Educator Preparation Programs

Demonstration of Communication and Literacy Skills

Pass the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL or
Pass an Approved Alternative Assessment to the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL or
Waive the Communication and Literacy Skills requirement for candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria (paraprofessionals who have worked in a classroom in one district for two years may be eligible to waive the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL!)

There are several resources to support candidates to pass the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL.

Right Start Course subscriptions on the MTEL website
Preferred MTEL test preparation providers
Some educator preparation programs and school districts may have MTEL test vouchers available.

Demonstration of Subject Matter Knowledge

Pass the required subject matter knowledge MTEL for the license you want or
Pass an Approved Alternative Assessment to a subject matter knowledge MTEL (available for a subset of MTELs)

There are several resources to support candidates to pass the Subject Matter Knowledge MTELs.

Free test preparation courses on the DESE website for a subset of tests
Right Start Course subscriptions on the MTEL website
Preferred MTEL test preparation providers
Some educator preparation programs and school districts may have MTEL test vouchers available.

Learn more about educator licensure in Massachusetts

Last Updated: May 27, 2026