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Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 7.00:

Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations

Section:

  • 7.01: Purpose
  • 7.02: Definitions
  • 7.03: Educator Preparation Program Approval
  • 7.04: Types of Educator Licenses, Requirements for Licensure, Licenses Issued, and Requirements for Field-Based Experience
  • 7.05: Routes to an Initial Teacher License and Specialist Teacher Licenses
  • 7.06: Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Teachers
  • 7.07: Specialist Teacher Licenses
  • 7.08: Professional Standards for Teachers
  • 7.09: Licenses and Routes for Administrators
  • 7.10: Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership
  • 7.11: Professional Support Personnel Licenses
  • 7.12: Standards for Induction Programs for Teachers
  • 7.13: Standards for Induction Programs for Administrators
  • 7.14: Endorsements
  • 7.15: General Provisions
  • View All Sections

Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: April 28, 2026

7.14: Endorsements

Unless otherwise provided in 603 CMR 7.00 or 603 CMR 14.00, 603 CMR 7.00 does not require a person to seek or obtain an endorsement. Endorsements issued by the Department under 603 CMR 7.14 do not constitute educator licenses pursuant to 603 CMR 7.04(1).

(1) SEI Teacher Endorsement

  1. (a) SEI Teacher Endorsement is to be awarded upon a demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.08(3)(a) through (e), and 603 CMR 7.14(1)(b), through one of the following:
    1. Successful completion of a Department-approved course of study specific to providing sheltered English instruction. The Department will issue guidelines to govern approval of this course of study.
    2. Passing a Department-approved assessment.
    3. Attainment of a bachelor's degree in a major approved by the Department, or other graduate level training approved by the Department.
    4. Possession of an English as a Second Language license or an English Language Learners license.
    5. Possession of an equivalent credential, as approved by the Commissioner, issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

  2. (b) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. The basic structure and functions of language.
    2. Second language acquisition factors as they affect access to the Massachusetts standards.
    3. Social-cultural, affective, political, and other salient factors in second language acquisition.
    4. Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) principles and typologies: General academic and domain-specific discourse practices relevant to the grade level (k–5 or secondary), English proficiency level, and content area (English language arts and history; science and mathematics; other content areas).
    5. Implementation of strategies for coordinating SEI and English language development instruction for English learners.
    6. Federal and Massachusetts' laws and regulations pertaining to English learners.
    7. Understanding of diversity and background of English learner populations, including family systems, and communities, and their impact on teaching and learning.
    8. Theory, research, and practice of reading and writing for English learners. Practices and approaches for developing reading and writing skills and comprehension in English for English learners who are at different levels of English language proficiency.
    9. The role of oral language development in literacy development for English learners.
    10. Formative and summative assessments for English learners.
    11. Literacy and academic language development. The role of vocabulary development in accessing academic language.

(2) SEI Administrator Endorsement

  1. (a) SEI Administrator Endorsement is to be awarded upon demonstration of the subject matter and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(2)(b) through one of the following:
    1. Successful completion of a Department-approved course of study for administrators specific to sheltered English instruction. The Department will issue guidelines to govern approval of this course of study.
    2. Possession of an SEI Teacher Endorsement.
    3. Possession of an equivalent credential, as approved by the Commissioner, issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

  2. (b) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. Understanding of diversity and background of English learner populations, including family systems, neighborhoods, and communities, and their impact on teaching and learning.
    2. Knowledge of how to build a culture of equity and inclusiveness for linguistically and culturally diverse populations.
    3. Implementation of strategies for coordinating SEI and English language development instruction for English learners.
    4. Demonstrates an understanding of the use of best practices for sheltering content for, and teaching academic language to, English learners in the classroom.
    5. Understanding of the challenges that English learners face in the mastery of academic language and of the skills to shelter content and scaffold instruction to promote the academic achievement of English learners.

(3) Bilingual Education Endorsement

  1. (a) Bilingual Education Endorsement is to be awarded to educators who meet all of the following requirements:
    1. A passing score on a foreign language test acceptable to the Department in the relevant foreign language.
    2. Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(3)(b), through one of the following:
      1. Successful completion of a Department-approved course of study for providing bilingual education. The Department shall issue guidelines for approval of this course of study.
      2. A passing score on a test acceptable to the Department.
    3. Completion of 75 hours of field-based experience in a Pre-K through grade 12 dual language education or two-way immersion program, transitional bilingual education program, or other bilingual education setting.

  2. (b) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. Knowledge of the foundations of bilingual education, including dual language education or two-way immersion and transitional bilingual education, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71A, § 2, and the concepts of bilingualism and biculturalism.
    2. Bilingual language acquisition factors as they affect access to the Massachusetts content and language standards.
    3. Social-cultural, social-emotional, political, and other salient factors in bilingual language acquisition.
    4. Implementation of strategies for coordinating non-English partner language instruction and English language development instruction for English learners.
    5. Practices and approaches of teaching reading and writing in two languages, including the importance of oral language development as a foundation for literacy.
    6. Practices and approaches for assessing content knowledge, reading and writing skills and comprehension in English and the non-English partner language for English learners who are at different levels of proficiency in English and the non-English partner language.
    7. Understanding and implementation of culturally relevant teaching materials and practices.

  3. (c) A candidate who fulfills the requirement in 603 CMR 7.14(3)(a)1 and has at least three years of prior employment experience in a dual language education or two-way immersion program, transitional bilingual education program, or other bilingual education setting, and who can demonstrate that he or she meets the subject matter knowledge and skills requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(3)(b), will be exempt from the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(3)(a)2–3 if he or she applies to the Department and completes all of the requirements for the Bilingual Education Endorsement by June 30, 2020.

  4. (d) A candidate who was prepared outside of Massachusetts shall not be required to complete the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(3)(a)2–3 if such candidate can provide documentation of one of the following:
    1. Completion of an educator preparation program that includes the equivalent of the Department-approved course of study specific to providing services to English learners and is either state-approved under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement or has been accredited by a national organization accepted by the Commissioner.
    2. Possession of an out-of-state license/certificate/endorsement that is comparable to the Bilingual Education Endorsement issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

  5. (e) Renewal. The Bilingual Education Endorsement shall be valid for five years and may be renewed for successive five-year terms upon successful completion of 15 professional development points (PDPs) in the content area related to 603 CMR 7.14(3)(b). The 15 PDPs may be included in the total number of PDPs necessary for license renewal pursuant to 603 CMR 44.06: Educator License Renewal.

(4) Transition Specialist. Awarded to individuals who meet the following requirements:

  1. (a) Prerequisite license and experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience under one of the following licenses:
    1. An Initial or Professional license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, School Counselor, or School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor.
    2. A license as a Rehabilitation Counselor (as described in 262 CMR 4.00 Requirements for Licensure as a Rehabilitation Counselor), or certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor as determined by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

  2. (b) Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14 (4) (d), through the successful completion of a Department-approved course of study specific to providing transition services. The Department will issue guidelines to govern approval of this course of study.

  3. (c) Completion of a 150 hour field-based experience that includes providing transition services for transition-aged students with disabilities with IEPs, in collaboration with their families, community members, and other relevant professionals.

  4. (d) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. Foundations and implementation of transition education and transition services, including but not limited to: state and federal legislation; inclusive models, research, best practice, community based education and post-school options; and knowledge of transition planning and service delivery for all students with Individualized Education Programs, including culturally and linguistically diverse youth.
    2. Individual transition assessment and system evaluation, including conducting, interpreting, and overseeing individualized formal and informal transition assessments to ascertain interests, strengths, preferences, aptitudes and needs related to competitive employment, education, training, and independent living; developing individualized appropriate measureable postsecondary goals, and annual IEP goals based on the individualized transition assessment results; and transition service delivery.
    3. How to develop transition systems and supports which include best practices in postsecondary education, competitive integrated employment (including supported employment), independent living, and community participation including, but not limited to, implementation of social skills training, positive behavioral supports, assistive technology as related to transition goals, and development of self-determination skills across all settings.
    4. Collaboration including strategies for active participation of students and families in IEP development, transition education and services, and support networks; development of partnerships with employers, institutes of higher education, public agencies, and community service agencies; and provision of technical assistance and professional development to school personnel.

  5. (e) The requirements for the Transition Specialist Endorsement may also be used to satisfy course requirements necessary to obtain a Professional license listed in 603 CMR 7.04(2)(c).

  6. (f) Renewal. The Transition Specialist Endorsement shall be valid for five years and may be renewed for successive five-year terms to individuals who meet the following requirements:
    1. Valid license as listed in 603 CMR 7.14(4) (a), and
    2. Successful completion of 30 professional development points (PDPs) in the content area related to 603 CMR 7.14 (4)(d). The 30 PDPs may be included in the total number of PDPs necessary for license renewal pursuant to 603 CMR 44.00: Educator License Renewal.

(5) Autism Endorsement. Awarded to educators who meet the following requirements:

  1. (a) Prerequisite: A teacher license and at least three credits related to special education or possession of a license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired.

  2. (b) Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14 (5)(d), through one of the following:
    1. Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14 (5)(d), through the successful completion of a Department-approved course of study specific to providing services to students with autism. The Department will issue guidelines to govern approval for this course of study.
    2. Passing a Department-approved assessment.

  3. (c) Field Experience Requirement met through one of the following:
    1. Teachers who possess a license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired who can demonstrate at least one year of teaching experience working with students with autism shall complete at least 75 hours of field-based experience working with students with autism in any type of school setting, including at least 50 of which shall take place in an inclusive setting.
    2. All other teachers shall complete a 150 hour field-based experience that includes a minimum of 75 hours in an inclusive setting with students with autism and 75 hours of additional experience in any type of school setting working with students with autism.

  4. (d) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. Understanding of autism including the co-morbid conditions associated with autism spectrum disorders and the differences between a medical diagnosis of autism and the definition of the term autism under state and federal special education laws. Knowledge of the unique characteristics of autism as related to communication, social/emotional development, behavior, sensory processing, cognition, and learning.
    2. Assessment of students with autism including: an ability to identify, administer, and interpret a range of formal and informal tools in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner that assess the unique strengths, skills (including academic, social, behavioral and adaptive) and learning styles of students with autism ages 3 through 22.
    3. Knowledge of how ongoing assessment and data collection can be used to inform instruction, services and supports; monitor progress and rates and patterns of skill acquisition; and ensure the maintenance and generalization of skills across settings.
    4. Design of effective educational programs and individual supports based on peer reviewed research to the extent practicable to support students with autism in the least restrictive environment. Knowledge of the range of specialized and individualized instructional strategies and supports for students with autism, including assistive technology, to address: the verbal and nonverbal communication needs; the need to develop social interaction skills and proficiencies including the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment or teasing; the needs resulting from the student's unusual responses to sensory experiences; the needs resulting from resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines; the needs resulting from engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements; the need for positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports to address any behavioral difficulties; and other needs resulting from the student's disability that impact making progress in the general curriculum, including social and emotional skills.
    5. Understanding and supporting the roles of other disciplines and professionals involved in the education of students with autism and facilitating coordination and collaboration of relevant IEP Team members, including parents or caregivers, related service providers and medical professionals, to meet the unique needs of students with autism in a culturally sensitive manner in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3.

  5. (e) Candidates who were prepared outside of Massachusetts and possess a license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teacher of the Visually shall not be required to complete the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(5) (b) through (d) if such candidate can provide documentation of one of the following:
    1. Completion of an educator preparation program that includes the equivalent of the Department approved course of study specific to providing services to students with autism and is either state- approved under the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or has been accredited by a national organization accepted by the Commissioner.
    2. Possession of an out of state license/certificate/endorsement that is comparable to the Autism Endorsement issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

  6. (f) The requirements for the Autism Endorsement may also be used to satisfy course requirements necessary to obtain a Professional license listed in 603 CMR 7.04(2)(c).

  7. (g) Renewal. The Autism Endorsement shall be valid for five years and may be renewed for successive five-year terms to individuals who meet the following requirements:
    1. Valid license as a teacher, and
    2. Successful completion of 30 professional development points (PDPs) in the content area related to 603 CMR 7.14 (5)(d). The 30 PDPs may be included in the total number of PDPs necessary for license renewal pursuant to 603 CMR 44.00: Educator License Renewal.

(6) Academically Advanced Endorsement. Prerequisites: at least an Initial or Professional license in a core academic area at the PreK–8 level and at least one year of teaching experience under that license.

  1. (a) Requirements for the endorsement:
    1. Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14 (6) (b) and (c).
    2. Field experience of 150 hours which must be satisfied with a group of students identified by a district as academically advanced. The field experience must include approximately equal experience with academically advanced students both in a general education classroom and in classes for academically advanced students at two different grade levels.
    3. Completion of a Department-approved course of study including the topics listed in 603 CMR 7.14(6)(c).

  2. (b) The topics set forth in the Subject Matter Knowledge Guidelines for the Middle School: Humanities and Middle School: Mathematics/Science licenses, together with the following topics, will be addressed on the test of subject matter knowledge:
    1. Knowledge of ways to adapt curricular content from higher grade levels, especially in science and mathematics, for academically advanced students in lower grade levels.
    2. Design and implementation of accelerated curricula providing conceptual understanding for academically advanced students in mixed ability classrooms that enable them to engage in sustained study in a content area appropriate to their learning pace.

  3. (c) The following topics shall be included in a Department-approved program but will not be addressed on a test of subject matter knowledge:
    1. Knowledge of curricular content in all the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for PreK–10, with emphasis on either science and mathematics or the humanities.
    2. Emotional, social, and cognitive development and needs of academically advanced students.
    3. Design and implementation of accelerated curricula providing conceptual understanding for academically advanced students in groups (pullout grouping, cluster grouping, cross-graded classes, full-time ability grouping, regrouping for specific instruction).
    4. Knowledge of research on issues related to the education of academically advanced students.
    5. Knowledge of federal and state laws on education for the academically advanced.

  4. (d) Individuals are exempt from the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(6)(a)1., 3., (b) and (c) if they hold an advanced degree in a relevant subject area or have at least three years employment by a school district in a role that included significant experience with students identified by the district as academically advanced and have passed one of the following subject matter knowledge tests: Middle School Mathematics/Science, Middle School Humanities, Middle School Mathematics, General Science, or any single subject matter test in an academic subject taught in grades 5–12 for which the Department issues a license.

(7) Media Arts Endorsement

  1. (a) Media Arts Endorsement is to be awarded to educators who meet all of the following requirements:
    1. Prerequisite license and experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience under one of the following licenses:
      1. An Initial or Professional license as a Dance, Music, Vocal/Instrumental/General, Theatre, Visual Arts, Supervisor/Director of Core Arts, Instructional Technology, Digital Literacy/Computer Science, Technology/Engineering or Library teacher
      2. A Professional license as a Radio and Television Broadcasting, Design and & Visual Communication, Graphic Communication, Engineering Technology, Drafting, Information Support Services and Networking, Programming and Web Development, Painting and Design Technology or Marketing teacher
    2. Demonstration of the subject matter knowledge and skill requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14 (7)(b), through one of the following:
      1. Successful completion of a Department-approved course of study specific to Media Arts. The Department shall issue guidelines to govern approval of this course of study.
      2. A passing score on a test acceptable to the Department
    3. Completion of 75 hours of field-based experience that includes teaching media arts to students in PreK-12

  2. (b) Subject Matter Knowledge:
    1. Refine concepts and content to support a central idea by focusing on a specific element such as interactivity, temporality, or heterogeneity.
    2. Explain how one uses specific techniques to evoke, express, or communicate ideas in a media arts work or collection of such works.
    3. Modify a media artwork to clarify its artistic intent by presenting different styles/genres and viewpoints and anticipating viewers' responses.
    4. Identify ways a contemporary media work pushes the boundaries of a genre and discipline.
    5. Compare and contrast the artistic elements that make media arts unique from other artistic disciplines.
    6. Identify how bias, culture, and privilege can impact the criteria used to evaluate media artwork.
    7. Explain the development of a personal aesthetic vision and style as a media artist and how that is represented in a piece.
    8. Identify the connections between historical and cultural context and defining stylistic elements of multiple media artworks.

  3. (c) A candidate who was prepared outside of Massachusetts shall not be required to complete the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 7.14(7)(a)2–3 if such candidate can provide documentation of one of the following:
    1. Completion of an educator preparation program that includes the equivalent of the Department-approved course of study and is either state-approved under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement or has been accredited by a national organization accepted by the Commissioner.
    2. Possession of an out-of-state license/certificate/endorsement that is comparable to the Media Arts Endorsement issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.

  4. (d) Renewal. The Media Arts Endorsement shall be valid for five years and may be renewed for successive five-year terms upon successful completion of 30 professional development points (PDPs) in the content area related to 603 CMR 7.14(7)(b). The 30 PDPs may be included in the total number of PDPs necessary for license renewal pursuant to 603 CMR 44.06: Educator License Renewal.

Regulatory Authority:
M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; c. 69, §§ 1J and 1K, as amended by St. 2010; c. 12, § 3; c. 71, § 38G, as amended by St. 2022, c. 154, § 10; c. 71, 38G ½; c. 71A, § 10; c. 76, § 19.

Disclaimer:
For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore .

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

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