{"id":7020,"date":"2026-06-06T08:10:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T08:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/praxis\/?p=7020"},"modified":"2026-06-22T02:21:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T02:21:55","slug":"massachusetts-emergency-teacher-certification-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/praxis\/massachusetts-emergency-teacher-certification-requirements","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Emergency Teacher Certification Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Massachusetts’s Emergency Teacher License is no longer available to new applicants. The last day the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) could issue Emergency Licenses was November 7, 2023, and no new Emergency Licenses are being issued under any circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the story of the Massachusetts Emergency License is not yet fully concluded: thousands of Emergency License holders are still working through extensions, transitions to permanent licensure, and the support infrastructure DESE has built to help them complete the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

For candidates who currently hold an emergency license and are seeking information on extensions, transition support, and pathways to permanent licensure \u2014 this guide covers all of that in detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For candidates who are looking for a current pathway into Massachusetts teaching that doesn’t require all the traditional prerequisites \u2014 the Emergency License is not available, but the Preliminary\/Provisional License provides a closely related pathway (pass the MTEL, get a job offer, teach while completing preparation).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For school districts that need to fill positions when no certified teacher is available \u2014 the Hardship Waiver is the current available mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n

This <\/span>Prepsaret<\/span><\/a> guide provides the complete, authoritative picture of Massachusetts’s Emergency License system: its origins, its two waves, the extension process, the hardship waiver, the Regional Licensure Assistance Centers, the research findings on emergency-licensed teacher quality, and the current alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All data is drawn from primary sources:<\/span> DESE Emergency License page<\/span><\/a>, DESE news releases, the Wheelock Policy Center (Boston University) evaluation, Westfield State University, MCLA, WWLP, and the thepolicyminute.com CEPP Licensure page.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Massachusetts Emergency Teacher License \u2014 The Essential 2025 Summary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
STATUS: ENDED. The last day DESE could issue Emergency Licenses was November 7, 2023. No new Emergency Licenses are available under any circumstances.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
‘OLD’ EMERGENCY LICENSES (issued before December 13, 2021): All expired by June 30, 2025 at the latest. No further extensions for old licenses beyond that date.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
‘NEW’ EMERGENCY LICENSES (issued May 26, 2022 \u2013 November 7, 2023): Valid for 1 year from issuance. Can be extended up to 2 times (each extension: 12 months, $25 fee). After Extension II, no further extensions are available \u2014 must advance to Provisional or Initial License.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HARDSHIP WAIVER: School districts that cannot find a certified teacher can apply for a Hardship Waiver through ELAR to employ someone without the standard license requirements.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
REGIONAL CENTERS: DESE has established 6 Regional Licensure Assistance Centers (operated by WSU, Bridgewater State, Class Measures, Salem State, Stonehill, and MCLA) to help emergency license holders transition to permanent licensure.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FOR NEW CANDIDATES: The Emergency License is not available. The current alternative is the Preliminary\/Provisional License (requires BA + passing MTEL or approved alternative assessment + job offer).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/); thepolicyminute.com\/cepplicensure\/; DESE news release (Feb 12, 2024); MCLA Regional Center; Westfield State University.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Massachusetts Emergency Teacher License: Key Numbers<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nov.7,23<\/b><\/p>\n

Last Day for New Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/p>\n

DESE \u2014 no new applications after this date<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

4,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Emergency Licenses Issued (Total)<\/b><\/p>\n

Westfield State University; DESE data<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

Jun.25<\/b><\/p>\n

Final ‘Old’ EL Expiration<\/b><\/p>\n

June 30, 2025 \u2014 no further extensions<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

$25<\/b><\/p>\n

Extension Fee (each extension)<\/b><\/p>\n

MCLA Western Mass Regional Center<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2x<\/b><\/p>\n

Max Extensions (‘New’ Licenses)<\/b><\/p>\n

Each extension: 12 months; $25 each<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

6<\/b><\/p>\n

Regional Center University Partners<\/b><\/p>\n

WSU, Bridgewater, Class Measures, Salem, Stonehill, MCLA<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

BA Only<\/b><\/p>\n

Min. Requirement (Emergency License)<\/b><\/p>\n

Bachelor’s degree; no MTEL required<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n

856<\/b><\/p>\n

ELs in Western MA Counties<\/b><\/p>\n

Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/) \u2014 November 7, 2023 last day; DESE news (doe.mass.edu\/news) \u2014 Extension II to June 30, 2025; MCLA Western Mass Regional Center (mcla.edu) \u2014 $25 extension fee; two extensions maximum; ‘old’ ELs final date June 30, 2025; Westfield State University (westfield.ma.edu) \u2014 approximately 4,000 emergency licenses issued; 856 in western MA counties; WWLP (May 24, 2024) \u2014 regional centers; 6 partner universities.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Massachusetts’s Emergency License: The Policy and Its Rationale<\/b><\/h2>\n

To understand the current situation \u2014 and the options available to current holders \u2014 it is essential to understand what the Massachusetts Emergency License was and why it was created.<\/span><\/p>\n

Per the Wheelock Policy Center (Boston University) evaluation: ‘To avoid pandemic-induced teacher shortages, Massachusetts implemented an emergency license, removing most traditional licensure requirements for individuals who wanted to become teachers.’\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Per an academic working paper (edworkingpapers.com): ‘Before the pandemic, individuals seeking academic teacher roles in Massachusetts typically needed to obtain a provisional or initial license. Provisional licenses require a bachelor’s degree and passing all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent a sudden clog in the teacher pipeline, Governor Baker signed an order in June 2020 creating an emergency teaching license, for which individuals need only a bachelor’s degree to qualify.’<\/span><\/p>\n

The statutory basis was: An Act Relative to Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Emergency, Massachusetts Session Laws \u00a7 92-14 (2020). This law granted emergency authority to DESE to issue teaching licenses that suspended the standard MTEL testing requirement \u2014 the key barrier that the emergency license removed. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree could receive an Emergency License without passing any MTEL exam.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was a significant departure from Massachusetts’s normally rigorous certification framework. The state was essentially trading short-term workforce supply for temporary standards relaxation, with the expectation that emergency license holders would eventually complete standard requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sources: Wheelock Policy Center (BU) (wheelockpolicycenter.org\/effective-teachers\/massachusetts-emergency-license\/) \u2014 ‘removing most traditional licensure requirements’; edworkingpapers.com academic paper \u2014 Governor Baker order; ‘individuals need only a bachelor’s degree’; An Act Relative to Municipal Governance COVID-19 Emergency, MA Session Laws \u00a7 92-14 (2020).<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The Two Waves of Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Massachusetts’s Emergency License system operated in two distinct waves, each with different issuance periods, validity rules, and extension options. Understanding which wave applies to a specific holder is essential for knowing what options are currently available.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/b><\/td>\nWave 1: ‘Old’ Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/td>\nWave 2: ‘New’ Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Issuance period<\/span><\/td>\nFrom June 2020 through approximately December 13, 2021<\/span><\/td>\nMay 26, 2022 through November 7, 2023 (last day for new applications)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Original validity<\/span><\/td>\nApproximately 1-2 years from issuance<\/span><\/td>\n1 calendar year from date of issuance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extension 1 available?<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 to June 30, 2024 (for licenses expiring June 30, 2023)<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 12-month extension from expiration; $25 fee; must demonstrate progress<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extension II available?<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 to June 30, 2025 (authorized February 2024); $25 fee<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 second 12-month extension; $25 fee; must demonstrate progress<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Further extensions beyond Extension II?<\/span><\/td>\nNO \u2014 ‘no additional extensions beyond June 30, 2025’ (DESE news)<\/span><\/td>\nNO \u2014 ‘not eligible for any additional extensions for that field and grade level’ (DESE)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Final expiration<\/span><\/td>\nJune 30, 2025 \u2014 no exceptions<\/span><\/td>\nDepends on issuance date + 2 extensions (up to ~November 2025-2026 depending on original issue date)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardship Waiver option<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 districts can apply if educator cannot meet extension requirements<\/span><\/td>\nYes \u2014 after Extension II, must advance to Provisional\/Initial or district can apply for Hardship Waiver<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/) \u2014 all validity and extension rules; DESE news release (Feb 12, 2024) (doe.mass.edu\/news\/news.aspx?id=27319) \u2014 Extension II authorization; ‘no additional extensions beyond June 30, 2025’; MCLA Western Mass Regional Center (mcla.edu) \u2014 ‘$25 cost; final date old ELs valid is June 30, 2025’; edworkingpapers.com \u2014 ‘new licenses valid for one year and can be renewed twice.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The COVID-Era ‘Old’ Emergency Licenses (2020-2021)<\/b><\/h2>\n

The first wave of Massachusetts Emergency Licenses was issued between June 2020 and approximately December 13, 2021. These are referred to as ‘old’ Emergency Licenses in DESE documentation to distinguish them from the second wave issued in 2022-2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

Original Policy Rationale<\/b><\/h3>\n

Per the academic working paper (edworkingpapers.com): ‘By offering emergency licenses, Massachusetts ensured that teacher candidates preparing to become educators in Spring 2020 could still enter the teaching workforce in Fall 2020.’ Many of these candidates were individuals already in teacher preparation programs who could not complete their requirements due to COVID-19 lockdowns \u2014 they needed a credential to teach that fall, even though they had not yet passed all required MTEL exams.<\/span><\/p>\n

The policy reached a broader population than initially anticipated. Per the Wheelock Policy Center evaluation: many Emergency License holders (ELHs) were ‘already engaged in the broader educator workforce (e.g., as paraprofessionals, long-term substitutes, teaching on waivers) and\/or had previously attempted licensure requirements in some form.’ This suggests the Emergency License also served as a pathway for people already working in schools who had not been able to clear the MTEL barrier under normal circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scale and Distribution<\/b><\/h3>\n

Per Westfield State University: ‘Approximately 4,000 emergency licenses were issued to individuals who were unable to complete their schooling or take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs) due to lockdowns.’ In western Massachusetts alone, 856 emergency licenses were issued across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties \u2014 illustrating the geographic breadth of the program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Current Status of ‘Old’ Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/h3>\n

All ‘old’ Emergency Licenses have now expired. Per DESE news (February 12, 2024): ‘Please note that for those with an old Emergency License, there will not be any additional extensions beyond June 30, 2025.’ The final expiration date for all old Emergency Licenses was June 30, 2025. There are no exceptions and no further extensions available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sources: edworkingpapers.com \u2014 ‘By offering emergency licenses, Massachusetts ensured…’ quote; Wheelock Policy Center \u2014 ELHs as paraprofessionals\/subs quote; Westfield State University (westfield.ma.edu) \u2014 ~4,000 licenses; 856 in western MA; DESE news (Feb 12, 2024) \u2014 ‘no additional extensions beyond June 30, 2025.’<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ‘New’ Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

The second wave of Massachusetts Emergency Licenses began in May 2022 and ran until November 7, 2023. These ‘new’ Emergency Licenses were available to individuals who had NOT previously received an emergency license, allowing DESE to continue addressing teacher shortages beyond the immediate COVID-19 emergency period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Policy Rationale for Wave 2<\/b><\/h3>\n

Per the academic working paper (edworkingpapers.com): ‘Beginning in May 2022, the state began offering a second wave of emergency licenses for individuals who previously had not received an emergency license. This allowed the state to continue offering new emergency licenses through November 2024 [sic \u2014 November 7, 2023], but these individuals will also face a similar set of challenges to those who received an emergency license in the first wave.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Wave 2 License Terms<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
‘New’ Emergency License Terms \u2014 Wave 2 (May 26, 2022 \u2013 November 7, 2023)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VALIDITY: Valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance. Example: a license issued on August 1, 2022, was originally valid through August 1, 2023.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EXTENSION 1 AVAILABLE: Yes. A 12-month extension is available upon demonstration of progress toward obtaining a Provisional or Initial License. $25 fee. Apply through ELAR.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EXTENSION II AVAILABLE: Yes. A second 12-month extension is available after Extension 1, again upon demonstration of progress. $25 fee. Apply through ELAR.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AFTER EXTENSION II: NO further extensions. Per DESE: ‘If you have a new Emergency License and obtain an Emergency Extension II, you are not eligible for any additional extensions for that field and grade level.’ Must advance to Provisional or Initial License \u2014 or the employing district must apply for a Hardship Waiver.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DEMONSTRATING PROGRESS: The same standard applies as for old emergency licenses \u2014 attempting or passing MTEL, completing practicum hours, completing induction program activities, etc. See Section 8.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TOTAL MAXIMUM TENURE: Up to approximately 3 years from original issuance (original 1 year + two 12-month extensions), depending on timing.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/); MCLA Regional Center (mcla.edu); DESE news (Feb 12, 2024).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/) \u2014 Wave 2 terms; MCLA Regional Center (mcla.edu) \u2014 ‘new EL licenses issued between May 26, 2022 and November 7, 2023; valid for one calendar year; extended up to two times; $25 each’; DESE news (Feb 12, 2024).<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The November 7, 2023 End Date: No New Emergency Licenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

The end of Massachusetts’s Emergency Teacher License program is definitively documented. Per the DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/): ‘No, the last day that the Department could issue Emergency licenses was November 7, 2023.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Per thepolicyminute.com (CEPP Licensure \u2014 MTA licensure resource): ‘NOTE: New applications for Emergency Licenses ended on November 7, 2023. DESE is offering Regional Licensure Assistance Centers for educators employed under an Emergency license. The Centers may be able to provide additional information on MTEL preparation, vouchers, and other direct licensure application support.’<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
November 7, 2023 \u2014 Official End of Massachusetts Emergency Teacher Licenses<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Per the DESE Emergency License page: ‘No, the last day that the Department could issue Emergency licenses was November 7, 2023.’<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MEANING: No new Emergency Licenses are available under any circumstances. This applies to ALL candidates \u2014 including those who have never held an emergency license, those in high-shortage areas, and those with urgent district needs.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WHAT DESE IS DOING: DESE has established Regional Licensure Assistance Centers to support existing emergency license holders in transitioning to permanent licensure.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FOR DISTRICTS WITH VACANCIES: The Hardship Waiver is the current mechanism for districts that cannot find a certified teacher. See Section 11.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FOR NEW CANDIDATES: The Preliminary\/Provisional License (requiring BA + MTEL or approved alternative assessment + job offer) is the current alternative for career changers who want to teach while completing preparation. See Sections 22-24.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
QUESTION ANSWERED: DESE FAQ explicitly confirms: ‘Does this mean the Department is once again issuing Emergency licenses? No, the last day that the Department could issue Emergency licenses was November 7, 2023.’<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sources: DESE Emergency License page (doe.mass.edu\/licensure\/emergency\/); thepolicyminute.com\/cepplicensure\/.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Emergency License Extensions: First Extension and Extension II<\/b><\/h2>\n

For educators who already hold an Emergency License (either ‘old’ or ‘new’), DESE has established a structured extension process to provide a bridge to permanent licensure. Both ‘old’ and ‘new’ Emergency License holders can access extensions, subject to different timelines and conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Extension Process Overview<\/b><\/h3>\n

Per the DESE Emergency License page and MCLA Regional Center, extensions are applied for through ELAR (elar.doe.mass.edu). The basic structure:<\/span><\/p>\n