Licensure of Educator Personnel

Many professional programs at the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development require licensure or certification by the state, Commonwealth, district, or national accrediting agencies. For each program offered in Wheelock leading to a specific license or level of licensure in Massachusetts, a specific sequence of courses is required, including a practicum or internship experience. A description of each sequence and information about program requirements is available from the appropriate program director or assigned academic advisor. It is important that students discuss their professional goals with an advisor at the initial conference and throughout the course of their academic programs.

Any additional Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements and the collection and submission of documents necessary to meet licensure requirements are the responsibility of the student. To obtain licensure in Massachusetts, one must pass the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL); however, passing the MTELs is not a condition of admission to Wheelock nor a requirement for graduation.

Students completing a Massachusetts-approved educator preparation program may also be eligible for licensure in many other states through NASDTEC interstate reciprocity agreements. It is critical that students keep abreast of requirements in other states where they wish to seek licensure. Note that licensure rules and regulations may change at any time. Students should review the BU Wheelock Licensing Disclosure page for more details.

Boston University Professional Preparation is prepared to assist students seeking licensure. For additional information, please review information on the Wheelock Licensure website or contact the Professional Preparation office at edlic@bu.edu or 617-353-3239.