April 2026 Board of Ed: Teacher licensure regulations

 Proposed final regulations are here

Martinez: recommends adoption of alternative pathway; three year implementation and evaluation
"BOLD five year plan" for diversification of pipeline
Abbott, Associate Commissioner of Educator Effectiveness
maintaining teacher quality: diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement 
working to expand the pipeline; effectively prepare and license; and sustain and retain
alternative licensure pathway waiving communication and literacy skills test
available for three years as Department studies impact and student outcome

four options to fulfill requirement:

1. completion of a Massachusetts-approved Educator Preparation Program
2. License from another state;
3. Master's/Doctorate from an accredited degree program;
4. 2 years of field-based experience and attestation from school or district leader

three implementation period and annual reporting to the Board on impact and progress
will come at no cost to candidates; will be able to take applications in a couple of weeks
first report to Board next spring; spring of 2028 (licensure and employment rates); early 2029 (success in classrooms) then Board will have to consider renewal
one piece of a larger set of initiatives

also technical amendments 

West: if we adopt this, who will still take the exam?
Anyone pursuing provisional licensure who don't have any of the other characteristics above

41% of educators on a waiver would theoretically be eligible