Office of Educator Licensure

Emergency Extension Applications — both "old" and "new" Emergency Licenses

The Department is pleased to announce that applications for additional Emergency Extensions, which will be referred to as Emergency Extension II, will be available in ELAR on February 23, 2024.

In addition to educators that obtained their first extension of a "new" Emergency license (one that was originally granted after May 20, 2022), the Commissioner has authorized those with an "old" Emergency license (those issued prior to December 13, 2021) eligibility to get an extension to June 30, 2025.

Regardless of whether someone has an "old" or "new" Emergency license, they will be eligible to apply for an Emergency Extension II if they have already received an Emergency Extension.

The fee to apply for the Emergency Extension II is $25.00 and to qualify for this additional extension applicants will need to demonstrate progress towards obtaining a license since earning their last extension. An example of an academic teacher demonstrating progress for their 2nd extension would be:

Since obtaining the Emergency Extension, the educator has completed one of the following:

• Attempted or Passed the Communication & Literacy Skills test
• Attempted or Passed a required content test
• Enrolled in an approved preparation program
• Completed coursework within an approved preparation program

Please note that for those with an old Emergency License, there will not be any additional extensions beyond June 30, 2025. Also, 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.

Additional information about Emergency licenses, including the differences between old and new Emergency licenses, how things might be different for ESL and special education licenses, supports available to Emergency license holders including MTEL vouchers and eligibility for Professional Teacher Status can be found on our website which will be updated to include information related to this additional extension.

If an educator with an "old" Emergency license is unable to meet the requirements to obtain an Emergency license extension, the district can pursue a Hardship Waiver in order to employ that educator. School districts can begin applying for a Hardship Waiver for the 2024-25 school year through ELAR as early as April 1, 2024. In addition to applying for the waiver, the district must submit evidence of having advertised the position, submit a list of all appropriately licensed candidates that applied for the job, and state the reasons they are not qualified and reasons the candidate is qualified.

If you have any additional questions about the extension of Emergency licenses, please contact the Licensure Call Center at 781-338-6600. The Call Center is open each business day from 9am–12pm and 2pm–5pm.