Frequently Asked Questions

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• Key Resources
• Communications and Collaborations
• Early Literacy in Educator Preparation
• Edwin
• ELAR and Security Portal
• Endorsements and Endorsement Import Spreadsheets
• Field-Based Experiences: Pre-Practicum
• Field-Based Experiences: Practicum Hours and Settings
• Field-Based Experiences: Practicum Supervision
• Field-Based Experiences: Candidate Assessment of Performance
• Field-Based Experiences: Other Performance Assessments
• Field-Based Experiences: Waivers for Field-Based Experiences
• Licensure
• MTEL
• Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL)
• PK–2 Early Childhood Programs
• PK–12 School/District Partnership Resources
• Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs) and Professional Standards & Indicators for Administrative Leadership (PSAL)
• Program Admission, Advising, Completion
• Program Approval: Formal Review
• Program Approval: Informal Review
• Program Approval: Early Literacy Reviews
• Program Approval: Other
• Program Changes and Updates
• Record Retention
• SEI Courses
• Stakeholder Surveys
• Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements
• Title II/State Annual Report
• Waivers
• Other DESE Resources
• View All

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Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs) and Professional Standards & Indicators for Administrative Leadership (PSAL)

• How do the PSTs and PSALs align with expectations for in-service educators?
  • The PSTs are directly aligned with the Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers. These standards also serve as the foundation for the Model Classroom Teacher Evaluation Rubric.
  • The PSALs are directly aligned with the Standards of Effective Administrative Leadership, which serve as the foundation for the Model School-Level Administrator Rubric. The indicators have been differentiated for each licensure area to align closely with the employment role(s).
  • This alignment is intended to create an intentional throughline from preparation through employment and a teacher's ongoing development.
• What are the different levels of practice?
  • With the understanding that every educator will progress in the Standards throughout their career, both the PSTs and the PSALs assign differentiated levels of practice for educator preparation programs to achieve during the program. These levels are Introduce, Practice, and Demonstrate. Definitions are provided in the 2024 Guidelines for the Professional Standards for Teachers and the 2021 Guidelines for the Preparation of Administrative Leaders .

Last Updated: January 15, 2025