603 CMR 7.00:

Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations

Section:

• 7.01: Purpose
• 7.02: Definitions
• 7.03: Educator Preparation Program Approval
• 7.04: Types of Educator Licenses, Requirements for Licensure, Licenses Issued, and Requirements for Field-Based Experience
• 7.05: Routes to an Initial Teacher License and Specialist Teacher Licenses
• 7.06: Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Teachers
• 7.07: Specialist Teacher Licenses
• 7.08: Professional Standards for Teachers
• 7.09: Licenses and Routes for Administrators
• 7.10: Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership
• 7.11: Professional Support Personnel Licenses
• 7.12: Standards for Induction Programs for Teachers
• 7.13: Standards for Induction Programs for Administrators
• 7.14: Endorsements
• 7.15: General Provisions
• View All Sections

Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: June 27, 2023

---

7.01: Purpose

The provisions of 603 CMR 7.00 are intended to accomplish several major objectives:

1. (a) Strengthen the subject matter knowledge required for each license;

2. (b) Strengthen the subject matter knowledge required for the teaching of reading for all teacher licenses;

3. (c) Clarify and strengthen the professional standards for practice for teachers and administrators;

4. (d) Clarify alternate ways in which prospective teachers and administrators can be prepared for a career in education;

5. (e) Strengthen safeguards for parents and students by requiring strong induction programs and three years of employment before new teachers can obtain a Professional license;

6. (f) Prepare educators to help all students achieve; and

7. (g) Strengthen accountability for providers of preparation programs by linking state approval to the performance of their candidates on state licensing tests and performance assessments, as well as results of state administered surveys, employment data and evaluation ratings data.

Regulatory Authority:
M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; c. 69, §§ 1J and 1K, as amended by St. 2010; c. 12, § 3; c. 71, § 38G, as amended by St. 2022, c. 154, § 10; c. 71, 38G ½; c. 71A, § 10; c. 76, § 19.

---

Disclaimer:
For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore.

Last Updated: July 17, 2023