In addition to your Licensure courses, the practicum is required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) to obtain your initial teaching or administration license. The Practicum is intended by the MA DESE to demonstrate a student’s mastery of the Professional Standards for teachers or administrators. A Practicum may be required for those seeking an additional license. Click here to learn more about additional licenses.
Practicum Description
The Practicum is a learning experience in which you are observed teaching in a school setting. The length of the Practicum depends on the type of Initial License you are pursuing.
During the Practicum, you will be supported by two CES-approved teaching professionals. One of these professionals is a supervising practitioner, typically from your school or district. The other is a program supervisor, appointed by CES.
Most Practicum candidates may use their current work site—as a teacher or paraprofessional—to meet the requirements of the Practicum. This allows you to continue working while completing your Practicum. If you are not currently employed in a school, CES will work with you to arrange a practicum placement as well as a supervising practitioner.
Neither graduate credits nor PDPs are available for the Practicum.
Practicum Eligibility
Everyone enrolled in a Licensure Program must complete a Practicum before they can obtain an Initial License. Before you can begin your Practicum, you must have:
- completed and passed at least four courses;
- submitted all materials required for your licensure program enrollment application;
- all your payments up-to-date; and
- completed and passed required MTEL tests.
Fees
For Enrollees: The Practicum fee is included in the Licensure Program fee.
For Additional License(s), please refer to our tuition and fees section.
Practicum Hour Requirements
The Practicum can take as little as four months to complete, but it may extend longer. There is no deadline by which to complete the Practicum; however, all of your Practicum materials must be submitted to CES in order to complete your Program requirements and receive your license.
The duration of your Practicum varies according to the Licensure Program. Please refer to our licensure program pages for the practicum requirements for each initial licensure program.
To apply for the Practicum:
Please complete the Request for Practicum Form by clicking here.
For information contact: Beth Lizardo, Student Affairs, at 413-586-4900 x143.
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