Information for educators

Get information about educator preparation, career advancement, licensure and certification, and more.  

Curriculum and instruction resources

This section includes curriculum and instruction for PreK-12 frameworks, adult basic education, literacy, English language learners, special education and more.  

Learning support services

The Learning Support Services (LSS) unit works in partnership with educators, schools, students, families, and other partners across the Commonwealth to promote a comprehensive and collaborative approach to developing all students' academic, social, emotional, and physical competencies.

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)

Designed to meet the requirements of the Education Reform Law of 1993, this series of standardized tests is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Students must pass the grade 10 tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics as one condition of eligibility for a high school diploma.

Education technology

The Office of Instructional Technology supports schools in using technology to increase student achievement and technological literacy. The staff assists districts in technology planning, distributes technology grants, develops recommended standards for technology access and literacy, and reports on districts' progress in meeting these standards.

Massachusetts Online Network for Education (MassONE)

Web-based communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning tools for students, teachers and administrators.

Assessment and accountability

Information on MCAS, school and district accountability and assistance, compliance/monitoring, and the No Child Left Behind act.

FREE: Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

Lesson plans and teaching resources including animations, primary documents, photos and videos from the federal government and federal agencies.

Educator licenses

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issues three kinds of Educator Licenses: academic education (pre-K through 12); vocational technical education; and adult basic education. Learn about becoming licensed and what you need to do to renew a license.

Educator services

Here you'll find information about becoming an educator, including the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), Gateway for Educators in Massachusetts (GEM), and Preparation Programs Directory. Also learn about licensing for Pre-K - 12, Vocational Technical Education, Adult Basic Education and ELAR. Also find career advancement information here, and more.

Department of Education Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs

Massachusetts Colleges Online

Massachusetts Colleges Online (MCO) is a consortium of the 15 community colleges and 9 state colleges of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS)

The Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to more than 88,000 active educators and 55,000 retirees.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who plan to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program was funded as a pilot initiative by the Legislature for the purpose of increasing the quality and availability of teachers and care providers to work with young children and youth in inclusive settings including infant/toddler, preschool and school age programs. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood and out of school time educators and providers who enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program in Early Childhood Education or related programs.

Library grants

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administers both state and federal grant programs for libraries of all types throughout the Commonwealth.