School Leadership Program: Principal Licensure Strand (PLS) Licensure Requirements

Name of Massachusetts License

School Principal

Stage

Initial (This license is valid for five years of employment in Massachusetts.)

Grade Levels

PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12

Requirements for Initial Licensure

Prerequisite:

1. Possess a valid Initial Massachusetts or out-of-state teaching license.
2. Complete four years of teaching experience at the level of the license being sought.

Additional Requirements:

1. Complete all PLS Coursework and Fieldwork requirements.
2. Pass the Communication & Literacy Skills part of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Please see the NES MTEL website and the Licensure Unit MTEL website for more information.

Requirements for Professional Licensure

1. Possess the Initial "Principal" license.
2. Complete a 1-year Induction Program provided by the school district.
3. Complete 3 full years of employment as a School Principal/Assistant Principal.

How to Obtain a Principal License at an Additional Grade Level

Complete one of the following:

1. Complete a course directly related to the age and developmental stage of children at the new level. For example, H-236 (an adolescent development course) meets this requirement for additional licensure at the 5-8 and 9-12 grade levels; and H-250 (a childhood psychology course) meets the requirement for additional licensure at the PreK-6 grade level.
2. Complete an additional 300 hour fieldwork experience at the new level.

Cost for Licensure

$100 First Massachusetts license
$25 Each additional license

Licensure Processing Information

All licenses are processed through the Licensure Unit. Meetings are scheduled throughout the year to keep you informed of all licensure requirements and deadline dates.

Required Paperwork

1. Online Application
2. Original Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
3. Copy of Teaching License
4. Letter Documenting Teaching Experience (For the wording needed in this letter, please see the letter template (pdf)).
5. Name Change Documentation (e.g., marriage license, valid driver's license with Social Security number, Passport)

Resource to answer additional questions about Licensure Requirements

Please visit our FAQ section for PLS students or e-mail Kim Nguyen at kim_nguyen@gse.harvard.edu.

Resource to answer additional questions about the PLS Program

Please visit the PLS website or e-mail Allistair Witten at wittenal@gse.harvard.edu.