Teacher licensure in Massachusetts is currently based on Professional Standards for Teachers identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. These standards define the pedagogical and other professional knowledge and skills required of all teachers. In addition, Subject Matter Knowledge requirements define the knowledge required in the subject area, e.g., biology, history, mathematics, French, literature, etc. An undergraduate major in one of the academic areas usually fulfills most of the subject matter knowledge requirements for teacher licensure. Review of course syllabi, course descriptions from college catalogues, and samples of coursework and interviews with faculty in Education and in other Arts and Sciences departments allow faculty advisors to determine the achievement level of subject matter knowledge.

It is important to keep in mind that for students in the teacher education programs, there are two sets of requirements that must be met, (1) requirements for Massachusetts State Licensure through the approved program of study at Tufts, and, (2) requirements for a Tufts degree. To be eligible for teacher licensure, the student must successfully complete the approved licensure program. To be eligible for a Tufts degree, the student must successfully complete the course requirements for the degree.

While the successful completion of the required courses will lead to the award of the Tufts degree, it is possible that students seeking state licensure as teachers will need to take additional coursework to satisfy the subject matter knowledge requirements. Analysis of a student's undergraduate transcript of courses and major in the academic field in which licensure is sought is conducted at the start of the academic program to determine if additional coursework is needed. When students enter the program, they are required to submit official transcripts of grades for courses, course syllabi and descriptions, and any other information that offers documentation of work completed.

The Tufts Department of Education's courses of study leading to fill Massachusetts Professional Licensure are currently under review. They will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Department of Education for approval after the Massachusetts Board of Education establishes regulation for these programs. Interested applicants should contact Linda Beardsley for more information about these programs.