The following pages explain the graduate programs at Worcester State College, and what is required to become a certified teacher in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Entry into the teaching profession is regulated by law that outlines the requirements and conditions for licensure. This level of certification does not require professional preparation in teacher education.
Provisional certificates are valid for five years.
Provisional with Advanced Standing Certification requires completion of professional preparation at either the undergraduate or graduate level in teacher education. Standard Certification requires possession of the Provisional with Advanced Standing certificate and completion of an approved master's degree program. The approved master's program consists of advanced professional preparation in teacher education, graduate level courses in appropriate instructional fields, and a clinical experience or internship. Thus, an appreciably high level of subject matter knowledge in the instructional field constitutes a critical competency requirement for certification. Another important element of the regulations for certification in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the stipulation of certain basic competencies expected of certified teachers.