MTEL: Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

The MTEL program is a series of pass/fail tests required by the state of Massachusetts and designed to measure readiness for educator licensure. The program includes tests of communication and literacy skills as well as tests of subject matter knowledge. The test score ranges from 0-300, with a score of 240 required to pass. Scores of 240 and higher are indicated on the score report as a P, or "Met Qualifying Score." Scores below 240 are reported numerically.

Required MTELs

The Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL, which has a reading subtest and a writing subtest, is needed for all educator licenses (teachers, reading specialists, support personnel and administrators). It is offered as a paper-based test 5 times a year, and there are 6 additional computer-based testing windows. Students can opt to take both subtests in the same test administration (4 hours), or each subtest can be taken in a separate 4-hour administration.

In addition, subject matter tests are required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) website contains the list of required MTEL exams for each licensure area, as does Lesley's MTEL Student Guide [pdf], pp. 2 & 3.

Preparing for the MTELs - Support from Lesley

• Lesley MTEL Student Guide 2011-2012 [pdf] is a 10-page booklet given to students and available online with planning suggestions, MTEL registration information, links to internet resources
• MTEL Exams and Lesley University [pdf] - new slide show presentation that introduces candidates to the MTEL process and preparation.
• Lesley's MTEL Workshops are offered 4 times a year for Communication & Literacy Skills, Early Childhood, General Curriculum Multi Subject, Foundations of Reading; also General Curriculum Math workshop (3 times/year) and a new General Curriculum Math semester long course
• Study Tips - describes and links specific study resources for different MTELs
• Lesley's Center for Academic Achievement offers free tutoring to Lesley students for the Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL
• Disabilities Services Office can candidates who have or think they may need diagnostic testing or accommodations
• The Certification Office, 617.349.8427, has a limited list of private tutors that students can hire for a fee
• Lesley's Sherrill Library has MTEL guides and sample test books available for borrowing

More MTEL Information

• MTEL Program Website has Registration, Test Objectives, Practice Tests, and Faculty Guide, which is useful to candidates
• Lesley University MTEL Policy
• Lesley Frequently Asked Questions about MTEL
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) - MTEL FAQ's, Test Prep info
• MTEL News/Updates
• MTEL Faculty Guide - useful candidate information such as sample questions, open response scoring rubrics, preparation tips, etc
• 2011-2012 MTEL Test Dates [pdf]