Teachers completing programs in Massachusetts:
Educator licensure programs at Lesley University lead to either an Initial or Professional license in Massachusetts. For a detailed view on obtaining a teacher license in Massachusetts, refer to the document Charting your Path to Teacher Licensure. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved Lesley University to offer over 50 teacher education programs in 14 educational areas that meet the needs of people who want to become teachers or school counselors, add another license, or recertify, and help current education professionals deepen their practice and advance their careers. For a complete list of all possible programs leading to Massachusetts licensure, please visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-Lesley University.
Lesley University’s Certification Office assists past, current and prospective students, and endorses Lesley University graduates of state-approved educator licensure programs, including teachers, reading specialists, administrators, school guidance, and school adjustment counselors.
Teachers completing programs in states outside Massachusetts:
Lesley University graduates endorsed for educator licensure in Massachusetts can apply for comparable positions in 47 other states that are all part of the NASDTEC (National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification) Interstate Agreement 2005-2010. The reciprocity agreement means that licensure programs are recognized across states. The Interstate Agreement 2005-2010 website provides you with the licensure requirements for each state. However, please keep in mind that becoming licensed in another state is not automatic. Although your approved program will be recognized, each state may have additional requirements, including testing, courses, workshops, or other assessments. Other states frequently require a verification of your educator licensure program. If you graduated from a Lesley University educator licensure program and need a Verification Form (FORM V) filled out from another state, please send the form to the Certification Office, 29 Everett St, Cambridge, MA 02138-2790.
Additional information on certification in member states and jurisdictions is available at the NASDTEC Knowledgebase website. You will be required to enter a user name and password to access a variety of information. Please email the Certification Office at
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to request the Lesley username and password.
Endorsements or Add-on Licenses
State Education Agencies
As state requirements for “in-field” and “new-field” endorsements vary, it is important to seek current information from your state’s teacher licensing agency on qualifications for earning additional credentials. Please keep in mind that qualifying for state endorsement is not automatic and not guaranteed by Lesley University. Each state may have additional requirements, including testing, courses, workshops, or other assessments.
