MASCA - Pathways to director license

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Pathways to Director/Supervisor Licensure in Massachusetts

CURRENT DESE REQUIREMENTS

Supervisor/Director (Levels: Dependent on Prerequisite License)

(a) Validity. A Supervisor/Director license is required for individuals employed for one-half time or more as a director, department head, or curriculum specialist in the field and at the level of the prerequisite license(s).

(b) Initial License.
1. Prerequisite Licenses. Possession of at least a Provisional license as follows:
  1. School counselor directors:
    1. School counselor or
    2. School social worker/school adjustment counselor
2. Prerequisite Experience. Completion of three full years of employment in a leadership, supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department.
3. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of a Performance Assessment and one of the following:
  1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (300 hours) in the supervisor/director role.
  2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (300 hours) in a supervisor/director role for the license sought with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
  3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to those candidates who have either completed a post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited institution or have three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
4. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).
5. For those directors, department heads, and curriculum specialists supervising or evaluating core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Administrator or Teacher Endorsement.
6. Additional requirements for directors, department heads, and curriculum specialists in the core academic subjects at the secondary level (5–12): possession of an appropriate prerequisite teaching license at the initial or professional level and three years of teaching experience in the role of the prerequisite license.
(c) Professional License.
1. Possession of an Initial license as supervisor/director.
2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial supervisor/director license.

PATHWAY	OPTION #1 Traditional College/University/Educational Organization Program	OPTION #2 Leadership Licensure Program (LLP) offered by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association	OPTION #3 Panel review through the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education	OPTION #4 Administrative Apprenticeship/Internship & Performance Assessment
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION	The MA DESE approves educator preparation programs sponsored by higher education institutions, professional associations, collaboratives, school districts, charter schools, and other organizations. Approved programs are designed to meet the requirements for a specific administrator license. Candidates interested in enrolling in an approved program should refer to www.doe.mass.edu/edprep for a list of approved administrator preparation programs. There are currently 65 organizations, most of which are higher education institutions, which are approved Ed Prep programs. [Note: some of these programs do not have administrator programs] Candidates wishing to pursue a master’s or other advanced graduate program may investigate approved programs that are degree granting or offer graduate credit transferable to a graduate program. Additional information regarding this route can be found in the Guidelines for the Preparation of Administrative Leaders.	The MSAA LLP prepares aspiring administrators for initial licensure in Massachusetts as principals/assistant principals (PreK-8; 5-12), or supervisors/directors. It is a rigorous, comprehensive program built upon the knowledgebase of effective teaching and learning and the best practices of instructional and organizational leadership. It prepares educators for leadership in public schools in Massachusetts focusing on knowledge of subject matter and the implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, the Common Core and state student assessment programs. The program integrates coursework, fieldwork, and the state mandated MA-PAL tasks, as well as its own performance assessment that enable candidates to develop the requisite knowledge and skills to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Professional Standards for Administrators. The Program’s highly integrated approach to learning and reflection, along with the continual collaboration with fellow cohort members, make it a unique licensure program.	Eligibility for a Panel Review - Completion of three full years of employment in a leadership, supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department. A Candidate whose eligibility for the Panel Review has been confirmed by the Department must submit the following to the Office of Educator Licensure: An updated resume; All official transcripts not already on file, documenting possession of the required degree; Verification of license Letters of support, recommendation, and employment verification from employer(s); A written statement by the candidate addressing his or her knowledge of and skills for applying the specific license After the portfolio has been compiled and submitted for review via the Panel Review process, the candidate could be recommended for the Performance Assessment for Initial Licensure or scheduled for an interview to meet with Panel Review members for further consideration. Panel Review Interview During the interview, a candidate may be asked to address specific issues or the Professional Standards and Indicators for Administrative Leadership. Panel Review Recommendations Upon completion of the Panel Review process, the Panel may recommend to the DESE Commissioner one of the following: Initial licensure; Initial licensure only after certain conditions are met; The candidate not be licensed	A comprehensive field-based learning experience of at least 300 hours (see required hours) in the role and at the level of the license sought, guided by a trained mentor who holds a Professional license in the same role (an appropriate mentor should have at least three years of experience at the Initial and/or Professional level in the role of the license sought, and hold the license sought at the Professional level prior to the completion of the apprenticeship/internship). The district shall provide and document seminars, workshops, and other opportunities for candidates to address the Professional Standards for Administrators set forth in 603 CMR 7.10. Such experience may be completed as a paid or unpaid apprenticeship or as an internship while the candidate is employed as an acting administrator. In addition to the 300-hour internship and the assigned mentor, the district must provide a comprehensive learning plan and a network of support. There is currently no Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) for an initial license as a supervisor/director.
TIME COMMITMENT/ CREDITS	Time commitment varies depending on whether you are a full-time graduate student or part time. Credits also vary by program	July – May which includes 2 week-long intensive courses in the summer and 10 weekends (Friday night 4:30-9:30 & Saturday 8:30-4:30) throughout the year	Varies	Varies
OUTCOME	Certificate, degree or licensure endorsement, depending on program and length of study.	Curriculum and preparation for initial DESE license; Option of a CAGS through American International College with additional coursework	Initial director license	Initial director license
COST	Varies depending upon program, required number of credits and program partners.	$11,850 with option for CAGS through American International College (Additional $$)	There is no cost for the panel review other than the initial cost of applying for this license.	There is no cost for the panel review other than the initial cost of applying for this license.
LOCATION	Various campuses	MSAA Offices, Franklin MA	Interview at DESE; 75 Pleasant Street, Malden	NA
FOR MORE INFO	Contact each campus directly	MSAA LLP Website	Overview of Administrator Routes to Initial Licensure Guidelines for Administrative Apprenticeship Internship and Panel Review Routes -– Page 10	Overview of Administrator Routes to Initial Licensure Guidelines for Administrative Apprenticeship Internship – Page 6

Updated August 2026

MASCA deeply values its diverse membership and is fully committed to creating an organization where each individual is welcomed, included, respected and empowered. No person will be excluded from MASCA on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason. These activities include, but are not limited to, appointment of its Governing Board, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the providing of services. This policy is fundamental to the effective functioning of MASCA as an organization that supports counselors and promotes equity in our schools, districts and the Commonwealth.

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