(WGGB/WSHM) - Massachusetts is easing some teacher-licensing rules in an effort to get more educators into classrooms, but critics say the state still hasn’t backed that push with a comprehensive, funded plan to diversify the teacher workforce.

Massachusetts is easing parts of teacher licensing in a bid to boost the workforce; at a time, many districts are struggling to hire and keep educators. One big part of the debate is the Massachusetts test for educator licensure. The exam, also known as MTEL, is no longer a requirement for aspiring educators.

Advocates said the test has been a barrier for some candidates, especially teachers of color, and they want the state to open more pathways into the classroom without lowering standards.

“I don’t have concerns because we have very high standards already teachers still need to past the subject matter test, and ultimately all classroom teachers need to get a master’s degree per licenser,” said Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Supporters of the changes argue the requirements aren’t disappearing. Teachers still have to prove subject knowledge, and districts still evaluate performance. They also point to educators already teaching under temporary licenses, saying lots of educators have years of classroom experience, but limited options to advance under the old system.

“Many of these teachers are on a temporary emergency license and have been working in our classrooms for a number of years and they would never be able to move forward unless in those schools the principals and others say that they are qualified,” Page said.

During a state house debate back in spring, supporters acknowledged licensure changes alone won’t fix a bigger issue: Massachusetts still doesn’t have a dedicated, funded plan to diversify the educator workforce. They said if the state wants to recruit and keep more educators, it has to make the job financially sustainable, “we have to make the salaries of our classroom teachers similarly educated professionals with other with similar levels of education,” page said, “young people as their going through high school and into college that is takes them away from going into their calling in education.”

With classrooms growing more diverse, supporters say the stakes are high especially for bilingual students and families, “it’s a real recognition that the student body in Massachusetts is changing, it’s becoming much more diverse. So, we are missing out on educators who have the skills of other languages that really might be able to help educate those students,” Page said.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.