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Verified by MA Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  3. 3

    Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to be eligible to teach in Massachusetts Public Schools.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Educator Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $78,820 median (25% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Departmen...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Departmen...).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $78,820, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts earn 25% above the national median of $63,000. Massachusetts ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$78,820

Hourly estimate

$37.89
25% above national median

Difference: +$15,820

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$54,690
  • P2525th percentile$63,570
  • P50Median$78,820
  • P7575th percentile$96,050
  • P9090th percentile$102,820

State vs National Median

State: $78,820
National: $63,000

Total employment: 6,650 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$78,820Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New Hampshire$62,420Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$63,220Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$80,750Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Connecticut$81,220Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Rhode Island$77,930Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
Rhode Island72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Office of Educator Licensure

75 Pleasant St, Malden, MA, 02148

Phone: 7813886600

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$83,490No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,560No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$99,600No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$77,440No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Massachusetts?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts is $78,820. Salaries range from $54,690 (10th percentile) to $102,820 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts earn 25% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $78,820.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 6,650 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/ese/programs/educator-effectiveness/licensure/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Massachusetts?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.