CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MA Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Licensing in Massachusetts

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    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.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

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

    $85,020 median (31% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  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: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $85,020, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Massachusetts earn 31% above the national median of $64,880. 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

$85,020

Hourly estimate

$40.88
31% above national median

Difference: +$20,140

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,280
  • P2525th percentile$74,200
  • P50Median$85,020
  • P7575th percentile$99,320
  • P9090th percentile$106,720

State vs National Median

State: $85,020
National: $64,880

Total employment: 2,880 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Middle School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$99,270
#2Washington$95,440
#3New York$91,280
#4Rhode Island$89,840
#5Massachusetts$85,020

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$85,020Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$61,730Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$59,620Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$91,280Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Connecticut$83,010Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$89,840Varies 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
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
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.
Connecticut60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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

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, Middle 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 exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Massachusetts is $85,020. Salaries range from $59,280 (10th percentile) to $106,720 (90th percentile).

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

Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Massachusetts earn 31% above the national median of $64,880, with a state median of $85,020.

How many Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 2,880 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, Middle 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, Middle School license in Massachusetts?

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