Additional Teacher Licensure

Graduate & Professional

Licensed teachers and current students who are interested in completing the requirements for an Additional License may choose one of the following pathways: Different Level/Subject Area, English Language Learners/ESL (PreK-6 or 5-12) or Moderate Disabilities (PreK—8 or 5-12).

Program Overview

Online and in-person | Certificate | 150 hour internship

Different Level/Subject Area—150-hour internship; coursework; MTEL test

Teacher candidates working toward an initial license may earn a license in the same field at a different grade level or subject area by passing any required MTEL test (if applicable) or in the case that there is no subject matter test, by passing a competency review. In addition to coursework, candidates must register for and complete a practicum equivalent/internship of at least 150 hours. Internship and additional coursework fees apply.

English Language Learners/ESL (PreK-6 or 5-12)

These ESL/ELL courses are specifically designed to provide opportunities for licensed teachers and current students to independently apply for an Additional License in English as Second Language/English Language Learners. These courses are offered in the evenings or online and participants can take them at their own pace. In addition to coursework, candidates must register for and complete a practicum equivalent/internship of at least 150 hours. This license requires successful completion of one MTEL test. Once this is complete, and candidates have their initial licensure, they will be ready to apply independently to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the additional license. Internship and additional coursework fees apply.

Learn more and apply

Moderate Disabilities (PreK—8 or 5-12)

These Special Education/Moderate Disabilities courses are specifically designed to provide opportunities for licensed teachers and current students pursuing initial licensure to independently apply for an Additional License in Moderate Disabilities. These courses are offered in the evenings or online and participants can take them at their own pace. In addition to coursework, applicants must register for and complete a practicum equivalent/internship of at least 150 hours. This license requires successful completion of a competency review as indicated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as well as various MTEL tests. Once these are complete, and candidates have their initial licensure, they will be ready to apply independently to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the additional license. Internship and additional coursework fees will apply.

Learn more and apply

Mount Holyoke Experiences

What our students are saying

Vincent Brewer ’21 (PaGE - Professional and Graduate Education)

“Not only is the ‘ESL/ELL Additional License’ useful to have in the field of education, the ESL/ELL courses at Mount Holyoke College were engaging, fun, and incredibly interesting and fully prepared me to meet the needs of my ELL students as a world language teacher.”

Vincent Brewer ’21

Happening at Mount Holyoke

Additional Teacher Licensure Program in the news

Institute offerings through the College’s Professional and Graduate Education program engage a broad audience of adult learners.

Contact Us

Mount Holyoke College has been on the forefront of providing a rigorous education to passionate changemakers who have gone on to break new ground in education, the sciences, the arts, public service and social justice movements for over 180 years.

Amy Asadoorian
  • Assistant Director of Communications, Outreach, and Admissions

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of education and are driven by a love of learning. As a college that is gender diverse, the graduate programs are coed and we welcome applications from female, male, trans and non-binary students.

Funding your graduate education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we offer scholarships, fellowships and partnership programs to help make an exceptional education accessible for everyone.