Western Mass Regional Center for Emergency License
911ºÚÁÏÍø is the Western Mass Regional Center for Emergency License Holders for Berkshire,
Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire County
EMERGENCY LICENSE SUPPORT
The 911ºÚÁÏÍø Education Department, in collaboration with Westfield State University, serves
as Western Massachusetts’s Regional Center for Emergency License Holders. We provide
essential support to emergency license holders within Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden,
and Hampshire County public school districts. Our mission is to guide and assist educators
in transitioning from emergency licenses to provisional or initial licenses, ensuring
stability and excellence in our educational system.
Support Provided for Western Massachusetts Emergency License Holders
We understand the challenges faced by emergency license holders employed in Western
Massachusetts public school districts. That's why we offer assistance tailored to
your needs. From guidance in accessing the MTEL and personalized preparation sessions
to navigating the licensure process, our support ensures you're equipped for success.
Explore how we can help you on your journey towards licensure and professional growth.
MTEL support, including registration guidance and information on alternative arrangements
and assessments.
MTEL preparation, providing resources and sessions.
Tailored support in navigating and managing the licensure process.
Regular check-ins and personalized communication to support each candidate.
Wraparound services, including childcare provision when necessary, to ensure emergency
license holders receive assistance aligned with their individual circumstances.
Personalized support and guidance provided to address the unique needs of each candidate.
Explore Our Licensure Programs
For individuals teaching under emergency licensure in Massachusetts, we provides two
pathways to initial licensure: our post-baccalaureate teacher licensure program and
our initial Master of Education programs. It is advisable for candidates to consult
directly with our education department for guidance on selecting the most suitable
path, considering their undergraduate coursework and any prerequisites required for
the initial licensure M.Ed. We prioritize working closely with students to streamline
the licensure process, offering personalized advising to tailor the experience based
on their previous coursework.
For answers to more in-depth applicant questions and concerns you can call the Customer
Service Call Center at 781-338-6600 (M–F 9:00am - 1:00pm; 2:00pm – 5:00pm).For a
complete and accurate evaluation of the license requirements you need to meet, submit
a license application to the .
Old Emergency License
In ELAR, individuals with an Emergency license can apply for an Emergency Extension
(first extension) or an Emergency Extension II (2nd extension). The final date that
these old Emergency Licenses will be valid is June 30, 2025.
Cost for each extension is $25.
Someone with an EEII (Extension II) is not eligible for an additional extension. Must
move to provisional or initial license.
Extensions will be granted as the individual is making progress since obtaining the
Emergency license towards obtaining a license.
New Emergency License
The "new" Emergency license are licenses were issued between May 26, 2022 and November
7, 2023 and are valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance (i.e. May 26,
2023 and November 7, 2024).
These Emergency licenses can be extended up to two times, each for a period of 12
months.
Cost for each extension is $25.
Extensions will be granted as the individual is making progress since obtaining the
Emergency license towards obtaining a license.
More specific information can be found here:
The links below provide general information on the MTEL tests that are currently offered
to meet the subject matter test requirement for each license. Additional requirements
for a license, such as passing the Communication and Literacy Skills test or an approved
alternative as part of the regulatory pilot, may need to be met.
Yes. Westfield State and 911ºÚÁÏÍø have vouchers available for MTEL tests.
Yes. There are a variety of resources and courses available to you including:
Free Practice Tests -
MTEL Test Information Guides -
Test Preparation Courses and Materials List -
Prior coursework and teaching experience (pending a transcript review and enrollment)
could potentially waive some coursework and/or a field placement.
A transcript review is required prior to advising. Once you contact the Regional Center
and/or enroll in a program where you will meet with an advisor who will discuss the
most efficient pathway to licensure that meets your individual needs.
Yes, as long as your current assignment matches the license you are pursuing.
No. A student teaching practicum is a full-time, full semester placement.
Yes. From guidance in accessing the MTEL and personalized preparation sessions to
navigating the licensure process, our support ensures you're equipped for success.
MTEL support, including registration guidance and information on alternative arrangements
and assessments.
MTEL preparation, providing resources and sessions.
Tailored support in navigating and managing the licensure process.
Regular check-ins and personalized communication to support each candidate.
Wraparound services, including childcare provision when necessary, to ensure emergency
license holders receive assistance aligned with their individual circumstances.
Personalized support and guidance provided to address the unique needs of each candidate.
Our mission is to guide and assist educators in transitioning from emergency licenses
to provisional or initial licenses, ensuring stability and excellence in our educational
system.