The Boston Teachers Union believes that successful professional learning that promotes and improves student learning and well-being requires that educators be recognized both as professionals and as learners. Read the BTU’s Resolution on Professional Learning.

BTU members have access to powerful professional learning opportunities where educators make innovations large and small that help them meet the needs of their students, schools, and communities while affirming professional identity.

We are also able to help members find the professional learning that meets their needs whether it be offered by the BTU, Boston Public Schools or other providers. We publish a monthly Professional Learning Newsletter which goes to all subscribers of the BTU bulletin with opportunities and inspiration. Email learning@btu.org to submit or learn more…

The Telescope Network, a collaboration with Boston Public Schools, is one of our core professional learning initiatives. The Telescope Network creates opportunities for BPS educators to collaborate across the district. We improve learning experiences for all our students when we connect with peers, share our authentic challenges, and learn from each other. btu.org/telescope

To do this work:

• We ASK educators across the district what they want and need to learn next in order to best serve the needs of their students;
• We MAGNIFY effective practices by creating opportunities for effective and reflective educators to share their expertise with their peers; and
• We CONNECT educators to resources, professional learning opportunities, and each other based on their needs and interests.

The Status of Teacher Leadership in Boston Public Schools

This report was produced by Boston’s Teacher Leadership Working Group, a 23-member team of teacher leaders, school administrators and central office personnel.  From October 2019 to January 2020, working group members collaborated as researchers to survey and interview a small non-representative sample of over 200 BPS teachers to capture these teachers’ perceptions of ways they influence the quality of teaching and learning beyond their own classrooms, and learn about these formal and informal teacher leadership roles. The group asked:

• What is teacher leadership in BPS? 
• In what ways are BPS teachers leading? 
• How are BPS teachers experiencing leadership roles?

We invite you to explore your own thoughts on how you would answer these three questions. Then, read the report to see what Boston teacher leaders have to say and to reflect on ways the report’s recommendations might have implications for our system, specifically attracting, developing and retaining effective teachers in service of student learning. You can share your feedback with us at bpsteacherleadership@bostonpublicschools.org or contact Paul Tritter for information about how to get involved in the next steps in implementing this report’s recommendations.

Professional Licensure

Passing one or more MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) exams is required for all those hoping to become licensed or add a license.  The information on this page is not comprehensive, and is provided to help members access resources to prepare for the exams. Preparing for and passing any MTEL exam requires hard work and independent study on the part of each individual. The BTU does not guarantee that any of the courses or resources listed below will lead to a passing score.

MTEL Website

The MTEL Website is the home for all things MTEL, including test information and registration, test preparation resources and more. Using the MTEL-provided Practice Tests can be a great first diagnostic step.

University-Based Supports

Check with your graduate program or teacher prep program to see what supports they may have in preparing for exams.

UMASS Boston, Wheelock/BU, and Lesley all have well-regarded support programs as do many other colleges and universities. Costs vary.

Boston Public Schools

Check My Learning Plan for courses on offer or contact MTELprepsupport@bostonpublicschools.org for more information about upcoming availability.

Private

The BTU does not endorse any of the following providers. We provide these links to assist you in your search for support. As always, ask questions to determine whether each opportunity fits your learning needs. Costs vary.

GOH Academy: Specializes in Elementary Math, Early Childhood and General Curriculum (two-day courses) Early Childhood, General Curriculum and others.

Portfolio and Resume Building

Passing one or more MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) exams is required for all those hoping to become licensed or add a license.  The information on this page is not comprehensive, and is provided to help members access resources to prepare for the exams. Preparing for and passing any MTEL exam requires hard work and independent study on the part of each individual. The BTU does not guarantee that any of the courses or resources listed below will lead to a passing score.