Page 3: Congratulations!

You are at least thinking about starting out on what we hope you will conclude is an adventure in professional development. But, what you might not know is that you have already started that journey! How is that possible? Because the Massachusetts ABE Teacher's License provides a competency-based option; much of the coursework and personal learning, professional development training, and work and life experience you have amassed over the years can count toward your license. By the same token, the licensure process allows a great deal of flexibility for you to acquire whatever knowledge and skills you will still need to obtain.

The DOE Office of Educator Licensing and SABES itself are working hard to provide you with the guidance you will need to seek the new license. Basically, your quest will be to determine what basic requirements and teaching standards (listed in Appendix A) you have already met. You will send in an Application Packet to DOE and they will write back describing what requirements and standards you still have to meet.

Your Application Packet will include at least these sets of documents.

Application Form.* Official Transcripts ABE Teaching Verification Form(s)* or other forms of proof for years of ABE teaching experience. Resume or Curriculum Vita (CV)

*downloadable from www.doe.mass.edu/educators/abe.html

To learn about portfolios, go on to the next page.