Essential Study Tips for Success

If you’re a teacher or aspiring teacher in Massachusetts then you are probably very familiar with the infamous MTEL. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure is a series of exams designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking educator licensure in Massachusetts. These tests cover various subjects and grade levels, ensuring that educators meet the state’s standards for proficiency in their respective fields. 

Effective study strategies for the MTEL are crucial because they streamline your preparation, enhance retention, and boost confidence. The MTEL covers a wide range of subjects and skills, so having a strategic approach helps you focus on areas that need improvement. Smart study methods also aid in managing time efficiently, ensuring that you cover all necessary topics. Ultimately, solid study strategies are your allies in navigating the complexities of the MTEL and increasing your chances of success.

It may seem overwhelming, but in our many years working with thousands of educators and helping them increase their scores or pass, we’ve compiled some of our best tips for success in the following blog.

Get Prepared

Think of preparing for an MTEL like taking a new course for a semester. It is important to think about what you have going on in the next 3-4 months before you begin studying for a test – The MTEL tests are comprehensive.

Things to consider when scheduling your exam:

• What is your course load like this semester?
• If you are working or have other responsibilities, how will you be making time to study?
• Which MTEL are you taking? – each one requires a different amount of time to prepare based on what it covers
• When would be the most ideal time to test: Morning? Afternoon? Weekend or weekday?
• Where would be the furthest that you would want to drive? 
• Try to find a center day and time that fits into your preparation timeline. Here’s a link for easy access when scheduling.

Once you’ve tackled all that, the next step of preparation is studying! 

Things to consider for your study plan:

• Finding the right resources
• Timeblocking your study time each week
• Getting support if needed

When it comes to your study plan, it’s exactly that – YOURS! And everyone’s is unique.  

Personalize Your Study Plan

That brings us to personalizing your study plan.

Things to consider:

• Find a day or a few days & times each week that you can add blocks of studying to your schedule.

• Try to bring resources with you for studying when you find yourself with free time (ex. Flashcards in your purse).

• Be realistic about your study plan – if you’re not realistic, you are not setting yourself up for success and much less likely to follow through.  For example, don’t schedule your study sessions for 9pm if you know you typically can’t stay awake until then!

Next, you’ll need to take a practice test to identify YOUR areas of strength & focus to personalize your plan more.  Your score will tell you what you know & need to know in your studying.

Take the practice MTEL in real testing conditions:

• Time yourself
• Do it in 1 sitting
• Take the test with it visually on your computer screen
• Mark up the test (if you are between 2 answers, you don’t understand directions, etc.)

Lastly, consider what the best ways are for YOU to study for a test.  What works for one person doesn’t work for everyone!

○Taking practice tests

○Reading a book related to test material

○Creating a study guide (digital or paper: or both!)

○Creating flashcards (your own or an app like Quizlet)

○Working with a tutor, peer or study group

○Watching videos on test topics

○Self-guided practice 

Choose Quality Resources

This brings us to the importance of choosing quality resources.  There are many practice exams, websites, videos, and tutors out there, but finding the right ones for you is key!  Download our free guide here with these tips and more, including specific and high quality resources we recommend.  

And, if you’re looking for personalized support, we offer  Self-Guided MTEL Mastery Courses, workshops, and tutoring.

Wrapping Up

Embarking on the journey to conquer the MTEL may feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and personalized approach, success is within reach.  As you prepare for this comprehensive assessment, remember that success lies not only in covering the material but also in understanding your unique strengths and areas for growth. Personalizing your study plan is the key to efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that your preparation aligns seamlessly with your schedule and learning style.

From scheduling your exam to crafting a study plan and selecting quality resources, each step plays a pivotal role in your success story. Your journey is unique, and so is your study plan. Be realistic, be strategic, and most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout this process!

Our years of experience working with thousands of educators have culminated in these valuable tips, and we encourage you to leverage our expertise. Explore our free guide for additional insights and resources, and if personalized support is what you seek, consider our Self-Guided MTEL Mastery Courses, workshops, or tutoring services.

Remember, success in the MTEL is not just about passing a test; it’s about empowering yourself with the knowledge and skills to excel as an educator. 

If you’re looking for MTEL support, we’d love to help!.  Your success story starts here!