National Board
Certification
Become a Teacher
Today's classrooms present teachers with more
challenges and therefore demand a deeper understanding
of successful classroom practices. Dedication
and a desire to help children are important,
but teachers also need a strong academic background
and solid professional preparation.
Whether you are a high school student exploring
the possibility of entering the teaching profession,
a college student on his/her way to becoming
a teacher or a professional looking to change
careers, below you will find the necessary steps
and websites that will guide you to become a
teacher.
Chose a Pathway
There are traditional and non-traditional pathways
to teaching.
- Four- or five-year college degree programs
in elementary education or secondary education
which lead to certification upon graduation.
These programs can vary greatly depending
on individual university requirements.
- Post-collegiate programs for people who
hold a bachelor's degree and wish to enter
the teaching field, generally for one year
to obtain certification.
- Alternative licensing and certification
programs in states where there is a shortage
of teachers in a particular field. These programs
tend to be short-term and intensive in order
to get professionals into the classroom quickly.
(See below for more information about these
programs.)
To explore educational institutions outside
your state, the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE) publishes the Annual
Guide to Accredited Institutions that describes
the institutions it accredits. Copies are $15
each.
Teaching Certification Requirements
Contact the state Department of Education where
you would most like to teach and ask for information
on requirements for certification (they should
be able to mail you an information packet).
Teaching Certification Application
Upon completion of your state's certification
requirements, submit your application for certification
to the state. Usually, you can complete and
submit a form during the final semester of your
program to your school, which will prompt a
record review and the school will then forward
your application to the state's department of
education.
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