State Board
Educator 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 teacher Certification.
- 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.Teacher 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).Teacher
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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