How to Become a Teacher in USA

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Requirements for Becoming a Teacher

Are you passionate about education and the welfare of children? Do you think you can guide and motivate children? Do you have the ability to create meaningful learning experiences for children? Do you see yourself as a creative and innovative person who can surpass traditional teaching methods? If so, teaching may be right for you.

It is important to note that careers within the field of education can be broad. Generally, education includes careers in teaching, administration, library science, counseling, and more. Within teaching, there are even multiple levels one can choose to focus on like elementary, middle, or high school education. Deciding on which subject or level you wish to teach can be one of the most difficult decisions.

Whether your heart’s already set on becoming a teacher or you’re entertaining the idea, there has never been a better time to start a new career teaching in the US.

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That’s because right now, the demand for teachers in the US is really high, so there are lots of job opportunities for aspiring teachers, which means your chances of getting hired are also super high!

Why is the demand so high? Long-story-short, due to rising teacher shortages across the country, the need for qualified teachers has skyrocketed.

Back in 2018, it was estimated that the US would be short more than 110,000 school teachers. But at that time, experts believed that those numbers would be higher than projected and continue to rise. Yikes!

So, no surprise here but the country is in dire need of qualified teachers.

Luckily, there is a way to get more teachers in the classroom quicker: alternative teacher certification programs.

Alternative teacher certification programs open up more pathways for aspiring teachers through a low-cost, accelerated program. So, today the journey to becoming a licensed teacher has never been faster or more affordable.

But before we dive deeper into how you can become a teacher through alternative teaching programs, let’s take a look at what alternative certification programs are at a glance!

how to become a teacher in the US - photo of books in library

What is an alternative teacher certification program?

Are you dreaming of shaping young minds, but don’t yet have a degree in Education? You may be at an advantage. With an alternative certification program, you can teach without a degree in Education — all you need is a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) to get started.

You may be wondering what an alternative teacher certification program is. In short, it is an accredited and state-approved certification program designed to help substitute teachers, educational assistants, career changers, or recent grads transition into a life-long teaching career at a much quicker pace than the traditional route.

Alternative teaching programs commonly offer a distance or on-campus learning curriculum, which typically consists of six months of intensive core coursework. The core curriculum covers areas ranging from pedagogical concepts to classroom management and specializations for K-12 elementary or secondary school streams.

Next up is a mandatory clinical placement or field experience that can be done in as little as three months, but the length depends on the program.

When you successfully finish the program, then you’ll have all the requirements needed to apply for a teaching license with your chosen state’s Department of Education. Once your application is approved, you’ll be a certified, fully-licensed teacher eligible for jobs across the country and beyond!

Today, you can be the teacher in half the time and money it takes compared to traditional pathways. Plus, the US government also provides financial aid to people enrolled in select alternative certification programs, which help make teaching more accessible for everyone.

So, if you’re serious about becoming a certified teacher, give the alternative certification route a try.

Road to teacher certification visual map.

How do you become a teacher in the US in less than a year?

Hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject, be eligible to work in the U.S. and pass the required state exams.
Enroll in an accredited teacher certification program.
Complete the online core curriculum of the fast-track teacher certification program.
Participate in a clinical placement/field experience.
Apply for state certification to officially become a licensed US teacher.
Start applying for teaching positions.

how to become a teacher in the US - checklist

Step 1: Hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject and pass required state certification exams to be eligible to teach in the U.S.

Already have a bachelor’s degree? Perfect! With a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a minimum GPA as outlined by your alternative certification program provider, you are eligible to enroll in state-approved teaching programs. Alternative certification programs are for people who earned a bachelor’s degree, so if you have one, you qualify.

Aside from having a bachelor’s degree, you will also need to pass required state exams before admittance in the program. Carefully read your state’s requirements and find out which exams are necessary for licensure.

The only caveat is that if you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree and you are starting from scratch, then it might be better to look into taking the traditional route by getting your degree in Education. As mentioned, this route is only for people who already earned their bachelor’s degrees.

And to become a licensed teacher in the United States, you must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. If you’re not already a U.S. citizen or have a valid work visa or residency, then it won’t be possible to become a teacher in the U.S.

So make sure you are eligible to work in the U.S. before you enroll in any programs; otherwise, you might be wasting your time and money.

You don’t need a degree in Education or any prior experience working as a teacher or as a substitute to start your journey towards teacher certification!

how to become a teacher in the US - woman studying online

Step 2: Enroll in an accredited teacher certification program.

Where do you see yourself teaching? Decide which state you want to teach in and then you can enroll in a state-specific program. Certification requirements for teachers vary by state, so you’ll want to know ahead of time where you want to teach.

Here’s a list of a few accredited certification programs currently available:

All programs are state-run, but that doesn’t mean you will be tied down to one state for the rest of your life. With a US teaching license, you will also be eligible to work just about anywhere in the country through teaching license reciprocity or even abroad.

So pick the state you want to start teaching in and enroll in a state-specific certification program today!

how to become a teacher in the US - woman studying

Step 3: Complete the core curriculum of the fast-track certification program.

The core curriculum will equip you with everything you need to know to inspire and mold tomorrow’s generation. You’ll learn from topics around core pedagogical approaches to classroom management and more through a flexible distance learning platform.

Alternative certification programs offer self-paced studies that can be completed wherever or whenever you want. That means you can continue to work full-time, travel, or take care of the kids at home, all while you get certified.

Are you itching to get out there and teach already? You can finish your core studies in about six months with one of our accredited Teacher Certification Programs (TCP). So how soon you complete the program is totally up to you.

Finish your core curriculum studies wherever you want and learn everything you need to know to be classroom-ready.

how to become a teacher in the US - teacher with students

Step 4: Finish the program with a valuable clinical placement experience.

When you’ve finished the core studies within your chosen subject area, you can take what you learned and apply it in a real-life classroom through the experience of a mandatory clinical placement.

You’ll get to immerse yourself in a classroom setting, build valuable relationships with school faculty and administrators and gain deeper insights into the workings of a classroom.

While you’re there, be sure to ask lots of questions and network with the faculty and the staff. There’s always the possibility of getting hired where you do your placement, so make an excellent first impression!

Your options on where to complete your clinical placement depend on the program you choose. And depending on the program, your placement could be anywhere from three months to a year.

If you decide to get licensed in Hawai’i, you’ll need to relocate there for your field placement. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a life-changing experience in a new environment or those already living in Hawai’i wanting to teach.

Not quite ready to take the plunge and relocate? Well, you’re in luck because some online programs like TCP AZ. allow you to complete your field experience wherever you may be in the world. If you’re currently abroad, this is an excellent option, so you’re ready to settle into a teaching job when you return home.

In as few as three months to a year, you could finish your clinical placement and be one step closer to arriving at the classroom.

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Step 5: Apply for State Licensure to become a certified US teacher officially.

So you finished your studies and clinical placement, passed your state required certification exams and have your degree in hand –– great job! Now, it’s time to get licensed in your state so you can start qualifying for teaching jobs!

The first step is to formally apply to your state’s Department of Education so you can get your teaching certificate. The requirements and costs vary between states, so it’s essential to do your research first and ask your admissions team. This way, you can have everything prepared ahead of time to speed up the process.

The fees typically run between $40-$200, depending on the state you’re applying in.

And, as with any bureaucracy process, it is going to be slow and it might be a tiny bit painstaking to deal with all the required documentation, background checks, etc., but it’s imperative to be patient and not let that stop you from moving forward with the process.

Once you’ve received your license (yay!), it will be valid between one and five years and requires renewal every few years. The specific requirements and coursework for renewal will vary based on your state.

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Step 6: Start applying for teaching positions.

After becoming a licensed teacher, it’s time to begin your teaching adventure! Once you have your credentials, you’ll qualify for teaching jobs throughout the state and beyond.

Because of the high demand for qualified teachers, you’re at a considerable advantage in regards to finding a job, so there’s no need to settle for anything less than what you want. Take the time to choose the school that’s right for you.

Polish up your resume, highlight all your relevant field experience and apply to schools that leave a good impression on you. Our team at TCP can help you along the way and provide support during your job hunt.

When you’re interviewing with prospective schools, it’s important to ask lots of meaningful questions and connect with current teachers to learn about their experiences teaching at the school. Be sure to listen to your gut and choose the school that’s right for you.

how to become a teacher in the US - teacher sitting with kids

Jumpstart your professional teaching career with an online teacher certification program

With new accelerated pathways towards teaching, you can start a lifelong career teaching in half the time and cost of the traditional route.

If you have a bachelor’s degree handy, are eligible to work in the U.S. and have passed state-required certifications, you’re ready to enroll in an accredited teacher certification program and take the first steps towards building a rewarding career as a teacher.

After you complete your core coursework, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in a clinical placement. Once you graduate, you can apply to your state’s Department of Education to receive your teaching license and start applying for teaching positions across the nation.

No matter where you are in life, it’s never too soon or too late to bring your dreams of teaching to life. Enroll in one of our accredited teacher certification programs and get certified today.

IS TEACHING RIGHT FOR YOU?

To secure our future, we need to ensure that our students feel empowered and inspired. To make this happen, we need educators who are willing to go above and beyond in order to challenge and be innovative within the broad field of education.

Qualities of a Good Teacher

Education Careers

Select from the dropdown menu below to read more about all the different education related careers to choose from.Select Career Type

BECOMING A TEACHER

Although every state has different requirements for becoming a certified teacher, most require that candidates hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree, complete a Teacher Preparation Program, and pass the required state examinations. Perhaps consider a masters in education degree which is considered by many the most popular avenue for post secondary education process. Below you will find the basics to help you better understand what will be expected of you. However, to determine specific requirements for your own state, visit our state pages.

Find Information About Becoming a Teacher In Your State

Each state has different requirements for becoming a certified teacher. To find out specific requirements, click on your state.VTNHMARICTNJDEMDDC

Complete Your Education Requirements

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

In all states, you will find that a basic requirement to become a certified public school teacher is to earn at least Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Depending on specific state requirements, high school teachers may also be required to have majored in a specific subject area related to the area they wish to teacher. Many aspiring elementary school teachers who know from early on they want to teach, decide to earn their Bachelor’s Degree in subjects such as Early Childhood Education, Liberal Arts, or Education. In most cases, many degree options give candidates the ability to complete a teacher preparation program alongside with a degree. The greater majority of states require their teachers to complete an accredited teacher preparation program prior to becoming certified. See our degree pages to help you choose a major within the field of Education.

The list of degrees are related areas of study that may also provide a pathway to a career in education. Follow each link to learn more about each degree and which may be right for you.

Blended Degree and Teacher Education Programs

Many accredited colleges and universities offer blended degree and teacher preparation programs. This is true for both Bachelor’s Degree programs and Master’s Degree programs. This is a great option for candidates who know they want to become a teacher prior to enrolling into the program. These type of blended or joint programs methodically combine all the required coursework for your degree (Bachelors or Master’s) along with the classes included in a teacher education program. These combined programs are usually rigorous but very beneficial.

Have you considered an online teaching degree?

Accreditation

If order to qualify for teacher certification, candidates must complete an accredited teacher education program. If your undergraduate program did not include a teacher education program, you may attend on that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

WHAT IS TEACHER EDUCATION?

Depending on the college or university, teacher education programs can also be referred to as initial teacher training or teacher preparation programs. These programs equip pre-service teachers with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in education. In most cases, candidates can complete their teacher preparation coursework as a part of their Bachelor’s Degree.

The Focus

The curricula of teacher education programs often include a focus on foundational knowledge, student learning and assessment, content-area knowledge and methods, as well as fieldwork.

In order to provide foundational knowledge to pre-service teachers, many teacher education programs teach their candidates about the philosophy and sociology of education as well as theories and the history of education.

Student Learning and Assessment

Student learning and assessment refers to how students learn and best practices for measuring the learning. Often times, schools will focus on the importance of authentic assessments and assessing students through multiple modes. In addition to assessment, it is important to think about individuals students and how they learn. In a classroom, a teacher will likely have a very diverse student population, including students with special needs and differing language acquisition skills. It is imperative to consider their needs when teaching and assessing.

Content Area Knowledge

Content area knowledge and methods relates to the actual subjects you will teach and the best practices for teaching them. This will vary from teacher to teacher as some will aspire to teach multiple subjects in elementary school while others will decide to teach a single subject at the middle or high school level.

Fieldwork

The fieldwork aspect of a teacher preparation program usually includes supported practice in an actual classroom, also knows as “supervised field experience”. Supervised field experience will often include a combination of classroom observations, student teaching, or interning. During student teaching, a pre-service teacher works with a mentor teacher for a specified number of weeks teaching in an assigned classroom. The pre-service teacher collaborates with the experienced teacher to plan, deliver, and assess lessons. In most cases, a university supervisor will also be a part of the mentoring process.

ALREADY HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN AN UNRELATED FIELD?

Given all the benefits of teaching, becoming a teacher can spark interest in people at any point in their lives. In many cases, people switch to teaching after several years of working in another field. With that said, if you already have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field that is not related to education, do not worry. Most states offer alternative routes to certification designed specifically with you in mind.

Teacher Education Program Without a Degree

Many colleges and universities, both online and on-campus, offer teacher education programs that are not linked to a degree. This option is great for individuals who are looking to become a certified teacher after earning a degree in an unrelated field. It is important to participate in a program that is accredited.

How to Become a Teacher - Learn the Steps, Degrees & Requirements

Some teacher education programs may ask that their candidates pass the Praxis Core exam (or other equivalent state exam) prior to entering the program. This type of exam measures overall academic skills in mathematics, reading, and writing).

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification

Of course there are many other routes you can take. Depending on the state you live in, there can be other approved alternative routes to certification. See our state pages to find your state and some alternative certification programs.

However, Teach for America and American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) are programs which are accepted in many states. These type of programs often allow you to begin your career as an educator right away while completing your teacher preparation requirements.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATION EXAMS FOR TEACHERS?

In order to become a certified teacher in the United States, candidates will be required to pass certain exams.

Although each state has different and specific testing requirements, most states require their candidates to pass at least a fundamental skills test as well as a subject area competency exam.

Basic Skills Test

In order to qualify for teacher certification, candidates are usually required to pass a Basic Skills exam. This requirement is commonly fulfilled by taking he Praxis Core exam or other equivalent state exam. The basic skills test, or fundamental skills test, measures a candidate’s overall academic skills in mathematics, reading, and writing. This type of exam is often taken prior to entrance into a teacher preparation program.

Subject Test

The subject area competency assessment generally assesses a candidate’s skill in their specific K-12 subject area. Elementary school teachers are often required to pass a multiple subject assessment, since elementary school educators teach multiple subjects at the foundational level. Middle school and high school teachers will need to take the correct subject-specific examination that applies to the area they wish to teach. For example, a prospective high school Social Studies teacher would need to take the Social Studies series of assessments.

In most cases, taking the Praxis series of exams can fulfill these requirements. However, many states offer and prefer an equivalent state examination. Many states may also require additional exams. For example, California requires persons seeking credentials in Elementary Education to also take the RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment). Find your state on our state pages to learn more about some of the specific exams that will be required for you.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED TO TEACH IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL?

How to quickly become a teacher in the US with an online teacher certification program | Teach Away

Although private schools are not required by law to hire only licensed teachers, in most cases, a license is preferred. Private schools are more autonomous than public schools as they can create their own policies and standards. With that said, a school can decide to hire you with or without proper teaching credentials. The choice is entirely up to the individual school. Since most private schools prefer certified teachers, many schools will hire an individual without the proper certifications under the stipulation that the candidate continues his/her education.

Whether certification is required or not, it is recommended that all teachers earn the proper licensure so that they can earn job security and not be limited in their career choices.

IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

Teaching is a career where lifelong learning is highly regarded. Many public school districts may even require their teachers to continue their education while they are teaching. In many cases, schools require their teachers to complete a specific amount of professional development courses. Most districts even offer salary points for each additional class taken. In other words, many districts compensate their teachers for continuing their education. Continuing education can improve a teacher’s instruction as well as student achievement. Continuing your education can also allow you to make career advancements within the field of education.

National Board Certification

Many teachers seek to be recognized as the top of their profession by voluntarily obtaining National Board Certification (NBCT). The NBCT is an advanced teaching credential which surpasses state licensure. Obtaining National Board Certification requires a lot of dedication and work. Educators will go through a peer-review process and will be required to submit videos of themselves teaching as well as samples of student work. This process is to display a teacher’s development and achievement. In addition to the peer review process, NBCT candidates will be required to pass an assessment. NBCT teachers are highly respected and valued.

HOW MUCH DO I EXPECT TO MAKE?

Although most passionate educators do not enter the field of education merely for the compensation, it is definitely something to consider when choosing a career. It is important to note that salaries vary greatly from state to state. Use our salary comparison tool to search and compare the average salaries of various public education careers around the United States. Our salary data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Keep in mind that salaries can be increased if you decide to teach summer school or continue to advance your own personal education.

TEACHING BENEFITS

In addition to a teacher’s solid yearly salary, public school teachers can earn great benefits! The benefits public school teachers receive often surpass those of other industries.

Health and Pension

Many public schools provide great health and retirement benefits. Public school teachers usually have their health coverage fully paid for by the school including vision and dental. Moreover, teachers usually get a generous amount of sick days per year as well as personal days. Public school teachers also receive retirement and pension benefits through the state.

Hours

Another great benefit to teaching is the hours. Although the exact hours teachers work can vary from school to school, most teachers are required to be on campus from about eight in the morning to three in the afternoon. In addition, teachers usually only work Monday through Friday. Note that teachers also encounter many longer days such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, attending workshops, and more. It is also important to consider time it takes outside of the regular school day to plan and grade lessons.

10 Student Teaching Strategies for Success - Magoosh Blog – Praxis®️ Test

Vacation Time

Yet another benefit of a career in education is the vacation time. Depending on the school district, teachers generally work about 180 days per school year. With that said, teachers usually get a few weeks off during the winter for the holidays, a few more weeks off during spring, as well as almost three months off in the summer! In addition to these breaks, most schools also observe all national holidays.Another small perk is all the teacher discounts many online outlets and companies offer. Feel free to browse through our teacher blogs to get insight scoop of what teachers and administrators have to say about the profession.