How to Become Certified to Teach

Teacher certification and licensing is mandated by each individual state. However, similarities in teaching requirements can be found across the country. I am licensed to teach in Nevada, where most of my career has been centered, so my article will reflect this. You can look at the U.S. Education Department's list of state education agencies, or take a look at the 50 States' Certification Requirements posted on the University of Kentucky's website.

Some people decide later in life that they'd like to teach. If a person has a non-education college degree, he first needs to select a desired subject area and take courses in that respective field. He will then be accountable to additional state requirements, just as are other applicants.

Reciprocity Agreement

Many states sign the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). This makes it easier for potential teachers to be licensed when they move to different states. It's important to check with your state department of education. Even though a state has signed the NASDTEC agreement, it doesn't mean that they have reciprocity with all states. For example, Nevada has no agreement with approximately ten states.

Basic Teacher Certification Requirements

A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a licensed teacher in the public school systems in the United States. This degree must be obtained from a regionally-accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be provided to the state department of education. The degree must include the required education classes and a successful student-teaching experience. The prospective teacher must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. An applicant for teaching certification will be finger-printed and generally given a tuberculosis test or a chest x-ray.

Differentiated Teaching Licenses

Elementary teaching licenses can be issued for preschool through 8^th grades. Each state handles the grade cut-offs differently. There are certifications such as birth-K, K-2, K-6, and K-8. Elementary teachers who want to teach middle-school subjects generally must gain additional certification. To be certified in elementary education, the applicant must have completed a program for elementary teaching, which includes minimum requirements in areas such as reading and math.

Secondary licenses are issued to those who want to teach certain subjects in middle school and high school. As part of their bachelor's degree program, these applicants must have approximately 22 semester hours of credit in their recognized teaching fields.

Specialized licenses are given for such areas of concentration as special education, library, administration, and counseling.

Substitute Teaching License

Those wishing to substitute-teach must have a minimum amount of credits. In Nevada, that amount is 62. Prospective substitutes generally need to have taken some professional education classes. They are often given a few years to pass competency tests, such as the Praxis I, and to take state and national constitution classes. They must be fingerprinted.

Educational Requirements for Elementary Teachers
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National Curriculum Standards in Education Endorsed by Most States