3 answers
Hazel
Student
Los Gatos, California
4
Questions
Asked
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Are there any additional certifications I need to become a teacher?
Is there certain certifications in becoming a teacher that I need to know about? I am a student doing a project about the path I want to follow when I am older.
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3 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Hazel,
Certifications do vary by state and sometimes county levels or even school district levels. That has been true in areas where there are teacher shortages. Education is run at the state level rather than the federal level so requirements can be very different from state to state. Some universities help you with your certification during the time you earn a degree in elementary education.
Gloria
Certifications do vary by state and sometimes county levels or even school district levels. That has been true in areas where there are teacher shortages. Education is run at the state level rather than the federal level so requirements can be very different from state to state. Some universities help you with your certification during the time you earn a degree in elementary education.
Gloria
Dakota Betts
Senior Manager, Employer Brand
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Dakota’s Answer
Hi, Hazel!
I'm Dakota - a former teacher; I love that you're interested in becoming a teacher!
First, it all depends on the state you're looking to teach in. Most states will require that you've gone to school to a credentialed program where you'll learn how to teach, the content you're teaching, how to create lesson plans, etc. Within that program and again, dependent on the state, you'll most likely take a few different tests that will eventually qualify you to become a licensed educator. These tests are dependent on the grade(s) and subject(s) you're looking to teach.
Some school systems (private, charter, etc.) don't always require that you have licensure within the state because they aren't public schools, however, they typically will require a 4-year degree -- and will even put you in a classroom where you can work with a teacher to learn the skills/education you will need to then lead a class on your own.
My recommendation is to go to a 4-year university to get the complete training/education and then from there, figure out what kind of school system you'd like to teach in (public vs private/etc.), and start there. Let me know if you want to chat more about this at all!
I'm Dakota - a former teacher; I love that you're interested in becoming a teacher!
First, it all depends on the state you're looking to teach in. Most states will require that you've gone to school to a credentialed program where you'll learn how to teach, the content you're teaching, how to create lesson plans, etc. Within that program and again, dependent on the state, you'll most likely take a few different tests that will eventually qualify you to become a licensed educator. These tests are dependent on the grade(s) and subject(s) you're looking to teach.
Some school systems (private, charter, etc.) don't always require that you have licensure within the state because they aren't public schools, however, they typically will require a 4-year degree -- and will even put you in a classroom where you can work with a teacher to learn the skills/education you will need to then lead a class on your own.
My recommendation is to go to a 4-year university to get the complete training/education and then from there, figure out what kind of school system you'd like to teach in (public vs private/etc.), and start there. Let me know if you want to chat more about this at all!
John Owusu
Student
27
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
John’s Answer
To become a teacher, you will typically need to complete a teacher preparation program and obtain a teaching certification. The specific requirements for certification will vary depending on the state and level of education you want to teach.
In general, to become a certified teacher, you will need to:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete a teacher preparation program, which may include a combination of coursework and student teaching experience.
3. Pass a competency test, such as the Praxis, in the subject area and grade level you want to teach.
4. Meet any other state-specific requirements, such as a background check or fingerprinting.
5. Complete a certain amount of continuing education hours to maintain your certification.
Additionally, some states may require additional certification if you want to teach a specialized subject, such as special education or English as a Second Language (ESL). Some states also have alternative certification program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and work experience but no education background.
It is always best to check with the certification board in your state to get more information on the certification process and requirements.
In general, to become a certified teacher, you will need to:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete a teacher preparation program, which may include a combination of coursework and student teaching experience.
3. Pass a competency test, such as the Praxis, in the subject area and grade level you want to teach.
4. Meet any other state-specific requirements, such as a background check or fingerprinting.
5. Complete a certain amount of continuing education hours to maintain your certification.
Additionally, some states may require additional certification if you want to teach a specialized subject, such as special education or English as a Second Language (ESL). Some states also have alternative certification program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and work experience but no education background.
It is always best to check with the certification board in your state to get more information on the certification process and requirements.