How to Become a Teacher
Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding careers that provides the opportunity to change the lives of young people who step into the classroom by helping them reach their full academic potential.
Steps to Becoming A Teacher
There are several paths that one can follow to reach the goal of starting a career in teaching. If you do not have a degree, the common path is to complete an approved teacher education program, pass all required knowledge and background tests, and fulfill other requirements to earn a state certification or license to become eligible to be hired by a school district. If you already have a degree, there are several alternative paths available depending on which state you plan to teach at. These alternative teacher certification paths typically involve enrolling in a teacher education program and fulfilling other requirements.
How to Become a Teacher by State
Each state has different requirements for becoming a teacher and obtaining a certification. Below is a comprehensive list of all 50 states, containing the information needed to teach in a desired state.
Teacher Certification by State
Requirements for teacher certification vary by state and typically require passing a knowledge and skills tests such as the PRAXIS, completing a approved teacher education program, passing background tests, and earning at least a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about requirements for your state at our teacher certification by state page.
Alternative Teacher Certification Paths
If you have a degree in an area outside of education, there are paths available for an alternative teacher certification with each state having their own programs and requirements. Many of these alternative routes to teacher certification are geared toward attracting people who have decided to become a teacher later in life. According to Teachers Count, a non-profit organization which supports the teaching profession, “It is never too early or too late to begin pursuing your teaching career.” Learn more about alternative teacher certification requirements for your state at our teacher certification by state page.
Praxis Exam
The Praxis Series tests are a common requirement for state certification, although some states use a different test to evaluate skills and knowledge. The Praxis I is a test that measures skills in math, reading, and writing and is a common prerequisite of a many teacher education programs. The Praxis II measures content knowledge in specific subjects or general knowledge.
Teaching Career Specialization
Within the teaching profession, there are numerous areas that one can focus their career on including subject areas like math, ESL, or history or grade levels like a early childhood education or high school. Learn more about teacher specializations at our teacher career center.
National Board Certification
National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards that complements a state teacher certification and is available to those with at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Top Teaching Blogs
Successful teachers share insights, advice, and ideas for what is working in their classrooms in these top teacher blogs organized by category.
Teacher Career Interviews
See our teacher career interviews for helpful advice and insights from current teachers.
Additional Resources for Becoming A Teacher
Teach.gov – A Department of Education site that provides information on federal grants and scholarships for becoming a teacher.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook for Teachers – Information on a teaching career and projections for teacher job growth.
Why Consider a Career in Education? – The Wisconsin Education Association Council provides a self assessment to determine if teaching is a good fit and lists some reasons why teaching is a good career choice.
