Alabama Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in Alabama

Becoming a teacher in Alabama requires more than just a love for children and a grasp of the content you are to teach. Before you will be able to enter a classroom in Alabama, you must obtain teaching certification. There are several paths to certification in this state, as long as you have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. If your degree is in education, you can obtain certification in a traditional way; if your degree is not in education, you can obtain teacher certification through an alternative path.

Quick Guide

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Kaplan University

Popular Programs:

  • MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
  • MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)

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Alabama Teacher Education Requirements

The most direct route for teacher certification is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the desired certification area from a teacher education program in an Alabama college or university. In this case, all you need to do is work with the certification officer at the institution to ensure you have completed all paperwork and met all requirements.

For prospective teachers who have graduated from institutions outside of Alabama or have been certified in other states, certification may be obtained through reciprocal agreements, assuming that Alabama offers a comparable certificate in your desired certification area. This may be accomplished through completing a teacher education program at an NCATE-accredited teacher education program at a college or university in another state or complying with the requirements of the NASDTEC Interstate Contract. In this case, applicants should contact the certification office at their university to ensure that one of these options can be met.

There are several areas in which prospective teachers may be certified in Alabama. These areas include early childhood (preschool to grade 3), elementary (kindergarten to grade 6), collaborative special education (K-6 or 6-12), early childhood special education (preschool to grade 3), middle school (grades 4-8) and secondary (grades 6-12) with a content area endorsement, and elementary-secondary (P-12) in areas like music, art, and foreign language.

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Alabama Teacher Outlook as of 2012
At the start of 2012, Alabama’s unemployment has fallen to 8.1%, lower than the 8.5% national average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Occupational Supply & Demand System projects 3,100 annual teaching, library and other education-related openings in Alabama through 2018. The National Center for Education Statistics shows there were 47,800 public school and 6,400 private school K-12 teachers in Alabama in 2008 and 2007 respectively. Average and starting teaching salaries in the state are $46,900 (32nd nationwide) and $36,100 (NEA, 2012). According to the Sunshine Review in 2012, the state budget situation has continued to improve along with employment gains, but they continue to face cuts in some education and government programs. You can visit the Alabama Teachers Association for latest news on issues impacting teachers. Given the projected hires, now is a good time to research school options to become a teacher in Alabama as the recovery should be deeply established by the time you complete a degree.

Alabama Teacher Testing Requirements

Candidates who wish to obtain Alabama certification must take two tests. The Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) is a test of basic skills in reading and mathematics. After completing that test, candidates must take the Praxis II test for their certification area (such as elementary education, early childhood education, etc.).

Additional Alabama Teacher Certification Requirements

One requirement for everyone that desires teacher certification in Alabama is a background check. Candidates who apply for initial certification must submit fingerprints for a background check by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prospective teachers must submit two fingerprint cards, a Release Form, a Background Review Consent Form, and a fee to have this done.

Teacher Quote: “If teaching and working with children is truly what you want to do, stick with it no matter what others may say or think. I cannot think of a more rewarding calling one could have — to impact the lives of young people.” -Marla Vaughn, President of the Alabama Conference of Educators

Alabama Teacher Interview

Read our interview with Marla Vaughn, President of the Alabama Conference of Educators.

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Profiles of Well-Known Schools

University of Alabama: Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama College of Education is home to one of the country’s premier teacher preparation programs currently ranked in the top 3% in the United States. The College of Education houses the departments of Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Technology Studies, Educational Studies in Psychology, Research and Counseling, Special Education, and Music Education that confer dozens of degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Some of the majors offered within the College of Education include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Reading Education, Counselor Education, Educational Administration, and Nursing Education. The College was founded in 1844, just 13 years after the University of Alabama was established in 1831. Today, The University of Alabama College of Education serves thousands of students with the goal of preparing educational practitioners to serve their students and contribute to the greater good of the communities in which they live.

Auburn University: The Auburn University College of Education is located on the university’s main campus in Auburn, AL. The College of Education is currently ranked in the top 25% of education programs according to U.S. News & World Report. Students are able to choose from over 50 majors at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Some of the most popular majors include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Nursing Education Educational Administration and Counseling Education. The AU College of Education currently serves the university’s largest number of graduate students and fifth largest population of undergraduates. With over 30,000 alumni, the Auburn University College of Education has one of the largest alumni networks in the country. The mission of the College of Education has and continues to be the development of competent, professional, passionate and reflective educators capable of flourishing in today’s global learning community.

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Alabama Teacher Salary and Jobs

Type Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Preschool Teachers 1,720 $28,720
Kindergarten Teachers 3,510 $48,320
Elementary School Teachers 21,170 $48,470
Middle School Teachers 7,560 $49,480
Secondary School Teachers 14,880 $50,120

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.

Alabama Teacher Interviews

Interview with Julie Hicks, Alabama Kindergarten Teacher

Interview with Marla Vaughn, President of the Alabama Conference of Educators

Interview with Linda Dunnavant, Alabama Fifth Grade Teacher

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Alabama

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools

California University of Pennsylvania

Popular Programs:

  • Early Childhood Education (Certification Only)
  • Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
  • MA in Teaching: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education- National Board Preparation
  • Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (SLE)
  • And more...
University of Phoenix

Popular Programs:

  • M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
  • M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
  • B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
  • A.A. in Elementary Education
  • And more...
Penn Foster Schools

Popular Programs:

  • Teacher Aide
Concordia University Online

Popular Programs:

  • B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5 Years)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
  • Special Education (Early Childhood/Elementary)
  • Educational Administration: (EDD)
  • And more...
Colorado Technical University Online

Popular Programs:

  • Doctor of Management - Graduate Level Instructional Practices
  • Doctor of Management - Private Sector Higher Education Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Teacher in Alabama

Question: How can you become a substitute teacher in Alabama?

Answer: To become a substitute teacher in Alabama you must have a high school diploma and a license from the state, which is inexpensive. Individual districts may have more requirements and may include training sessions. Apply to each district to find out the hiring requirements.

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Alabama

Alabama A & M University
4900 Meridian St
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5000
my.aamu.edu/admissions

Alabama State University
915 S Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36101-0271
(334) 229-4400
www.alasu.edu/admissions

Athens State University
300 N Beaty St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8100
www.athens.edu

Auburn University Main Campus
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4000
www.auburn.edu/admissions/

Student Review: “I really enjoyed the teaching program at Auburn University. I was able to specialize in elementary education and get excellent teaching instruction. All the teachers were very knowledgeable and friendly which made it easy to ask questions when needed. I was required to participate in student teaching which gave me a first hand experience at what being a teacher is actually like. I learned very fast that it is hard work but my teachers kept encouraging me to do my very best. In the teaching program I learned the best methods to interact with students and how to help students achieve their very best. The teaching program at Auburn has an excellent reading program that is top of the line. I feel like I was very well prepared when I accepted my first teaching job out of college. All of my new coworkers were very impressed with my teaching skills and I tell everyone I know who is interested in teaching that Auburn has the best program around. There were a few things that the program could improve on in the future. I was not used to interacting with parents and talking in front of adults. I think as part of the student teaching experience, the student teacher should be required to have contact with the parents of the kids and be graded on how well they communicate to the parents.” -John G., student at Auburn University

Birmingham Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35254
(205) 226-4600
www.bsc.edu/futurestudents/index.htm

Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109-3378
(334) 272-5820

Huntingdon College
1500 East Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36106-2148
(334) 833-4222
www.huntingdon.edu/admissions

Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781

Judson College
302 Bibb St
Marion, AL 36756
(334) 683-5100
www.judson.edu

Miles College
5500 Myron Massey Blvd
Fairfield, AL 35064
(205) 929-1000
miles.edu

Oakwood University
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
(256) 726-7000

Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229-2240
(205) 726-2011
www.samford.edu/admission/

Talladega College
627 W Battle St
Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 761-6100

The University of Alabama
739 University Blvd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0166
(205) 348-6010
gobama.ua.edu

Troy University
University Avenue
Troy, AL 36082-0001
(334) 670-3100
www.troy.edu/admissions

Tuskegee University
Kresge Center
Tuskegee, AL 36088-1920
(334) 727-8011

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
main.uab.edu/sites/apply/apply/

Student Review: “My educational experience at University of Alabama at Birmingham was very positive. The professors and staff always had my best interests in mind and made it their goal to have me succeed in becoming a master’s level teacher. I was provided with the best possible professors and in field supervising teachers in the area. The availability of teaching technology was superior and was integrated into all facets of our education. The special education courses were superior to all others I had previously taken in my college career. I was taught by current teachers, who understood what knowledge was truly needed in order to be a successful teacher. With the vast variety of school systems in the Birmingham area, students had the opportunity to interact with children from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in a wide range of school settings.” -Shannon S., student at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Student Review: “The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an excellent school and tuition is very affordable for a state university. The staff members are generally helpful and friendly and I can’t particularly say I’ve had a bad experience with any of the employees. There is an excellent athletic facility on campus, a large grassy area in the middle of the university called the Campus Green, and plenty of activities to be involved in if you so desire. Most of the professors I had kept regular office hours, were always willing to help or answer questions, and had fair grading practices. The only real exception is the math department because all homework and tests are done online via Course Compass, which can be frustrating. Just like any university parking can be hectic, but you probably won’t have to walk more than a few blocks even during the busiest hours. BlazerNet, the schools intranet site from which you access online classes, grades, and can register for classes, is a tad confusing and a little dated looking. However if you know what you are doing you can easily perform most school related tasks on.” -Roger J., student at University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Mobile
5735 College Parkway Drive
Mobile, AL 36613-2842
(251) 675-5990

University of North Alabama
One Harrison Plaza
Florence, AL 35632-0001
(256) 765-4100
www.una.edu/admission

Student Review: “I am an instrumental music education major at the University of North Alabama. The music department has a stellar reputation and has lived up to every bit of it. I have learned so much from my music classes as they not only teach the textbook information you need, but also teach you information directly related to your career. UNA has many fields and is a top university in the state. There are plenty of student organizations to join related to your field. The campus is beautiful and everything is within a comfortable walking distance. The only negative for me is that some of the education department faculty do not follow any of the ideals that they are supposed to teach you about and give a very bad example to follow as a teacher.” -Christopher V., student at University of North Alabama

University of South Alabama
307 N University Blvd
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
(251) 460-6101
www.southalabama.edu/admissions/

Page edited by Charles Sipe.

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