Indiana Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in Indiana

As with other states, Indiana has specific requirements for teacher candidates to earn their Indiana teacher certification and start a career in the classroom. Individuals must complete an approved education program and pass specified tests before being considered for certification.

Quick Guide

Spotlight School

Liberty University

Popular Programs:

  • AA in Education (Non-Licensure)
  • M.Ed. - Teaching and Learning
  • M.Ed. - Program Specialist in Early Childhood Specialist
  • M.Ed Teaching and Learning-Middle Grades
  • And more...

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Indiana Teacher Education Requirements

Indiana State SealCandidates who are seeking a teaching license in Indiana are required to complete a teacher preparation program at an accredited university. Students in an elementary education program have many options of state-approved content areas in which they may minor. These minors vary by the universities offering them, and elementary teacher candidates are required to complete a minor so that they are specialized in one area. In addition, after an individual completes an education program for a content area, other content areas may be added to the license by completing a minor or passing a Praxis II test in that area.

Indiana teaching certification can be acquired through an accredited online teacher preparation program in place of a traditional program. Those completing an online program must participate in a classroom field experience (such as student teaching or an internship).

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Profiles of Well Known Schools

Indiana University: Indiana University is the state’s flagship institution located in Bloomington, IN. The School of Education is made up of the departments of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Instructional Systems Technology and Literacy, Culture, and Language Education. The School of Education and its departments rank highly according to the 2012 rankings compiled by US News & World Report. Three of the school’s programs ranked in the top ten including Curriculum/Instruction, Elementary Education, and Higher Education Administration. Other ranking programs include Administration and Supervision, Counseling and Personnel Services, Educational Psychology, Secondary Education and Special Education. Two of the school’s best programs, Instructional Systems Technology and Language Education did not rank because US News does not compile rankings for those types of programs.

Purdue University: Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN serves as the institutional home of the Purdue College of Education. The mission of the College of Education is to prepare future leaders within the systems of education in order to advance society and its individuals to a more learned state of mind prepared to assume productive roles in society. The College of education is nationally accredited and recognized by several federal and state agencies including the Department of Education. Students receive multidisciplinary instruction in the classes they take as well as plenty of hands-on learning working with Purdue University learning partners in the community. The College of Education has recently created a program known as STEM Goes Rural that offers $30,000 stipends to STEM qualified teachers willing to teach in rural areas where there is a major shortfall of STEM instructors.

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Indiana Teacher Outlook as of 2012
At the start of 2012, Indiana’s unemployment rate was 9.1%, slightly higher than the national average of 8.5% according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Occupational Supply & Demand System projects 1,935 annual job openings in Indiana in education and library related fields through 2018. In fall 2008 and 2007 respectively, the National Center for Education Statistics reported 62,668 public school and 8,100 private school teachers employed in Indiana. The National Education Association reports the average beginning teaching salary in Indiana at $32,761 and the average overall teaching salary at $50,801, 24th highest in the nation and slightly lower than the national average of $55,628. The NEA emphasizes special education, math and science teacher shortages, especially in inner-city and rural areas. According to the Sunshine Review, education currently accounts for 54% of the Indiana state budget despite reductions in 2009. For more information regarding the current job market and certification requirements contact education and teaching schools in Indiana or visit The Indiana State Teachers Association.

Indiana Teacher Testing Requirements

After completing an approved teacher education program, teacher candidates must currently pass two types of tests in order to become certified. First, basic academic skills are tested by the Praxis I test. Secondly, content areas are tested by the Praxis II. After August 31, 2013, an additional Praxis test covering pedagogy will also be required.

Teachers who hold a license in another state may be exempt from the Praxis exams when obtaining an Indiana certification if they hold a valid license that is equivalent to the one for which they are applying and have a letter on school letterhead written by an administrator verifying that they have taught for at least three years full-time at an accredited out-of-state school.

Teacher Quote “Don’t let anyone tell you it’s an easy job because I can promise you, it isn’t. I’ve yet to have one of those magnificent ‘summers off’ I keep hearing about. And honestly, the pay isn’t great but the rewards of teaching more than make up for it.” -Christi Fultz, Indiana Third Grade Teacher

Indiana Teacher Salary and Jobs

Type Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Preschool Teachers 5,050 $25,850
Kindergarten Teachers 2,680 $48,140
Elementary School Teachers 26,160 $49,640
Middle School Teachers 11,890 $49,040
Secondary School Teachers 20,010 $49,040

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

Indiana Teacher Interview

Interview with Christi Fultz, Indiana Third Grade Teacher

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Indiana

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

The University of Texas at Arlington

Popular Programs:

  • Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy
  • Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Math
University of Phoenix

Popular Programs:

  • M.A. in Education/Curriculum and Instruction - Reading
  • Doctor of Education/Educational Leadership
  • M.A. in Education/Teacher Leadership
California University of Pennsylvania

Popular Programs:

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

Popular Programs:

  • Teacher Aide
Western Governors University

Popular Programs:

  • M.A. Teaching (K-8)
  • Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8)
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
  • M.A. Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
  • And more...

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Teacher in Indiana

Question: How do you become a substitute teacher in Indiana

Answer: Substitute teachers in Indiana must have completed at least two years of college coursework. It does not need to be related to education. If you meet this requirement, you can apply to the state Department of Education for a substitute teacher permit, and then look for work in individual districts.

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Indiana

Anderson University-Anderson
1100 E 5th St
Anderson, IN 46012-3495
(765) 649-9071
www.anderson.edu/admissions/

Ball State University
2000 University Ave
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241
www.bsu.edu/web/admissions/

Student Review: “Rating Ball State University (BSU) is difficult because it is so up and down. Overall, I feel prepared to enter the classroom, but a few of the classes were entirely pointless. Two of the science method courses are entirely irrelevant to the point of being frustrating, but the rest of the education program is very student-oriented and would be beneficial to anyone who is hoping to pursue a career in secondary education. The Honors curriculum certainly offers a different kind of challenge and I would recommend it to anyone who receives an offer. Overall it’s easy to find things to complain about, especially when it’s hard to see where your tuition dollars are going, but I believe I received a good education that has prepared me to enter into the world of secondary education with confidence.” -Andrew S., student at Ball State University

Bethel College-Mishawaka
1001 W McKinley Ave
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 259-8511

Butler University
4600 Sunset Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 940-8000
go.butler.edu/

DePauw University
313 S Locust St
Greencastle, IN 46135-1772
(765) 658-4800
www.depauw.edu/admission/

Franklin College
101 Branigin Blvd
Franklin, IN 46131-2623
(317) 738-8000

Grace College and Theological Seminary
200 Seminary Dr
Winona Lake, IN 46590-1274
(574) 372-5100
www.grace.edu/admissions

Huntington University
2303 College Ave
Huntington, IN 46750
(260) 356-6000
www.huntington.edu/admissions/

Indiana State University
210 N 7th St
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 237-6311
www.indstate.edu/admissions/

Student Review: “Being a part of the Elementary Education program at Indiana State University was a blessing to me. It provided me with the skills I would need to be successful in any teaching job I could ever wish for. There was plenty of observational experience as well as practicum experience that kept us busy at all times, as well as in touch with the children over our time in the program. The different ‘endorsements’ or ‘minors’ we were allowed to get by taking only four or five extra classes was another blessing in itself. My reading endorsement was a joy, and I simply had to take a few extra English/Literature classes to reach this goal. It takes a special kind of person with a special kind of education and heart to teach. Indiana State University molded this kind of person out of all of their teaching students.” Sara C., student at Indiana State University

Indiana University-Bloomington
107 South Indiana Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
(812) 855-4848
www.indiana.edu/~iuadmit/

Indiana University-Northwest
3400 Broadway
Gary, IN 46408-1197
(219) 980-6500
www.iun.edu/~admit/

Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne
2101 E Coliseum Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499
(260) 481-6100
www.ipfw.edu/admissions/

Student Review: “While IU and Purdue are great choices, sometimes you just need something closer to home. Being a commuter campus and continuing studies campus, IPFW attracts students of all ages and of all walks of life to its programs. Helmke Library is great for local research, I’ve spent many nights cramming for exams in the 24-hour computer lab. The recently-added Rhinehart music center has provided a venue for the Omnibus Lecture Series, highlighting speakers as diverse as Cheech Marin and Sandra Day O’Connor. Overall, this is a great place to learn, and you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people trying to get ahead.” -Brock A., student at Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
425 University Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5143
(317) 274-5555
www.enroll.iupui.edu

Indiana University-South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Ave
South Bend, IN 46634-7111
(574) 520-4872
www.iusb.edu/~admissio/

Indiana University-Southeast
4201 Grant Line Rd
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 941-2000
www.ius.edu/Admissions/

Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953-4974
(765) 674-6901
cas.indwes.edu/admissions/

Manchester College
604 College Ave
North Manchester, IN 46962
(260) 982-5000
admissions.manchester.edu

Marian College
3200 Cold Spring Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000
www.marian.edu/Admission/Pages/default.aspx

Purdue University Calumet
2200 169th Street
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400
www.purduecal.edu/

Student Review: “Purdue University Calumet’s teaching program is outstanding. The professors are great and most are former teachers themselves. They offer real world experience and advice for those starting out in the teaching world. The courses are challenging and require you to think outside the box for many of the assignments. Online courses are pretty standard with glitches in the system at times. Another drawback to this program is that the adviser can be hard to get in touch with and her schedule is always full. Other than that, it is a great program!” -Shelby E., student at Purdue University Calumet

Saint Josephs College
US Highway 231
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-6000

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
St Hwy 150
Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods, IN 47876-1099
(812) 535-5151

Taylor University
236 W Reade Ave
Upland, IN 46989-1001
(765) 998-2751
www.taylor.edu/admissions/

Trine University
1 University Ave
Angola, IN 46703-1764
(260) 665-4100
www.trine.edu/admission/

University of Evansville
1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
(812) 488-2000
www.evansville.edu/prospects/admission/

University of Indianapolis
1400 E Hanna Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
(317) 788-3368

University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 631-5000
admissions.nd.edu

University of Saint Francis-Ft Wayne
2701 Spring St
Fort Wayne, IN 46808-3994
(219) 434-3100

University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Blvd
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 464-8600
www.usi.edu/admissn/index.asp

Student Review: “The University of Southern Indiana overall is a decent school. The professors for the most part are nice and the class sizes are small for a good amount of learning. For a campus having over 10,000 students I do not find it to be too crowded at all besides the parking. This is the biggest issue with the school in my opinion. If you have an 11 AM class, you have to show up at around 8 AM just to find a decent parking spot. There is plenty to do around campus, including free Wifi at Starbucks in the massive library at the center of campus. If you are into working out and fitness the fitness center is up to date and about as good as it can get on a college campus.” -Lucas N., student at University of Southern Indiana

Valparaiso University
US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-5000
www.valpo.edu/admissions/

Vincennes University
1002 N First St
Vincennes, IN 47591
(812) 888-8888

Page edited by Charles Sipe.

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