New Hampshire Teacher Certification
How to Become a Teacher in New Hampshire
In order to teach in the state of New Hampshire, individuals must first acquire a New Hampshire teacher certification by fulfilling the education and testing requirements. The New Hampshire Department of Education’s Bureau of Credentialing is the organization that is responsible for granting certification to prospective educators. There are currently five methods through which individuals may earn teacher certification. Alternative 1 is the traditional process of gaining licensure through a state-approved educational program, while Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5 offer varying options for educators with a license in other states or for individuals who have experience but have not completed traditional coursework.
- I want to be a teacher in New Hampshire, but don’t have a degree: Earn an Education Degree
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about New Hampshire’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in more education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs or Doctorate Education Programs and Information.
Spotlight School
Popular Programs:
- Master's-Education
- Graduate Certificate-Management of Education Corporation/Corporate Training Divisions
- Graduate Certificate-Education Leadership
- Graduate Certificate-Curriculum Leadership
New Hampshire Teacher Education Requirements
Candidates for initial teacher certification in New Hampshire typically complete the traditional course of licensure by completing an educator preparation program at an accredited educational institute. The program must be approved by the New Hampshire State Board of Education. In addition, once a student completes the required preparation program, he or she must be recommended by the Chairperson of the Education Department at his or her university.
Profiles of Well Known Schools
Dartmouth College: Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States and is part of the Ivy League of schools along with institutions like Harvard, Yale and Columbia. The Education Department offers undergraduates the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education as well as earn their teaching certification. Students can also get a minor in Education and/or human development. Students choose to obtain certification at the elementary or secondary levels. Students majoring in secondary education must major in their specific area of teaching such as history, math, science, etc. The program blends together teaching best practices along with a multidisciplinary approach to make sure the students receive a well-rounded education. The vast majority of Dartmouth Education majors go on to earn advanced degrees in educationally related degrees.
In January 2012, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported New Hampshire’s unemployment rate at 5.7%, significantly below the national average of 8.5%. The Occupational Supply and Demand System projects 1,280 annual job openings in education and library related fields in New Hampshire through 2018. In 2008 and 2007 respectively, the National Center for Education Statistics recorded 15,661 public school and 2,970 private school teachers employed in New Hampshire. According to the National Education Association, the average beginning teaching salary is $32,549 and the average overall teaching salary is $52,792, the 23rd highest among US states. The NEA also notes shortages in math, science, and special education. With an aging teacher population, retirement rates are expected to increase across the state in the next 5 years, providing additional employment opportunity for newly certified teachers. For updates on education policy and the teaching job market visit National Education Association – New Hampshire. Now is a great time to pursue certification and subject specialization, please contact local education and teaching schools for more information.
New Hampshire Teacher Testing Requirements
Candidates for New Hampshire teaching certification are also required to demonstrate their knowledge on assessments. This applies to certification issued through Alternatives 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. For initial certification, individuals must demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as subject-specific knowledge. The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test fulfills the first requirement, while the Praxis II assessment evaluates the chosen content area. Alternative tests may also be accepted. Those who hold a master’s degree in the subject area or who have at least seven years of teaching experience in another state are exempt from these assessments. However, even those with a master’s degree must take the Praxis II for Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
New Hampshire Teacher Salary and Jobs
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 2,580 | $27,130 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 560 | $43,290 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 7,180 | $51,830 |
| Middle School Teachers | 4,160 | $50,390 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 4,800 | $51,350 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.
School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in New Hampshire
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
Popular Programs:
- B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
- A.A. in Elementary Education
- M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
- M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- MA in Education (Leadership in Early Childhood Education)
- BA in Early Childhood Education
- MA in Educational Leadership and Administration (Tier 1)
- MA in Education with Instructional Technology Emphasis
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor of Science: Early Childhood Development
- Associate of Applied Science: Early Childhood Development
- Bachelor of Science: Advanced Start in Early Childhood Development
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...
Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Colby-Sawyer College
541 Main St
New London, NH 03257-7835
(603) 526-3000
www.colby-sawyer.edu
Keene State College
229 Main Street
Keene, NH 03435-1506
(603) 352-1909
www.keene.edu/admissions/
Plymouth State University
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
(603) 535-5000
www.plymouth.edu/admit/index.html
Rivier College
420 South Main St
Nashua, NH 3060
(603) 888-1311
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N River Rd
Manchester, NH 3106
(603) 668-2211
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
105 Main St.
Durham, NH 03824-3547
(603) 862-1234
admissions.unh.edu/
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Road
Berlin, NH 3570
(603) 752-1113
www.wmcc.edu/admissions/
Page edited by Charles Sipe.
