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Idaho Teacher Certification and Career Guide

Idaho teacher certification is required for those who wish to lead classrooms in the state’s K-12 public education system. The certification requirements and process are overseen by the Idaho State Department of Education (IDE) Certification Department. The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Idaho are:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component.
  2. Complete a student teaching placement.
  3. Pass the required teacher certification exams.
  4. Apply for a teaching certificate or license.

Continue reading to learn more about the traditional certification pathway in Idaho.

Table of Contents


How to Become a Teacher in Idaho

This section covers the traditional steps to teacher certification in Idaho. Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree but did not complete an approved teacher preparation program may be eligible for alternative teacher certification in Idaho.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an approved teacher preparation program.

As with all US states, Idaho teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s degree major you pursue will depend on the grade level and subject you wish to teach. To be eligible to teach in Idaho, applicants must also complete a teacher preparation program as part of the bachelor’s degree. A list of IDE-approved educator preparation programs (EPPs) can be found on the website.

You can compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs on our Idaho schools page. You can also read about two important accreditations to consider, institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation, on our teaching schools guide.

2. Complete a student teaching placement.

As part of your program, you will also complete a student teaching placement, sometimes called an internship. This is typically a full-time, semester-long placement during which you will have opportunities to lead a classroom while paired with an experienced teacher. To meet the requirements for state certification, the student teaching placement should be at the grade level and in the subject you wish to teach. Some programs may offer longer student teaching placements or the opportunity to pursue more than one placement.

3. Pass the required Idaho teacher exams.

Idaho State SealBefore becoming a teacher in Idaho, candidates must pass the applicable Praxis Subject Assessments for the subject to be taught. The Praxis exams are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). For more information, read the Praxis website.

4. Apply for Idaho teacher certification.

Once all requirements for teacher licensing in Idaho have been met, candidates must submit an application supported by the following documents:

  • Official transcripts
  • Completed Background Investigation Check (BIC) packet and processing fee
  • Institutional recommendation form
  • Official Praxis score sheet
  • Non-refundable application fee

Applications must be mailed to the IDE. Visit the IDE website for further details on applying for an Initial Idaho Certificate.

Guide to Other Teaching Pathways

Idaho Teacher Certification Renewal

Idaho teachers must renew their certificates every five years. Certificates expire on August 31, and teachers can apply for renewal as early as January 1 of the renewal year. Teachers must have accumulated six semester credits of professional development to qualify for renewal. Renewal packets must be mailed to the IDE.

Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate

Once you receive your teaching certificate, you will only be eligible to work as a teacher in the grade levels and certification areas listed on your certificate, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. Idaho teachers with a five-year renewable certificate can add a new certificate or endorsement by completing a state-approved teacher certificate program in that endorsement area and taking the corresponding Praxis subject exam. If the endorsement request is made at the same time as the credential is being renewed, the revision or addition can be made at no extra cost. For more information, review the Revision of an Idaho Certificate page.

Idaho Teaching License Reciprocity

Individuals who completed an out-of-state, non-CAEP and non-AAQEP accredited educator preparation program must be certified in the state that has approved the program. These teachers can then apply to Idaho as an out-of-state applicant. To apply for Idaho certification, they must mail an application along with:

  • Official transcripts
  • Copies of out-of-state teaching license or institutional recommendation
  • Test scores, if applicable
  • Documentation of two years of school experience in the certification areas

For additional information on reciprocity refer to the IDE website. You can learn more about transferring a teaching certificate or license between states on our guide to certification reciprocity.

In addition to standard classroom teaching certificates, the TEA issues credentials in a variety of support and administrative areas. These include:

  • Pupil Service Staff Certificate: Physical Therapist: Requires a copy of your Physical Therapist (PT) License.
  • Pupil Service Staff Certificate: School Counselor: Requires a master’s degree and an institutional recommendation verifying completion of a state-approved school counselor program with a 700-hour practicum.
  • Pupil Service Staff Certificate: School Social Worker: Requires a master’s degree in social work, institutional recommendation verifying completion of a state-approved school social worker program, and a copy of your Idaho Social Worker License.

Additional certifications are available for occupational therapists, audiologists, school nurses, school psychologists, and others. In general, candidates for these and other advanced certificates must complete a master’s degree and an educator preparation program in their desired certification area and pass the relevant exam. In many cases, candidates must also hold a teaching certificate with two to three years of classroom teaching experience. For more information, visit the IDE website.

Idaho Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs

Projected Job Growth

14.4%

Growth in Teaching Jobs in ID through 20322*

There were 741 public K-12 schools in Idaho during the 2017-2018 academic year, serving approximately 301,186 students.3 With an estimated 16,591 public school teachers, Idaho has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 18:1.3

Teacher job growth through 2032 is projected to be significantly stronger in Idaho than the expected national averages, with job growth for Idaho elementary teachers projected at 14.5% compared to 0.7% nationally; for Idaho middle school teachers, 14.4% compared to 0.8% nationally; and for Idaho secondary school teachers, 15.8% compared to 1% nationally.2 The table below provides a detailed comparison of job growth prospects and salary levels for Idaho teachers.

TypeNumber Employed in ID4Average Annual Openings in ID2ID Proj. Job Growth 2022-20322Average Annual Salary in ID425th Percentile Wages in ID575th Percentile Wages in ID5
Preschool Teachers90015013.9%$31,780$22,000$36,510
Preschool Teachers, Special Education—0100%———
Kindergarten Teachers2103013%$50,810$36,890$60,590
Elementary School Teachers9,35071014.5%$61,670$48,050$73,540
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education1,0807013.4%$64,790$48,130$76,850
Middle School Teachers1,96022014.4%$54,800$49,180$62,780
Middle School Teachers, Special Education120——$45,760$45,740$49,520
Middle School Teachers, Career/Technical Education—00%———
Secondary School Teachers6,09043015.8%$62,100$48,550$74,430
Secondary School Teachers, Special Education270——$52,770$47,000$59,790
Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education420107.7%$62,440$53,520$68,420

*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.

Teacher Shortages in Idaho

According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2022-2023, Idaho broadly has the following shortages:

In addition to these shortages, Idaho had 134 unfilled positions during the 2021-2022 school year.7 Furthermore, 866 teachers in Idaho were considered underqualified for their assignment, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification field on a temporary or emergency basis.7

Additional Resources

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I become an elementary teacher in Idaho?

Answer: To be an elementary teacher in Idaho, you must earn an elementary teaching certificate from the state. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and complete a teacher preparation program. In addition, you must pass the state’s exams for educators and a background check.

Question: How many private schools and private school teachers are there in Idaho?

Answer: According to the latest statistics available, as of the 2019-20 school year, there were 155 private schools in Idaho, with 1,423 full-time teachers and 15,084 students.8 Idaho does not require private school teachers to be certified, though some schools may prefer to hire teachers with state credentials. Check with private schools in your area to confirm requirements.

References:
1. Idaho State Department of Education: https://sde.idaho.gov/cert-psc/cert/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, Idaho Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2017-2018: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Idaho: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
7. Teacher Shortages in the United Idahos, Tuan D. Nguyen et al.: https://teachershortages.com/
8. National Center for Education Statistics, Private School Universe Survey, 2019-20: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/TABLE15fl1920.asp