Indiana is currently facing a teacher shortage, particularly in critical subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This shortage poses significant challenges for the state’s education system because it directly impacts the quality of learning and the ability to prepare students for the demands of a modern workforce.
For aspiring teachers, however, this shortage presents a great opportunity.
Indiana’s schools are seeking qualified educators, meaning you’ll likely have a teaching job waiting for you once you earn your certification.
On average, teachers in Indiana earn a salary of approximately $57,015 per year, with the potential for higher earnings depending on experience, education, and school district.
In this article, we’ll share the requirements, process, and all the information you need to know about becoming a teacher in Indiana.
Let’s dive in.
Traditional Pathway to Becoming a Teacher
The steps to becoming a teacher are similar across the United States. However, requirements can differ from state to state.
Prospective teachers should always check the specific guidelines for the state where they plan to teach.
In Indiana, the traditional pathway to becoming a teacher involves following these steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. This degree provides foundational knowledge and prepares you for the classroom.
- Get teaching experience: During your education program, you’ll participate in student teaching or practicum. These opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced educators.
- Obtain a teaching license: Pass the appropriate licensure exams, including the Praxis or Indiana CORE Assessments, to obtain your teaching license.
- Apply for teaching jobs in Indiana: Begin applying for teaching positions in Indiana schools. You can find jobs on school district websites, online job boards like LinkedIn, or through networking with fellow educators.
To maintain your teaching license in Indiana, you must pursue ongoing professional development. This involves earning graduate credits, attending workshops, or obtaining advanced certifications.
If you’re considering becoming a teacher in Indiana, there are several bachelor’s degree options available, depending on your area of interest:
- Special Education: This degree prepares you to work with students with disabilities, providing tailored instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Physical Education: Focused on teaching students about fitness, sports, and health. This degree is ideal for those passionate about promoting physical activity and well-being.
- Education Administration: If you want to take up a leadership role, this degree emphasizes organizational management, educational policies, and school operations.
- Secondary Education: This degree focuses on subject-specific instruction, such as math, science, or English, and is designed for individuals aiming to teach middle or high school students.
- Early Childhood Education: This degree equips you to work with young children from birth to third grade, focusing on foundational skills and early development.
Types of Teaching Certifications for Indiana Teachers
A Teaching certification is an important requirement for educators in Indiana and across the country. It ensures that teachers meet the necessary educational, professional, and ethical standards to provide quality education to students.
To qualify for a teaching certificate in Indiana, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education or a related field.
- Complete an approved teacher preparation program accredited by the state of Indiana. This program combines coursework with practical classroom experience.
- Pass Indiana’s licensure exams, such as the CORE Content and Pedagogy Assessments or other required tests specific to your certification area.
If you complete a program at an Indiana college or university, you will have your licenses recommended by the licensing advisor from their institution.
To apply for a teaching license in Indiana, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Valid CPR card: A valid CPR card from an Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)-)-approved provider to ensure you are prepared for emergencies.
- Suicide Prevention Certificate: You must complete suicide prevention training and provide a certificate of completion.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Work Experience Documentation: For CTE content areas, you need to document at least 4,000 hours of related non-teaching industry work experience.
Prospective teachers must meet these requirements to ensure they are well-prepared to address the learning needs of Indiana’s students while adhering to the state’s educational standards.
The state of Indiana offers six different teaching licenses. Each is tailored to meet the needs of educators at various stages of their careers and for different teaching roles.
Prospective teachers should carefully research each type of license to determine which one aligns best with their qualifications, goals, and the teaching positions they aspire to.
In the next section, we’ll explore all six types of teaching licenses offered in Indiana. We’ll share detailed information on what each license entails and who it is designed for.
Alternate Licensure
Indiana offers alternative licensure pathways for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education but want to transition into teaching.
Alternative certification programs are designed to help career changers or subject matter experts meet the requirements to become licensed teachers without pursuing a traditional education degree.
Alternative licensure programs in Indiana allow professionals with diverse backgrounds to bring their expertise into the classroom. It also helps address teacher shortages in high-need areas, particularly in STEM and career and technical education.
Alternate certification provides a faster route to teaching for individuals passionate about making an impact in education. This pathway offers a flexible way to transition into teaching, helping aspiring educators meet the needs of the state’s schools while starting a career in education.
In-State Program
Indiana’s in-state teacher preparation programs are the traditional route for earning a teaching license. These programs are offered by accredited colleges and universities within Indiana.
They are designed to equip aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and classroom experience needed to succeed in teaching.
In-state programs provide foundational coursework in educational theory, teaching strategies, classroom management, and subject-specific instruction tailored to the grade level or subject area you wish to teach.
They also offer student teaching in a classroom setting under the guidance of a licensed teacher.
These programs are specifically designed to meet Indiana’s teaching standards and licensure requirements.
Candidates can connect with local school districts and education professionals, increasing job prospects within the state.
Out-of-State Program
If you complete their teacher preparation program in another state but wish to teach in Indiana, the state provides pathways for recognizing out-of-state credentials.
Out-of-state programs are a good option for those who started their teaching journey elsewhere or found a specialized program not offered in Indiana.
These programs must be accredited by a recognized body and approved by the state in which they are offered. Indiana participates in interstate agreements that allow teachers certified in other states to apply for an Indiana teaching license, provided they meet certain criteria.
Applicants may need to complete additional steps, such as:
- Passing Indiana’s required teacher certification exams.
- Completing specific coursework or professional development as per Indiana’s standards.
Non-US Graduate
For those who completed their teacher education and earned degrees outside the United States, Indiana offers a pathway to become licensed educators in the state.
Non-US graduates must have their credentials evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to ensure their education meets Indiana’s standards.
They must also complete additional coursework or assessments, such as Indiana’s required licensure exams.
English proficiency may be required, depending on the applicant’s background. Once these requirements are met, non-US graduates can apply for an Indiana teaching license and start their teaching careers.
Visiting Teacher
The Visiting Teacher license in Indiana is designed for educators from other countries who wish to teach in Indiana on a temporary basis.
This license is issued for teachers who hold valid teaching credentials in their home country and have been invited to teach in an Indiana school.
Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree and meet specific qualifications set by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
The Visiting Teacher license is valid for up to five years, with no possibility of extension. It provides an excellent opportunity for international teachers to gain experience in the U.S. education system.
Workplace Specialist
The Workplace Specialist license in Indiana is designed for professionals who have significant expertise in a specific career field and wish to teach career and technical education (CTE) courses.
To qualify, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 4,000 hours of related work experience in their industry.
This license allows individuals with specialized skills, such as in business, healthcare, or technology, to teach students in high school CTE programs.
The Workplace Specialist license is an excellent option for those looking to share their industry knowledge with the next generation of professionals.
Transition to Teaching Permit Requirements in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) issues teaching certificates to prospective educators in the state.
For individuals who have not completed a college or university teacher preparation program, applying for a Transition to Teaching Permit is the next step.
To be eligible for this permit, applicants must meet one of the following IDOE-approved admission criteria based on the grade level or subject area they wish to teach:
Elementary Education Requirements (K-6)
You must have one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale, plus five (5) years of relevant professional experience;
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and proof of passing state-approved content area examinations in the subject area.
P-12 Education Requirements (P-12)
One of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and the degree corresponds to the subject area in which the applicant seeks licensure
- A graduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the subject area or related field in which the applicant seeks to teach
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale, and the degree corresponds to the subject area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed, plus five (5) years of relevant professional experience
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and proof of passing state-approved content area examinations in the subject area.
Secondary Education Requirements (5-12)
One of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and the degree corresponds to the subject area in which the applicant seeks licensure
- A graduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the subject area or related field in which the applicant seeks to teach
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale, and the degree corresponds to the subject area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed, plus five (5) years of relevant professional experience
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and proof of passing state-approved content area examinations in the subject area.
Once eligibility is met, applicants must enroll in an IDOE-approved Transition to Teaching teacher preparation program, such as Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow. This program provides the coursework and field experience required to obtain licensure.
Transition to Teaching Program Admission: Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow
To be admitted to the Transition to Teaching program in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, with official transcripts provided.
- Complete the Indiana Teachers application and successfully complete the interview process.
- Meet one of the eligibility requirements listed earlier in the Transition to Teaching Permit section.
Once you receive your official Indiana Teachers Letter of Acceptance, it’s time to take the next steps toward becoming a teacher:
- Begin actively seeking and pursuing teaching positions. Indiana is facing a significant teacher shortage, so early action will give you the best chance of securing a job. Engage with schools, network, and take steps to position yourself as an ideal candidate. Indiana Teachers provides many resources to assist you with interview preparation.
- Collaborate with your Indiana Teachers advisors, who will guide you in positioning yourself for success in the classroom and the job market.
- Start participating in Classroom Readiness Training and Field-Based Experiences. These will ensure that you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively in your own classroom.
- Complete Required Certifications ( CPR/AED/Heimlich and Suicide Prevention certification) and provide documentation to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
Once your certifications are in place, you’ll need to apply for your Transition to Teaching Permit.
Here’s how to go about it:
- Secure an offer letter from a school district in Indiana.
- Receive your official Letter of Eligibility from Indiana Teachers.
- Provide your official college or university transcripts to complete the application process.
- Apply for Your Permit via IDOE. Log into your IDOE LVIS portal to officially apply for your Transition to Teaching Permit.
- Pay licensure fees, including $35 application evaluation fee and a $35 license issuance fee
Salary Expectations & Job Outlook for Teachers in Indiana
Teaching in Indiana can be a rewarding career, both financially and personally. Teachers in Indiana typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, though this can go higher depending on your experience, education, and the school district you work in.
In addition to their salary, teachers receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off during the holidays.
There is a high demand for teachers, especially in STEM subjects. Many schools are actively looking for qualified teachers, which means there are plenty of job opportunities.
Because of the teacher shortage, school districts are offering competitive salaries and extra incentives like professional development and retention bonuses to attract teachers.
Being a teacher in Indiana is a stable career with chances to grow professionally.
Start Your Teaching Career in Indiana!
Once you receive your Transition to Teaching Permit, you’ll begin working towards earning your Practitioner License. For the next two years, you’ll teach under the T2T Permit while completing the necessary requirements during your Internship Year (your first year of teaching).
Here are the steps you’ll follow:
- Complete all Phase II: Excellence in Teaching and Learning content from Indiana Teachers.
- Achieve a passing score on the required Content Exam and Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam for your grade level.
- Successfully teach for two years on your T2T Permit.
- Receive positive recommendations from your Building Level Administrator and Field Supervisor at the end of your Internship Year.
- Present your Letter of Completion from Indiana Teachers and your transcript of completed coursework to the IDOE for recommendation for your Indiana Practitioner License.
At Indiana Teachers, we know the path to becoming a licensed educator can feel overwhelming. That’s why our program is designed to provide a clear, flexible, and affordable route to your teaching career.
Start today, and soon, you’ll be inspiring the next generation of learners. Become an Indiana teacher now.
