{"id":42521,"date":"2023-03-20T19:30:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T00:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=42521"},"modified":"2023-03-20T19:30:55","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T00:30:55","slug":"teaching-license-vs-teaching-credential","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/teaching-license-vs-teaching-credential\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching License vs. Teaching Credential: What\u2019s the Difference in 2023?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teachers play an important role in society. Their influence extends far beyond just the classroom because they help shape the future of their students and, in turn, society as a whole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One critical aspect of becoming a teacher is obtaining the proper credentials and licensure. These qualifications are necessary to demonstrate that you have met the standards and requirements set by your state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Educators may need clarification about the difference between teaching licenses and <\/span>teaching credential<\/b>s.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll explain these terms and look closely into the <\/span>requirements to become a teacher in the United States<\/b>. We\u2019ll especially focus on teaching licensure and teaching credentials.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"teaching<\/h2>\n

Difference Between a Teaching License and a Teaching Credential<\/b><\/h2>\n

The term credentials and teaching license is used interchangeably by many state departments of education and undergraduate teaching degree programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The term certified teacher means someone who has gone through the process to be authorized to teach in a public school.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some states exclusively use certification, not licensing to determine authorization. Others may sometimes grant teaching licenses in addition to having a teaching certification process.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other cases, a teaching license may be used to grant temporary authorization when the individual has experience but lacks the relevant degree or preparatory coursework.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Teaching License?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A teaching license is a legal certification that authorizes an individual to work as a teacher in a public school.<\/span><\/p>\n

A teaching license certifies an individual to teach a specific grade level range, for example, elementary, middle, or high school. It may also specify the subject areas in which the individual is certified to teach, such as math, science, or English.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a requirement in most states in the United States to obtain a teaching license before you can work as a teacher. Depending on the state, a <\/span>teaching license <\/b>may mean the same as a <\/span>teaching certificate.<\/b><\/p>\n

What is a Licensed Teacher?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A licensed teacher is an individual who has met the qualifications and requirements set by the state to obtain a teaching license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every public school and many private schools in the US require you to have a teaching license or certification, or both.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you obtain a teaching license, you\u2019re considered a <\/span>licensed teacher<\/b> and are authorized to teach in the subject area and grade level range specified on your license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a teaching license ensures that teachers meet the standards and requirements for knowledge, skills, and competencies to teach in their respective subject areas and grade levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of Teaching Licenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are several teaching licenses available, and they vary from state to state. Let\u2019s look at these teaching licenses and what they mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Temporary License for Teachers<\/b><\/h3>\n

A temporary license for teachers is a type of license that allows an individual to work as a teacher temporarily when there is an urgent need for additional teachers in a school or district.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Temporary licenses are often issued to individuals who are in the process of obtaining a standard teaching license but have not yet completed all the requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They may also be issued to individuals with experience in a related field seeking to transition into teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Provisional license for teachers<\/b><\/h3>\n

A provisional license for teachers is a temporary teaching license that allows individuals to teach while working towards meeting the standard teaching license requirements<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Provisional licenses are issued to educators who have completed a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed all of the requirements for a standard teaching license. i.e., completion of a teacher preparation program or passing a state-approved teaching exam,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Provisional licenses are often used to help address teacher shortages in certain subjects or regions, and expire after three years in some states.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Initial License for Teachers<\/b><\/h3>\n

An initial license for teachers is a teaching license issued to individuals who are new to the teaching profession and have completed the requirements to begin their teaching career. It is an entry-level teaching license for classroom teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The validity of the license varies from one state to the other. For instance, in <\/span>Alaska<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s valid for two years, and five in <\/span>New York state.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The requirements for obtaining an initial license can vary by state but generally include <\/span>completing a bachelor’s degree<\/b>, completing a state-approved <\/span>teacher preparation program<\/b>, and passing a state-approved teaching exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In some states, additional requirements, such as a criminal background check or completion of specific coursework, may be necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you obtain an initial license, you are authorized to teach in the subject area and grade level range specified on the license. During this time, you\u2019re expected to gain experience in the classroom and meet the requirements for a<\/span> professional teaching license.<\/b><\/p>\n

Professional License for Teachers<\/b><\/h3>\n

A professional license for teachers is a teaching license that is issued to experienced teachers who have completed several years of successful teaching and have demonstrated a high level of competence and commitment to the profession.<\/span><\/p>\n

The requirements for obtaining a professional license vary by state but generally include teaching for several months in a public school and completing state requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, in <\/span>Connecticut<\/span><\/a>, you must complete 30 months of successful teaching and <\/span>state-required coursewor<\/b>k to get a professional teaching license.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some states, a professional license may be required for certain teaching positions, such as teaching at the middle or high school level or in certain subject areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A professional license may also be required for advancement to certain administrative positions, such as principal or superintendent.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Teacher Certification?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A teaching certificate is an agreement with your state that you have fulfilled all standards and requirements to be a certified teacher in that state.<\/span><\/p>\n

The term<\/span> “certified teacher”<\/span><\/i> means a teacher who has gone through the process to be legally authorized to teach in a public school. You receive a certificate to teach, which also acts as a license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The certification process includes obtaining a bachelor\u2019s degree or completing specific coursework in your subject area. Earning a certificate through a bachelor\u2019s degree program is also known as the <\/span>traditional route.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You may also be required to meet other requirements such as passing exams, obtaining a certain amount of <\/span>classroom teaching experience<\/b>,a criminal background check or character references.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teacher Certification: Subject Areas and Grade Levels\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

As mentioned, teacher certification, also known as teacher licensure, is the credential that permits educators to instruct students at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the certification process, teachers earn a credential to teach a particular subject area or grade level.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elementary and Middle School Certification<\/b><\/h3>\n

Elementary and middle school certification is required for educators who want to become elementary and middle school teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>certification requirements for elementary and middle school teachers<\/b> vary depending on the state in which they wish to teach but generally include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n