Teaching certification<\/a> is the official recognition by a state of an individual who has met all the necessary requirements to work as a certified teacher in the state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt signifies that the teacher possesses the essential knowledge, skills, and accepted professional ethics to effectively educate and support students.<\/span><\/p>\nIn many states, the terms <\/span>“teaching certification”<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>“teaching license”<\/span><\/i> are used interchangeably, and refer to the same thing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey both serve as evidence that an individual has met the established criteria to teach in a particular state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe purpose of teaching certification is to ensure the quality and competence of educators in the classroom. Certification programs have established rigorous standards to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to meet student needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The requirements for teaching certification vary from state to state, but they commonly involve the following requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution<\/span><\/li>\n
- Completion of an approved teacher preparation program\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pass standardized tests, such as the Praxis exams<\/span><\/li>\n
- Undergo a criminal background check\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hands-on classroom experience through a practicum or a student teaching placement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Aspiring teachers should pursue their teaching certification once they have completed their bachelor’s degree and have a clear goal of becoming a teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBenefits of a Teaching Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n
Obtaining a teaching certificate or certification offers numerous benefits that enhance your career opportunities and professional growth:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Employment in other states:<\/b> Having a teaching certification allows you to apply for teaching positions in any state, provided you meet the other job requirements as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Professionalism: <\/b>It demonstrates your commitment to meeting the standards and expectations set by the education system and your dedication to the teaching profession.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Qualifications:<\/b> A teaching certification validates your educational qualifications, and teaching skills, and gives you credibility as a qualified educator.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Confidence in the classroom:<\/b> Knowing that you are certified to teach in your state affirms your ability to meet the educational needs of your students.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Potential for higher pay:<\/b> In some schools and school districts, certified teachers receive higher salaries or additional financial incentives compared to non-certified teachers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Public school employment:<\/b> In the public school system, certification is a mandatory requirement for obtaining teaching positions<\/span><\/li>\n
- Career advancement:<\/b> With a valid certification, you may be eligible for promotions, leadership roles, and specialized teaching positions within your school or district.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Teaching Without Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n
Someone may consider a teaching position without certification for many reasons. For example, financial constraints, challenges in gaining acceptance to a teaching degree program, or a need to launch right into the workforce.<\/span><\/p>\nTeaching without certification restricts non-certified educators from teaching in the public school system. Therefore, if you are not a non-certified, licensed teacher in your state, you will not be eligible to teach in public schools.<\/span><\/p>\nThere are alternative avenues however where you can still get non-certified substitute teacher jobs.<\/span><\/p>\nAdjunct Professor<\/b><\/h3>\n
Adjunct professors are part-time faculty members at colleges and universities who often possess expertise in a specific field such as music or foreign languages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey teach courses at the postsecondary level while not being required to hold a full teaching certificate or certification.<\/span><\/p>\nThe main job responsibilities of an adjunct professor include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Teaching assigned courses or classes within their area of expertise<\/span><\/li>\n
- Developing the syllabus, lesson plans, and course materials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Conducting lectures, seminars, or discussions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Assigning and grading assignments, exams, and papers.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Providing guidance and support to students.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Holding office hours to assist students with questions and concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collaborating with other faculty members and attending departmental meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Online Instructor<\/b><\/h3>\n
With the growth of online education, there are opportunities to teach as an online instructor or virtual teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThese roles involve delivering online classes in various subjects or other technical education programs in specialized areas.<\/span><\/p>\nThe key roles of online instructors include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Designing and developing online courses or instructional materials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Delivering presentations or video lessons through online platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Facilitating discussions and interactive activities with students.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Monitoring and assessing student progress and performance.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Providing feedback and guidance on assignments and projects.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Responding to student inquiries and providing academic support.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Corporate Trainer<\/b><\/h3>\n
Corporate trainers work in organizations and businesses to deliver training programs and educational workshops to employees. They help enhance professional skills in areas relevant to the job and the organization’s goals.<\/span><\/p>\nTheir roles include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Identifying training needs and designing training programs.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Developing training materials, presentations, or e-learning modules.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Delivering training sessions or workshops to employees.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Conducting assessments or evaluations of training effectiveness.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Providing coaching and guidance to employees.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collaborating with subject matter experts or department managers.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Customizing training programs based on specific organizational goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Adult Education Instructor<\/b><\/h3>\n
Adult education instructors work with adult learners in community colleges, vocational schools, or adult education centers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey provide instruction and support to adults seeking to improve their academic skills or learn new subjects.<\/span><\/p>\nThe responsibilities of a teaching position as an adult education instructor include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Developing and delivering instruction that meets the needs of adult learners.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Creating lesson plans and instructional materials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Providing a supportive learning environment.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Assessing and evaluating adult learners’ progress and performance.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Offering individualized guidance and feedback.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Facilitating discussions and promoting active participation.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Incorporating real-life examples and practical applications into teaching.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Incorporating technology or other instructional tools as appropriate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Private School Teacher<\/b><\/h3>\n
Private schools usually have their own requirements for hiring teachers. Although they still highly value certification, some private schools may still hire qualified individuals without certification based on their job qualifications, experience, and expertise in another profession or particular subject area.<\/span><\/p>\nPrivate school teachers have similar responsibilities to public school teachers. However, they vary based on the school’s specific mission or educational approach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTheir roles include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Teaching assigned subjects or grade levels.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Developing lesson plans and instructional materials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Conducting classes and delivering lectures.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Assessing student performance.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collaborating with other teachers or staff members.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Communicating with parents or guardians about student progress.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Participating in school activities and events.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Adhering to the school’s values, policies, and procedures.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Contributing to the school’s community and culture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Teacher Certification Types<\/b><\/h2>\n
There are various types of teacher certifications. Let\u2019s look at each briefly.<\/span><\/p>\nEarly Childhood Education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Early Childhood Education certification prepares teachers to work with young children, from birth to around 8 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe certification focuses on child development and creating a nurturing learning environment to foster a love of learning in young children.<\/span><\/p>\nEarly Childhood Special Education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Early Childhood Special Education certification equips teachers with the knowledge to work with children who have developmental delays, disabilities, or special needs.<\/span><\/p>\nThis certification combines early childhood education and special education to support the unique learning needs of these children.<\/span><\/p>\nElementary Education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Elementary Education certification qualifies teachers to teach multiple subjects to students in elementary school from grades K-6 or K-8.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTeachers with this certification cover subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts, and provide a foundation for students’ academic growth.<\/span><\/p>\nSecondary Education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Secondary Education certification enables teachers to specialize in specific subject areas and teach at the middle school or high school level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTeachers can focus on a particular subject, such as mathematics, English, science, history, or foreign languages, and work with students in grades 6\u201312.<\/span><\/p>\nAmerican Sign Language<\/b><\/h3>\n
American Sign Language (ASL) certification prepares teachers to teach ASL as a second language to students who are deaf or hard of hearing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTeachers with this certification work at different educational levels to give instruction and help students develop their communication skills in ASL.<\/span><\/p>\nArt Teacher<\/b><\/h3>\n
Art Teacher certification allows teachers to specialize in teaching visual arts to students at various grade levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey develop students’ artistic abilities, introduce them to different art techniques and materials, and foster creativity and self-expression.<\/span><\/p>\nEnglish as a Second Language (ESL)<\/b><\/h3>\n
ESL certification equips teachers to work with students who are non-native English speakers and help them develop proficiency in the English language.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nESL teachers use specialized instructional strategies to support language and cultural integration.<\/span><\/p>\nForeign Language\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
Foreign Language certification allows teachers to teach languages other than English to students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey focus on teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in the target language while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.<\/span><\/p>\nSpecial Education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Special Education certification prepares teachers to work with students who have disabilities or exceptional learning needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey develop specialized instructional plans, adapt teaching strategies, and provide individualized support to help students achieve their educational goals.<\/span><\/p>\nSteps to Getting a Teacher Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n
To become a certified teacher, there is a path that aspiring educators follow. Next, we look at the steps involved in obtaining a teaching certificate<\/span><\/p>\n1. Get your bachelor’s degree<\/b><\/h3>\n
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a specific subject area that you wish to teach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis degree provides students with a foundation in pedagogy, subject knowledge, and educational theories.<\/span><\/p>\n2. Complete a teacher preparation program.<\/b><\/h3>\n
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you\u2019ll need to enroll in a teacher preparation program.<\/span><\/p>\nThis program can be completed at a university, college, or university or alternative certification program. It includes coursework focused on teaching methods, classroom management, curriculum development, and educational psychology.<\/span><\/p>\n3. Do some student teaching.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
As part of the teacher preparation program, you will engage in a student teaching experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis involves working alongside an experienced teacher in a classroom setting, allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned and gain hands-on teaching experience.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Take your state’s required licensing exam.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Most states require prospective teachers to pass a licensing exam, such as the Praxis series or a state-specific exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThese exams assess your knowledge in various subject areas like pedagogy, subject-specific content, and teaching practices. Passing the exam is crucial for you to earn your teaching certification.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Apply for certification.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Once you’ve completed the necessary education and passed the licensing exam, you can apply for a teaching certificate through your state’s education department or relevant licensing authority.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe application process involves submitting an application, providing documentation of your qualifications, and paying any required fees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nUpon approval by the state board, you\u2019ll receive your teaching certificate and credentials certificate, officially the state teacher and board recognizing you as a certified teacher.<\/span><\/p>\nAlternative Teaching Certification Process<\/b><\/h2>\n
Aspiring educators interested in pursuing a teaching career but did not major in education as an undergraduate, can become certified teachers through alternative teaching certification.<\/span><\/p>\nAlternative certification refers to choosing another way of completing the teacher preparation coursework that would be taken in an education bachelor’s degree.<\/span><\/p>\nOne common form of alternative certification is enrolling in a graduate-level teacher preparation program while simultaneously working as a teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis path allows you to earn an advanced degree, such as a Master’s degree in Education, and fulfill the requirements for a teaching license simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\nThe benefits of alternative teaching certification include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- More flexible schedules and options for working professionals or career changers\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Accelerated timeline leading to a faster entry into the teaching profession.<\/span><\/li>\n