{"id":44163,"date":"2023-08-31T14:57:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T19:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=44163"},"modified":"2023-08-31T14:57:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T19:57:00","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-idaho","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-idaho\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Idaho in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
Teaching in Idaho is a rewarding vocation, allowing you to positively impact the next generation. Working in one of the <\/span>fastest-growing states<\/span><\/a> in America, you’ll enjoy being part of a community creating new opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n The process of being a teacher varies, as each state has its own requirements. In 2022, Idaho had approximately <\/span>16,147<\/span><\/a> teachers. However, like many parts of the country, they are experiencing a <\/span>shortage<\/span><\/a> of educators, partly due to an accelerating population and early retirement during the pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho’s need for qualified educators makes it an excellent choice to pursue a teaching career. <\/span>In this guide, we’ve assembled all the steps and key information you need to know about teaching in Idaho.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Teaching is a dynamic and engaging career. But it is demanding, requiring a commitment beyond the standard 9-5, adaptability, excellent communication skills, creativity, and focus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teaching is a vocation that goes beyond the classroom. It requires interacting with the learners\u2019 parents or guardians, collaboration with other educators and staff, and engaging with fellow residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Those who teach often have a passion for spreading knowledge and making a positive impact in their communities. It’s a vocation, not a job motivated by monetary rewards. Yet, teachers often enjoy stable employment and extended periods of vacation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teacher salaries and benefits vary across the country. The average annual salary in Idaho for 2023 is <\/span>$54,232 whereas in Florida it\u2019s $51,230<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teaching requirements in the United States vary across the country and which education level you wish to work with: primary, <\/span>secondary<\/span><\/a>, or high school. However, even states with stringent requirements may have emergency teaching certificate options due to staffing shortages in a particular subject, education level, or community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho requires a bachelor’s degree to teach as do all US states. A degree in education is recommended, but Idaho does have avenues to obtain alternative teacher certification if a candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a different subject.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A bachelor’s degree in education should be from a program approved by the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) and the grade level you wish to teach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A bachelor’s degree in education fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and other skills to help you excel in a teaching career, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n Bachelor’s degrees that can lead to an education career in Idaho include:<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho requires candidates to complete an educator program to be <\/span>certified<\/span><\/a> to teach. The program’s purpose is to ensure teachers can meet the needs of the learners in a particular educational level or specialty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The SDE<\/span><\/a> provides a list of institutions that offer an accredited teacher preparation program.<\/span><\/p>\n Candidates who are educated out of state may still qualify, provided the program is accredited by the <\/span>Association of Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)<\/span><\/a> or the <\/span>Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Candidates requiring <\/span>alternative authorization<\/span><\/a> must follow the <\/span>guidance<\/span><\/a> provided by the SDE.<\/span><\/p>\n Examples of some of the endorsements and certificates provided by Idaho education preparation programs include:<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho’s teacher prepared programs require candidates to gain a minimum of six semesters or nine quarter credit hours of student teaching experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho’s non-traditional educator preparation programs require candidates to work for a minimum of <\/span>two years<\/span><\/a> under a mentor teacher in a teaching position at an Idaho district or charter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Gaining student teaching experience or a mentored teaching position ensures a candidate gains valuable feedback while practicing learned skills, such as classroom management and lesson planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho requires any adult who might have unsupervised contact with a student (K-12) at a school, including volunteers and teachers, to undergo a <\/span>background check<\/span><\/a> to ensure learner safety from abuse, neglect, and other potentially harmful behavior. The screening confirms you are the individual you claim to be and ensures you do not have a criminal record.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho background checks are through:<\/span><\/p>\n You must obtain an SED fingerprint card before visiting a police department or sheriff’s office to roll your fingerprints on the card and have Section II filled out, signed, and dated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teachers must get certified according to the certification process or licensure exam mandated by the state where they intend to work, as these requirements differ across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho teacher education certification requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n Consider Getting A Master’s Degree<\/span><\/p>\n Teachers in some states must obtain a master’s degree within five years of completing their initial degree. Currently, Idaho does not have this requirement. However, obtaining a master’s in teaching (MIT) in Idaho is an excellent way to get into education if you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education subject.<\/span><\/p>\n A master’s degree in education comes with other benefits, such as helping you stand out when applying for a position, potentially leading to a higher-paying salary, and opening the door to leadership opportunities within education, such as becoming a principal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Alternative pathways to teaching in Idaho are available through the state’s<\/span> non-traditional educator preparation programs.<\/span><\/a> Four institutions are approved for the program:<\/span> Another option is obtaining a master’s degree from one of the accredited Idaho universities.<\/span><\/p>\n In Iowa, alternative programs are often more affordable and flexible than traditional routes, allowing people with current jobs and families to learn as it fits into their schedule and at their own pace. In addition, much of the work can be done online, making it accessible no matter where you live in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n During your first three years in the classroom, you will also be required to complete the SDE approved two-year mentor program, which is the alternative to the student-teaching done for at least six semesters or nine quarter credit hours in the traditional route.<\/span><\/p>\n Getting hired as a teacher in Idaho first requires obtaining the necessary education, certification, and in-classroom experience. Once these obligations are met, you’re ready to start looking for a job in teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But before diving into the hiring pool, take some time to carefully consider the following elements to ensure you put your best foot forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Give your CV a good polish, ensuring you include the information most hiring schools in Idaho require from their teachers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Next, obtain some constructive feedback from individuals in your trusted network, such as university professors, mentors, and contacts within the industry. Use their advice to edit your CV accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n Once your CV has been edited and is ready to go, save it as a template. Before applying to an advertised position, tailor the template so it speaks to that specific role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Seek opportunities, such as volunteer work, to upgrade your skill set even if your only teaching experience is your student training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellent <\/span>teaching skills<\/span><\/a> to cultivate include:<\/span><\/p>\n Adaptability<\/b>: There is nothing routine about teaching even at schools that provide excellent structure. Learners are full of the unexpected, each with their own delights and challenges. In addition, the educational environment is always evolving.<\/span><\/p>\n Communication: <\/b>Making connections and being understood is essential in the classroom, collaborating with colleagues and reaching out to parents and guardians. An effective communicator also understands that listening is vital to being heard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Creativity<\/b>: Inventiveness and originality go beyond decorating a classroom. If a lesson isn’t connecting with learners, a good teacher must be able to come up with new and unique ways to bring the information to life. Creativity is also an essential problem-solving skill in classroom management and when collaborating with colleagues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Enthusiasm: <\/b>Learners can tell when their teacher lacks passion and interest in lessons and activities. A teacher must enthusiastically approach all aspects of the role to enhance classroom engagement and facilitate connections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Patience: <\/b>Educators must be masters of taking a big breath and keeping perspective in tense or challenging moments. The need for patience goes beyond interacting with learners, including while working with colleagues, administrators, school boards, parents, guardians, and other community members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Begin your job search in Idaho by looking through these top sites:<\/span><\/p>\n If there are districts you are interested in, try contacting them directly through email or by phone. There is always a chance they’re hiring, or they might be interested in keeping your CV on file so they can contact you when seeking applicants.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Networking is valuable in every profession, including teaching, providing valuable information, advocacy, support, and opportunities for collaboration. Seek out and join some professional organizations and make some connections by considering some of the following:<\/span><\/p>\nIs Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
State Requirements for Teaching In Idaho<\/span><\/h2>\n
Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Gain Student Teaching Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n
Pass a Background Check<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Get Certified<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Alternative Route To Teaching in Idaho<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Getting Hired as a Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n
Polish Your CV<\/span><\/h3>\n
Upgrade Your Skill Set<\/span><\/h3>\n
Begin Your Job Search<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Join a Professional Organization and Network<\/span><\/h3>\n
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