{"id":45999,"date":"2024-03-03T15:47:45","date_gmt":"2024-03-03T21:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=45999"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:29:35","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:29:35","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-delaware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Delaware in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teaching provides purpose in a world filled with hollow occupations performed solely to pay the bills. The career makes a positive and lasting impact on children\u2019s lives and enriches communities. Delaware appreciates its educators, paying teachers an <\/span>above-average salary,<\/span><\/a> and includes benefit packages with health insurance and retirement funds.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Delaware is not immune to the teaching shortage impacting the United States. In 2022, Delaware had <\/span>8,737<\/span><\/a> public school teachers. That is <\/span>500<\/span><\/a> fewer teachers than the state needs, <\/span>165<\/span><\/a> of which are in special education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Each state has its own rules and regulations for teaching licensing and certification, including education level and hours of classroom experience. Our guide will go through the Delaware process, including traditional and alternative pathways. We will also explore what skills an aspiring teacher needs to develop to have a rewarding and successful career.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Colleagues\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Teaching is an excellent career for people who want their work to have value and a positive societal impact. But like most vocations, it requires dedication and tenacity to face the litany of challenges. The educational landscape is full of tight budgets and loud opinions, and it requires creativity, emotional maturity, and excellent communication skills to navigate it all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But teaching is a stimulating career for those who enjoy variety and being kept on their toes. The profession also connects educators with the children of their community, their parents and guardians, and local leaders. It is a position of value that makes a positive difference where you live and beyond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dedicated teachers did not enter the profession for monetary gains. Nonetheless, Delaware does understand that educators have bills to pay like everyone else and are ranked 17<\/span>th<\/span> in the country for teacher pay. For comparison, the average teaching salary at the start of 2024 in <\/span>Delaware is $65,567, while in Colorado, it is $58,481<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teachers also receive generous vacation leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, family-friendly work hours, and high job security. Delaware also provides <\/span>loan forgiveness<\/span><\/a> opportunities for new educators who qualify.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Requirements for Teaching In Delaware<\/span><\/h2>\n

Delaware, like every US state, has its own licensing and certification system for educators. Traditionally, teaching requirements have been high and exclusive, making it difficult to enter the profession if a person\u2019s bachelor\u2019s degree was not in education. However, the teaching shortage has forced many states to rethink these rules and open alternative pathways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The process of becoming a teacher is also dependent on a person\u2019s goals, including grade and specialty. For instance, the requirements to become a special education teacher differ greatly from those of a high school science teacher. Also, some programs are only open if the candidate agrees to work in a critical needs school where the shortage has hit the hardest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As of the start of 2024, the <\/span>Delaware Department of Education (DOE)<\/span><\/a> has a traditional pathway to becoming a teacher and alternative pathways. As outlined below, the traditional pathway begins with obtaining a bachelor\u2019s degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n

All US states require teachers to hold a bachelor\u2019s degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer education-focused degrees that provide knowledge, skills, strategies, and tools in areas such as:<\/span><\/p>\n