[hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements for K-12 teachers vary by state but commonly include completing college coursework related to a teacher’s specialization or grade level, passing certification exams like Praxis exams, and engaging in practical training through student teaching experiences.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teacher licensure — issued by a state’s board of education — is required for public school teachers and may also be required for private school teachers, depending on the institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reciprocity agreements allow for the use of teaching licenses across different states, although some states (like California) have more stringent requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Across the U.S., states have unique requirements for becoming a certified teacher. Still, they share some of the same qualifications. Teaching requirements by state differ depending on three key factors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Grade level [/hen-ui-text](elementary, middle, or high school)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Subject area[/hen-ui-text] (English, science, mathematics, social studies, etc.)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Specializations[/hen-ui-text] (special education)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public school teachers traditionally need to [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-teaching/”]complete college coursework[/hen-ui-link], take a certification exam, and provide references and comparable documentation to secure employment. Explore this helpful guide to learn about the appropriate degree, major, and certifications for your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Who Needs a Teaching License?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teaching licenses, also called certificates or certifications, depending on the state, provide legal permission to teach in public schools. Public school teachers in preschool through 12th grade need licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlicensed teachers may instruct students at private schools where administrators set regulations independent of the state’s authority, but many private schools still follow the same state licensing requirements as public schools. College instructors, including tenured and adjunct professors, do not need licenses to teach.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each state has its own education department or a separate agency that regulates teacher licensing. Teachers must apply to the appropriate agency after completing state-approved educational programs. All states require a bachelor’s degree, and some mandate additional coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn How to Become a Certified Teacher in Your State[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get a Teaching License​: 5 Steps to Become a Teacher[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a teacher takes time and dedication. It involves earning a four-year degree, obtaining state licensure, and navigating several complex steps along the way. We’ve got you covered with a detailed breakdown of each step below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]At the Undergraduate Level: [/hen-ui-text]When earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, you should pursue degrees that meet standards established by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://caepnet.org/”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link]. You can earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]bachelor’s in education[/hen-ui-link] in specializations such as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-early-childhood-education/”]Early childhood education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Elementary education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Secondary education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Special education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English as a second language[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]At the Graduate Level:[/hen-ui-text] Areas of study commonly found at the graduate level include [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-curriculum-instruction/”]curriculum and design[/hen-ui-link], educational technology, and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-administration/”]education administration[/hen-ui-link]. Even if you don’t need a master’s to work in these areas, holding an advanced degree in any area can lead to career advancement when accompanied by teaching credentials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Secondary Teachers:[/hen-ui-text] Secondary education teachers should consider a degree in the subject they seek to teach. Science teachers, for example, can earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics while completing requisite education coursework. Another option for secondary teachers is a master’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in a specific subject.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Complete Student Teaching Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student teaching experiences place you in an actual classroom where you can apply what you have learned in your degree program. You’ll immerse yourself in school settings, working with teachers and students alike.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a student teacher, you’ll develop lesson plans, instruct learners, and create assessments under the supervision of K-12 teachers and program mentors. Student teaching requirements generally span one semester, working full time in your assigned classroom.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Pass Your State’s Required Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your state requires an exam for teacher certification or licensure, determine when you can take it. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/core/” target=”_blank”]Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators[/hen-ui-link] tests are offered at thousands of testing centers around the country, with additional options to complete the exam at home.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similarly, if you need to take a Praxis subject assessment in an area such as early childhood, elementary, or secondary education, you can do so at an approved testing center or at home. Each exam includes objective response questions and essay sections.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Apply for a Teaching License in Your State[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To apply for teacher certification or licensure in your state, first determine the specific documentation required by your state. Most states require a minimum of a completed application form, college transcripts, and a copy of requisite exam scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional requirements may include evidence of first aid and CPR training, a recommendation form, fingerprint and background check waivers, and a copy of your driver’s license. Applying for certification or licensure also involves a fee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Apply for Teaching Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you look for teaching jobs, gather letters of recommendation, references, a resume, and examples of your classroom experience. Having a portfolio to supplement teaching demonstrations at interviews provides insight into your process and presentation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the right job requires networking and research. Reaching out to colleagues, seeking guidance from mentors, and browsing job resources provided by professional organizations can lead you to open positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Can I Transfer a Teaching License to Another State?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In most cases, yes. The ability to transfer your teaching license ultimately depends on the reciprocity policy of the state to which you’re moving. Currently, 45 states offer full or limited reciprocity, while a few have more restrictive or no reciprocity policies at all.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ecs.org/teacher-license-reciprocity-state-profiles/” target=”_blank”]Education Commission of the States[/hen-ui-link] provides a comprehensive list of reciprocity policies by state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Limited or Partial Reciprocity[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The majority of states have policies in place to extend reciprocity for eligible teachers. In these states, fully licensed, experienced teachers may have to take some additional assessments, but licensing barriers are limited. Inexperienced teachers may have additional requirements and coursework to complete to demonstrate their knowledge to their new state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Full Reciprocity[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If the state where you are seeking licensure offers a full reciprocity agreement, then you can use your current teaching license to teach in that state. Eight states, including Florida and Arizona, offer full reciprocity with no additional requirements for out-of-state, fully licensed teachers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]States with full reciprocity usually only require completing an application with proof of your academic records and a criminal background check. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nasdtec.net/”]The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification[/hen-ui-link] (NASDTEC) facilitates teacher reciprocity across states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Strict or No Reciprocity[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lastly, several states, including New York and Wisconsin, are not NASDTEC participants, meaning they have no or very strict reciprocity policies. In these states, you’ll have to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass a state test, and complete additional coursework to receive a teaching license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, teachers looking to work in New York need a valid license, three years of prior experience, and certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to apply for a similar license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What happens when the teaching program endorses you for licensure​?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A program’s endorsement means that it formally recommends you to the state licensing board or department of education for licensure. For a formal endorsement, you must have completed the program’s required coursework and field experience and passed any assessments. You may still need to take a state-based licensing exam or meet additional requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After a program endorses you for licensure, you may earn additional subject or age-specific teaching endorsements. For example, you can earn additional endorsements when you complete the relevant graduate courses in a subject or area of expertise.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do you need a master’s degree to be a teacher?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, you do not need a master’s degree to teach in every state. Most states only require a bachelor’s degree. Some states, including New York, require teachers to earn a master’s degree within five years after getting hired.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other states, like Connecticut and Maryland, require teachers to eventually earn a master’s degree to advance to a professional license or certificate. If you choose to become a postsecondary or higher education instructor, you’ll need further education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the hardest state to become a teacher in?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York and California are known for stringent licensing requirements. To maintain an initial teaching license, New York teachers need to earn their master’s degree within five years after they begin teaching, while all California teachers need to complete 600 hours of clinical practice experience to get licensed.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I become a teacher even if I didn’t major in education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. You can pursue an alternative teacher certification program, even if you did not major in education or teaching. Research the requirements in your state to determine how you can apply without a teaching degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do you become a substitute teacher?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The requirements to become a substitute teacher vary by state, but you will typically need a high school diploma and, in most states, a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need a temporary teaching license, certificate, or permit, although you don’t usually need a full teaching license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For specific substitute teacher requirements, check with your [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts” target=”_blank”]state’s education department[/hen-ui-link] or your local school district.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1192,1291″][/hen-ui-article-row]