Though you might think that you can find work as a teacher immediately after graduating from a college education program, you must also meet all licensing requirements for teachers in your state. The United States Department of Education allows each state to create its own requirements, but there are a handful of steps that are the same or similar in most states.
College Degree
The first thing you should know about licensing requirements for teachers is that all states require that teachers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. This does not necessarily mean that you must complete an education program though. Those who major in chemistry or biology may qualify to work as high school science teachers, and those who work as writers may teach English or literature classes. If you have a college degree in a field other than education though, you will usually need to complete a state or national certification exam before you begin your teaching career.
Teacher Preparedness Programs
Several states now ask prospective teachers to complete a teacher preparedness program. Also known as teacher preparation programs, this programs show those teachers how to reward their students and how to better prepare for working in the classroom. According to the U.S. Department of Education, these programs help improve the performance of students and help states move away from traditional types of performance reporting. Though this isn’t one of the licensing requirements for teachers used by all states, some states require or encourage teachers to complete one before working in the field.
Background Check
States use background checks as one of the licensing requirements for teachers because they want to keep their students safe. Before working in a private or public school, you will usually need to pass a criminal background check before you can get your license. This requires that you stop by the police station in your area, sign a paper that shows you agree to the background check, show proof your identity via a valid photo ID and allow the officers to take your fingerprints. Though minor convictions shouldn’t harm you, felony charges like a DUI or assault will often stop you from getting a license.
Going Back to School
Earning a Master’s in Education may help you land a job in one of the top school districts in your state and help you increase your salary too. States know that teachers will an advanced degree have a better understanding of the subjects they teach and that they can do a better job of explaining those topics to students. That is why a number of states now require that teachers agree to go back to college in the near future. You may have five or even 10 years to work on your graduate degree after becoming a teacher.
Special Certifications
Though the licensing requirements for teachers do not include any special certifications, you might find it helpful to apply for one before or after accepting a new position. You can get your certification in almost any subject, including math, science, dance, health education, technology and special education. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an organization that offers a national certification examination for teachers too. This test certifies you to work in schools across the country.
Whether you want to work with younger children in elementary school or older kids in high school, you need your teaching license. Though states can design their own individual requirements, some of the more common licensing requirements for teachers include the passing of a criminal background check, a bachelor’s degree and the completion of a teacher preparation program.
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