Become
a Teacher
It’s time to be the teacher you’ve always
wanted to be. Apply today and
begin your journey to the classroom.
How to
Become a Teacher
To embark on a teaching career, you’ll need to obtain state certification. There are four major steps in the certification process.
- Meet the state’s educational background requirements, as well as those for a state-approved educator preparation program
- Complete an education program, likely including a teaching residency
- Pass your state’s required exams for your desired teaching position
- Apply for your certificate and participate in a background check
Teachers Come from All Backgrounds
Career
Switchers
Switchers
Substitute Teachers
& Paraprofessionals
& Paraprofessionals
College
Students
Students
Education
Majors
Majors
Career
Switchers
Switchers
- Many individuals become teachers after working in completely different fields.
- Whether you’re responding to the nationwide shortage of teachers and want to help or have always wanted to be a teacher but put it off, becoming a teacher is still possible for you.
- Enjoy summers off and, if you have children, calibrate your working day to your children’s school schedules.
Substitute Teachers
& Paraprofessionals
& Paraprofessionals
- Those already working in K-12 schools typically enjoy a guaranteed teaching position once they complete the necessary training.
- If you are already dedicated to K-12 education, why not take the next step to become a licensed teacher in your state?
College
Students
Students
It is hard to know exactly what you want to do right out of college. Through alternative certification, teaching in a K-12 classroom is possible even without a degree in education. You can teach the subject you majored in, while enjoying the flexibility of a teaching career.
Education
Majors
Majors
Some people know right away that teaching is right for them. If you have already graduated with a teaching degree, find out what tests and other requirements are necessary to start teaching in the classroom.
Why Become a Teacher?
There are so many great reasons to teach.
Make a
Difference
Job
Security
Creative
Outlet
Summers Off &
Paid Holiday Breaks
Lifelong
Learning
No Day
is the Same
Routes to Becoming a Teacher
There are three main pathways that you can explore.
Alternative Teacher Certification
Enroll in an alternative teacher certification program
- This route can take 12-18 months, most of which will be spent in a teaching residency with full pay and benefits. Check with your state’s Department of Education to see if alternative certification programs are approved.
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject to enroll in an alternative teacher certification program.
- Most programs allow candidates to start teaching in the classroom with full pay once initial requirements are met.
- The average cost of an alternative teacher certification program is $4,949*.
Traditional Certification
Earn a bachelor’s degree in education
- This route usually takes 4-5 years and you would graduate with an undergraduate degree to teach in a K-12 setting.
- You will still need to complete student teaching and pass state-required certification tests.
- The average cost of a public 4-year university with in-state tuition is $25,707 per year for an average total cost of $98,828.
Master’s Program
Earn a master’s degree in education
- This route is open to four-year college graduates and takes 2 years, depending on the program chosen.
- You will still need to complete student teaching and pass state-required certification tests.
Where Can Teachers Work?
