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
Switchers
& Paraprofessionals
Students
Majors
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.
& 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?
Students
Majors
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 $4,399*.
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.
Could Alternative Teacher Certification
Be Right for You?
What is Alternative
Teacher Certification?
Alternative teacher certification programs allow people who have received their bachelor’s degrees in subject areas other than education to become a teacher. For example, if you have a mathematics degree and decide you want to teach math, this may be ideal.
Many career changers choose this option to avoid going back to school to obtain a degree in education. Instead, they can enroll in an alternative teacher certification program. This allows them to focus on the specialized courses needed to prepare them for teaching. There are high-quality programs available, like iteach, that hold the same level of accreditation as university education programs.
Where Can Teachers Work?
