Educating is an esteemed calling. Gaining a teaching certificate can lead to a satisfying career. Teacher certificate programs provide K-12 educators with the qualifications needed to teach in an elementary, middle or high school classroom setting. College teachers or professors require even more education (at least a master’s degree), usually a PhD.
There are 2 paths to a teaching certificate. One is a traditional path (degree in education) and the other is an alternative path (degree in a specific subject). However, both traditional and alternative route certificates require multiple steps to complete. Take a look at the steps you’ll need to complete to become a certified teacher.
2 Types of Teaching Certificate Programs
There are two different teacher certificate programs available, including traditional certificate programs and alternative route certificates. Potential teachers need to understand the differences between them before choosing one.
Alternative Route Certificates
Alternative route certificates are becoming an increasingly popular option to traditional teaching programs. These certificates allow individuals with a degree in another field, such as science or the arts, to get their teaching license without having to gain another degree.
Alternative certificate programs typically involve completing coursework and passing exams to get the necessary qualifications for a teaching license. The courses and tests you must take will depend on your chosen specialization. Alternative route is perfect for someone looking for a career change.
Traditional Route Programs
The traditional route to teacher certificate typically entails a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university. Your respective state board must sponsor your degree for higher-level certification. Depending on your area of study, your education certification might also require a master’s degree, but that varies by state and subject area.
A traditional route program will consist of education coursework that will cover theories, practices, and pedagogy. Your other courses will focus on your certificate area, such as English or math. A traditional program is ideal for those who are just entering college.
6 Steps to Teaching
There are many benefits to teaching, such as student loan forgiveness and summers off, so it’s an exciting field to enter. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to become certified.
1. Choose a Subject Area and Grade Level
The first step to becoming a teacher is to decide what and who you want to teach. You’ll want to select a program that focuses on your area of interest and meets your state’s requirements for a teacher certificate. In most cases, alternative route requires sixty credits, while a traditional route program will require a full bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind, many subject areas such as special education, math or science are more in demand than others, so choose wisely.
2. Select Your Teacher Certificate Type
Next, you’ll need to select your certificate. Do you want to go alternate route or would you prefer to follow through on a traditional certificate? Remember that both routes require coursework, student teaching, and testing, so one won't be more or less work than the other.
3. Acquire the Necessary Education
Once you’ve chosen your certificate type, you’ll need to complete the requisite schooling. If you want to pursue the traditional route, you’ll need to find a college that offers teaching degrees. However, if you want to go the alternative route to teaching, any accredited university that offers coursework in your content specialty will do. You'll also need to take any necessary certificate exams as required by your state.
4. Complete Student Teaching
All teacher candidates must complete a student teaching assignment. This assignment typically comprises a semester or year-long post in one of your local private or public school districts. During your assignment, you’ll have a teacher mentor, but you’ll be largely on your own. Your student teaching experience will be your first real-world look at life as a teacher.
5. Apply for Certificate
After you complete your student teaching, required tests, and get your degree, the last step is to apply for your certificate. You’ll find all the information you need to apply on your state’s Department of Education website. Your advisor will also be able to help if you’re having trouble.
6. Find a Job Teaching
Your certificate will give you the ability to apply for jobs in your field. You can look at job boards, ask around about open positions, or check your state’s website for openings. If you’re struggling to find openings in your area, you could also look into long-term substitute positions. Once you’re hired, you'll need to complete a background check. In addition, alternative route teachers will enroll in their final courses to gain their standard certificate.
Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it’s also one that requires a lot of work. Typically teachers are passionate about wanted to help teach the next generation and are willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal. If you follow the steps outlined here, you’ll be on the road to your certification in no time.
