Obtaining a teaching certificate is an important milestone for anyone passionate about making a difference in education. These certification programs equip K-12 teachers with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. On the other hand, for those aiming to teach at the college level, the requirements are different. Professors and instructors typically need advanced degrees, such as a master’s or PhD, to meet the rigorous expectations of higher education.
There are two main routes to earning a teaching certificate. The traditional path involves earning a degree in education, while the alternative path involves holding a degree in a specific subject area. Regardless of the route chosen, both pathways require completing several steps. Here’s a look at what you need to do 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
In order to obtain a teacher certificate through the traditional route, you would typically need a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited college or university. Higher-level certification requires sponsorship of your degree by your respective state board. It is worth noting that depending on your area of study, a master's degree might also be required for education certification, although this requirement varies by state and subject area.
A traditional route program consists of education coursework that covers theories, practices, and pedagogy, alongside subject-specific courses tailored to your certificate area, be it English or math. This type of program is particularly suitable for individuals who are just starting their college journey.
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.
