How To Get a Teacher Certification or Degree

Congratulations on your decision to become a teacher.  Teaching is a very rewarding profession that needs dedicated and passionate individuals like you.  Now that you have decided to become a teacher, what do you need to do to get a certification or degree?   

1. Check with your state Board of Education.  Every state has different rules to become a teacher.  Some require a degree in education, while others will accept people who have taken some education classes or have a degree in other fields.  Every state's Board of Education has a website that lists the requirements to get a teacher's degree or certification.  

2. Look for an alternative licensure option.  Many states offer alternative licensure options to help you switch from a current career into education.  The alternative licensure route may not require you to have a degree in education, but instead help you make the transition from a four-year degree in a subject area that is short on teachers.  Check with your state Board of Education to see if such a program exists in your area and how to go about getting an alternative certification.  
3. Enroll in a degree program for teachers.  Accredited colleges of education know the requirements for teaching certification in every state.  When you find the right degree program at the college of your choice, spend time going over those requirements with your faculty advisor to make sure you are on the right track.  
4. Take classes to fulfill the requirements.  While taking education courses will be on the top of your list, be sure to take the other classes that might be needed to become a teacher.  With the No Child Left Behind Act in place, many states now require secondary level educators to take classes in the subjects they wish to teach at a junior high or high school level.  While taking the education classes will get you a degree, it may not be enough to get you a teaching position.  
5. Find out if a basic skills test is required.  Some states require students to take a Praxis test or a different basic skills test in order to become fully certified as a teacher.  If your state does require this test, you can take prep classes or get workbooks and guides at your local bookstore to help you study.  There are also online resources for those tests and practice tests to prepare you for the real thing.  
6. Check requirements in other states, too.  If you are thinking about moving after graduation or can leave your area to find the perfect teaching position, you may want to consider checking out the other states' Board of Education websites for their requirements.  Otherwise, you may have problems switching your certification to a different state if you have not met all of their requirements.