Teaching English at the middle and secondary level requires a bachelors degree in all states. In addition, teachers must achieve proper licensure and certification to teach their desired grade. Requirements vary by state.
Some states will allow a teacher without certification to begin teaching after earning a bachelor's degree. They may be required to simultaneously meet the requirements for certification through continuing education coursework however.
Four-year colleges or universities require English teachers to hold a doctorate degree in English, although two-year colleges may hire teachers with only a master's degree in English. Requirements vary by institution.
While states allow teachers to begin teaching with a bachelor's degree, some states require teachers to earn their master's degrees after a certain number of years in the classroom. States with this requirement sometimes assist with continuing education costs.