According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, all states require at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to qualify for teacher certification or licensure. In addition, qualifications for a traditional teacher's certificate require completing a state-approved teacher training program, including courses designed to prepare teachers to plan, manage and instruct students in a classroom setting. Today, teacher training programs are required to include courses in using computers and other technologies in the classroom.
All states require the successful completion of a student teaching internship as part of an approved teacher training program.
Secondary school teachers must declare a major in their undergraduate studies as well as complete a teaching training program at an accredited college or university.
The alternate routes to teacher certification offered by most states could be attractive to aspiring technology teachers. Under certain certification guidelines, a candidate with appropriate experience in the private sector and who has earned at least a bachelor's degree could be eligible for initial, or provisional, teacher certification without having earned the required credits in a teacher training program.
These alternative certification programs are especially important in school districts that have difficultly filling teaching positions, such as in inner-city schools and remote rural schools, or in schools with a shortage of teachers in specific subjects such as math and science.
Depending upon the state, options for pursuing alternative routes for certification can mean filling a teaching position immediately while earning teacher education course credits outside of school hours. In this case, a candidate begins classroom teaching under the supervision of an experienced teacher or program supervisor.
Other options include spending a semester or two of full-time study towards fulfilling teacher education program requirements prior to accepting a teaching position. A student teaching internship will most likely be included in this program.
State-required tests have become a vital part of the certification process in most states. Exams almost always include testing for competency in basic skills such as reading and math. Other required tests measure knowledge and competency in the subject area in which a candidate has chosen to teach, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Check with your state for specific testing requirements and when and how testing will be conducted
In all states, application for teacher certification must go through a state's board of education. If you are pursuing an alternative route to certification, check with your state's board for specific guidelines. Your college or university may also be helpful here.