Check your current teaching certificate or license for its exact expiration date. Depending on the state, you will need to allow three to six months for your renewal or application for an additional teaching field to be processed.
Contact your state's Board of Education to find out what is needed to renew your certificate or to add another area to your certificate or license. You will need to earn any needed college credit, in-service points or professional development points well before you renew or update your certificate.
Contact any college you have attended since your last certificate or license renewal. Order transcripts showing the classes you have taken so the hours you have obtained during that time will count toward your renewal or additional subject listing. Contact your district office to obtain transcripts for any professional development or in-service points.
Obtain an application for renewal or a form for addition of another field from your state's Department of Education. Your district office may also have these forms.
Complete the application form, include the necessary fees, attach your transcripts and send to your state's Department of Education or licensing agency.
Turn in a copy of your new certificate or license to your district office. Most districts will not allow you to teach without a current certificate.