- A bachelor's degree in elementary education or a related field
- Student teaching or fieldwork
- Passing a teacher certification exam
- Completing coursework in specific subjects, such as math, science, social studies, and language arts
- A minimum GPA
- A clean background check
- A valid teaching certificate
In addition to these general requirements, some states may have additional requirements for teachers who want to teach specialized subjects, such as special education or English as a second language (ESL).
The specific steps to get certified to teach as a regular classroom teacher in the United States are as follows:
1. Choose a teacher preparation program.
You must first choose a teacher preparation program that is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or another recognized accrediting agency. These programs can be found at both public and private colleges and universities.
2. Complete your coursework.
The coursework for a teacher preparation program typically takes four years to complete. Some programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in three years or less. The coursework will cover a variety of topics, including child development, learning theory, curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management.
3. Student teach or complete fieldwork.
Student teaching or fieldwork is a required component of most teacher preparation programs. This experience allows you to work with students in a real-world classroom setting under the supervision of a certified teacher. Student teaching or fieldwork typically takes place during your senior year of college.
4. Pass the teacher certification exam.
All states require teachers to pass a teacher certification exam in order to be certified. The exam covers a variety of topics, including math, science, social studies, and language arts. The exam may also cover specific topics, such as special education or ESL.
5. Apply for a teaching certificate.
Once you have passed the teacher certification exam, you can apply for a teaching certificate in the state where you want to teach. The application process varies by state, but typically involves submitting your transcripts, test scores, and background check results.
6. Maintain your certification.
Teaching certificates typically expire after a certain number of years, but can be renewed by completing continuing education courses. The requirements for continuing education vary by state.