Teaching Requirements by State

Requirements for K-12 teachers vary by state. Here's what you need to know about the degrees, exams, and practical training required to become a licensed teacher.

Across the U.S., states have unique requirements for becoming a certified teacher. Still, they share some qualifications. Teaching requirements by state differ depending on:

• Grade level (elementary, middle, high school)
• Subject matter (English, science, mathematics, social studies)
• Specializations (special education)

Public school teachers traditionally need to complete college coursework, take a certification exam, and provide references and comparable documentation to secure employment. Explore this helpful guide to discover the appropriate degree, major, and certifications for your needs.

What Is a Teaching License?

Teaching licenses, also called certificates or certifications depending on the state, provide legal permission to teach in public schools. Specific requirements differ according to your state, subject area, and grade level. Each state Department of Education, or a separate state department, regulates licensing for teachers.

Teachers must apply to the appropriate agency after completing state-approved educational programs. All states require a bachelor's degree, and some mandate additional coursework.

Aspiring educators can take multiple pathways to the profession. The two most common certificates are initial and professional licenses. First-year teachers can earn an initial license while completing certification exams. A professional license qualifies you to teach without supervision in a classroom.

Endorsements add a specialty to your teaching license. They provide recognition in a specific grade level or area of focus, such as mathematics, French, or theater.

Who Needs a Teaching License?

Public school teachers in preschool through 12th-grade classrooms need licensure. Unlicensed teachers may instruct students at private schools, where administrators set regulations independent of the state's authority. Depending on the institution, a private school may still follow the same state requirements as public schools and require certification.

Remember to check your state or private school requirements. Some require teachers who instruct children with disabilities to hold specific certifications.

Teachers working abroad do not need certification. College instructors, including tenure and adjunct lecturers, do not need licenses to teach. Proficiency in their subject area through advanced degrees usually suffices.

What Do You Need To Become a Teacher?

To become certified in every state, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Qualifying for licensure may require completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, a specific degree, and supervised fieldwork. Familiarize yourself with your state's licensing requirements, as teaching standards vary by state and can change due to new legislation.

Many states use Praxis exams to evaluate a teacher's subject proficiency and skills in math, reading, and writing. Teachers may need to take one or all three exams to receive licensure.

Applying for certification also may require additional coursework in your subject area. In Arizona, teachers in middle grades education take coursework in early adolescent psychology, instruction design and lesson planning, and teaching students with exceptionalities.

Elementary-level New Mexico teachers need to complete 30 credits in coursework, fieldwork in elementary education, six credits in reading education, and 24 credits in a specific teaching field.

Did You Know… Historical references of teacher licenses go back as far as Roman times.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Teacher

1. Earn a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited program.

To earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited program, students should pursue degrees that meet standards established by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Aspiring teachers can earn bachelor's degrees in education in subjects such as:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Secondary education
• Special education
• Educational leadership
• English as a second language

Additional areas of study include curriculum and design, educational technology, and education administration. These are commonly found at the graduate level. Even if you don't need a master's to become a teacher in these areas, holding an advanced degree in any area can serve as a springboard for career advancement when accompanied by teaching credentials.

A secondary education teacher should consider a degree in the subject they seek to teach. Science teachers, for example, can earn a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or physics while completing requisite education coursework. Another option for secondary teachers is a master's degree in education with a concentration in a specific subject.

2. Complete student teaching requirements.

Student teaching places aspiring teachers in real-world classrooms to apply what they have learned in their degrees. Individuals immerse themselves in school settings, working with teachers and students alike.

Student teachers develop lesson plans, instruct learners, and create assessments under the supervision of K-12 teachers and program mentors. Student teaching requirements generally span one semester, with the prospective teacher working full-time in their assigned classroom.

3. Pass your state's required exam for teacher certification or licensure.

If your state requires an exam for teacher certification or licensure, determine when you can take it.

The Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators is offered at thousands of testing centers around the country, with additional options to complete the exam at home. Similarly, students who need to take Praxis Subject Assessments in areas such as early childhood, elementary, and secondary education can do so at approved testing centers or at home. Each exam includes objective response questions and essay sections.

4. Apply for teacher certification or licensure in your state.

To apply for teacher certification or licensure in your state, determine the required documentation. At a minimum, most states need a completed application form, college transcripts, and a copy of requisite exam scores.

Additional requirements may include evidence of first aid and CPR training, a recommendation form, fingerprint and background check waivers, and a copy of your driver's license. Applying for certification or licensure is also accompanied by a fee.

5. Apply for teaching jobs.

As you look for teaching jobs, gather letters of recommendation, references, a resume, and examples of your classroom experience. Having a portfolio to supplement teaching demonstrations at interviews provides insight into your process and presentation.

Finding the right job requires you to network and research. Reaching out to colleagues, seeking guidance from mentors, and browsing job resources provided by professional organizations can lead you to open positions. Learning about specific school districts and demographics, performance, and funding also helps you understand more about what your future position could entail.

Can I Use My Teaching License in Another State?

If the state where you are seeking licensure offers a reciprocity agreement, then you can use your current teaching license to teach in that state. Some states, like Hawaii, offer full reciprocity with no additional requirements for out-of-state teachers.

Receiving a similar license in Hawaii simply requires completing an application with proof of your academic records and a criminal background check. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification facilitates teacher reciprocity across states.

However, states such as New York do not offer full reciprocity for any teaching license. Teachers looking to work in New York need a valid license and three years of experience to apply for a similar license.

Common Questions About Becoming a Teacher