Certificate Requirements for Teaching

Although often overlooked and under appreciated, teachers have one of the most important professions. A teacher has the ability to shape a student's mind and change a person's life at any given moment. Teachers can impart knowledge to those who become the future pillars of our society. There are numerous routes to becoming a teacher. Additionally, there are many variations of this career that include traditional and non-traditional teaching opportunities. Nonetheless, to be a teacher, one must acquire the necessary education, training and certification in a particular field.

Traditional Vs. Non-Traditional Teacher

There are many types of teachers. Teaching professions cover most core subject areas and are trained to teach students from pre-K through adulthood. Traditional classroom teachers are those who teach in public or private institutions worldwide. Non-traditional teachers are those who teach in virtual classrooms (online) or teach specific skill sets such as trades or fine arts instruction. No matter what type of teacher you are--traditional or non-traditional--there are often certification requirements.

Certification by State

Each state has specific certification requirements for teachers. Also, each type of teacher may require a special kind of certification. For example, music teachers have different performance requirements to obtain certification, while math teachers can obtain certification through coursework and state teacher exams. Non-traditional teachers, such as home school teachers and professional tutors, also have a separate set of guidelines to follow. Check with your state for additional information on teaching requirements.

Practicum Experience

Specific requirements for certification also include practicum or student-teaching experience. This includes shadowing a practicing subject-area teacher in action. Usually arranged through the university, student teachers observe their mentor teacher for a string of classes. For an entire semester, the teacher candidate is given control over the mentor teacher's classroom. After the semester has ended, the teacher candidate is evaluated on a variety of factors, such as classroom management, delivery and curriculum planning. This practicum experience places the candidate one step closer to teacher certification.

Licensure Exams

A teacher must take and pass a state-issued teacher-certification exam to get a license. Most states use the Praxis Series--a battery of tests that assess teacher readiness in both the chosen subject area and general education matters. The test is taken in two sections and may be retaken if the teacher candidate does not receive a passing score. There are a few states that offer their own licensure exams, such as New York and California. These exams are tailored to the state's specific curriculum standards and practices.

Preparation

In kindergarten through 12th-grade education, there is no limit to the type of certifications that teachers are allowed to get. An English teacher can become certified as a math or PE teacher later in his or her career. However, knowing the subject matter--which is enforced with the proper coursework--will assist in preparing the teacher to obtain certification. Education courses and core courses in educational pedagogy are essential during the teacher certification process. Reading as many content-specific and general education texts also is advised. Research-based literature will help the teacher to do well on certification exams. Another suggestion is to get a teacher-mentor. A mentor can help guide the teacher in the right direction and provide necessary guidance for obtaining a certification.

Putting the Certification to Work

Many undergraduate programs offer teacher certification before graduation. However, if you are in an alternate teacher program and have work experience, you may be able to teach full time while obtaining certification. Once a teacher if fully certified, she should make copies of her credentials and present them to potential employers. Although many schools are willing to hire a teacher without the certification, having the necessary requirements makes the candidate more marketable--particularly in specified programs such as International Baccalaureate or Gifted and Talented. Also, certifications come in handy for other teacher-related opportunities within the education field.

Certification Renewal

In most states--international as well--certification renewal is a requirement to maintain the teaching position. Renewing the certification requires the teacher to continue professional development through coursework, teacher workshops or additional licensing exams. For example, if a teacher possesses a bachelor's degree, coursework in a master's program may count toward certification renewal. Teacher candidates should check the individual teacher requirements of their state to obtain specific guidelines on certification renewal. On average, teachers must renew certification every three years.

Resources

• State Departments of Education Directory