The length of time it takes to get a teaching certificate is unique, based on your test scores and transcripts. Student teaching experience and an internship is also an essential part of certification. Once an aspirant gets admitted into an educator preparation program, certification plans are prepared. These are based on an evaluation of transcripts. Candidates complete the program within 1-2 years generally. Certification plans, on the other hand, are valid for three years. After this, certification plans must be renewed.
Teaching Programs
Teacher preparation programs require a blend of exams, internship and coursework to prepare you for a career in education. The conventional route to teacher certification requires aspirants to apply to a 4-year teacher education program at accredited universities/colleges. For preparation, help and resources are available at Teacher Builder, a unique repository of information and up-to-date certification programs.
Typical teacher education programs don’t stand a chance against quality online teacher certification programs such as Teacher Builder. For each state, a particular battery of criterion-referenced tests like TExES (for Texas) and Praxis Core for other states or even SAT and ACT for South Carolina and Maryland must be passed. Teacher education programs may take 4 years to complete after which certification plans are prepared for a three year period. During this plan period, the teacher must obtain a Standard Certification within 1-2 years. Learn how to get certified to teach in Texas.
This certification is renewable every 5 years based on completion of 150 hours of teaching. For meeting the certification requirement, the coursework, program requirements, disclosure of exam scores and relevant teaching experience must be completed. Teachers are licensed and regulated by states, once they meet training requirements.
Educational and Other Requirements
Minimum qualifications for teachers in the US is a Bachelor’s degree. Some accredited universities and institutions allow high school graduates to complete certification programs and bachelor’s degree programs simultaneously. Each state has requirements for granting teaching licenses. Background checks are an integral part of the screening too. Some states even require teachers to continue education up to a Master’s degree and even meet a certain GPA. Learn how to become a teacher in Texas.
Alternative Certification
College graduates can also choose an alternative path to teacher certification which requires professional experience and a one year teacher preparation certificate program. Additional classroom experience may be required in other states. Out-of-State certifications are also provided for teachers from other states looking to teach in any US state, provided their credentials are satisfactory post a review by the TEA/Teacher Education Agency. All in all, the process takes a couple of years at most for obtaining a teaching certificate in the US.
