Certification is the process by which a non-governmental agency or association grants special professional recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications to teach in that state. The requirements vary from state to state. Visit the Department of Education for the state in which you would like to teach. Many states have reciprocity agreements with a number of other states to allow for transfer of your certification.
Certification is required to teach in public schools.
There are schools will offer provisional or emergency certification to qualified persons in school districts or areas where there is a shortage of teaching professionals. If you are considering teaching as a career option, certification is definitely the best route. These schools are not regulated by the State Department and in many cases are willing to consider qualified candidates who are not certified. Generally the pay is less in the private schools and responsibilities are varied. Students with liberal arts background who have interests and skills in serving as sports coaches or advisors for student extracurricular activities are attractive candidates for these schools.