Here’s a basic outline of the steps to follow if you’re considering becoming a K–12 educator:
Understand the licensure requirements for the state in which you wish to teach. Simply contact the state’s board or department of education to learn about the specific rules and policies they have in place regarding teacher licensure and teacher certification.
Determine whether you wish to teach in an elementary or secondary school, and choose a specialization if you’d like to further focus your studies.
Choose a university from which to earn your degree, and make sure the teacher licensure preparation program you need is offered. Often, this is a Master of Arts in Teaching (also known as an MAT degree). If you’re earning your degree through a university’s online program, be sure to speak with an Enrollment Specialist—and your state’s department of education—to confirm that the teacher licensure preparation program is approved in your state. Also, ask if your state is a “license-in-hand” or “program completer” state to determine which tests you will ultimately take.
Review the university or degree program accreditation when selecting where to study. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation is a nationally recognized standard for excellence in education and is a strong indicator of quality.
Earn your master’s in teaching or a similar degree—yes, this is a big step, but necessary and worthwhile—so that you are eligible to sit for your state’s teacher licensure exam. Your state may require an institutional recommendation form, which, along with your transcripts, verifies that you have completed a teacher licensure preparation program.
Pass your state’s teacher certification exam and become a licensed educator.