3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Utah

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Utah? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Utah.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Utah also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. As in most U.S. states, teacher education programs in Utah are comprised of a combination of curriculum and field experiences. Courses often include instruction on foundational knowledge, skills, and teaching methodology, as well as preparation in researching, creating, and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. Field experiences include classroom observation, student teaching, or internships.

Generally, an undergraduate degree is the minimum requirement for educators to become certified. Some specialty areas do require educators to complete a specific number of hours or courses. A full list of the requirements to add a license area of concentration to an existing teaching license is hosted on the Utah State Board of Education website.  A list of accredited teacher education programs in Utah can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

For initial licensure, applicants must pass the Praxis exams related to their certification area. A full list of the exams needed for the certification area is available on the website of ETS, which administers the Praxis examinations. Also, educators moving from a Level Step 1 certification to Level 2 must pass one Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test.

Initial Teaching Certifications

Utah has three license levels:

Several concentration areas can be added to your license based on the grade level you will be working with. If you already have a  teaching license from another state, you could be eligible to earn your Utah teaching credential through interstate reciprocity. Find out more about earning your Utah teaching certification at the Utah State Board of Education website.

Step 3: Submit a Utah Teaching Credential Application

In Utah, candidates for licensure must complete licensure application requirements through their teacher education programs. Candidates must follow up with their universities or colleges to ensure that their applications were sent to the USOE and that all information is correct. Applicants may qualify our online application process. Candidates should authenticate this information with their institutions. If you are eligible for the online procedure, you will be able to print out a copy of your new license immediately.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Kentucky

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Kentucky? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Kentucky.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Kentucky also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. In Kentucky, certification to teach elementary school (grades 1-6) requires courses in the subject areas taught in elementary school. Kentucky mandates that middle school (grades 5-9) teachers have a major in either English, math, social studies, or science, with a major being comparable to 30 semester hours of courses. Secondary school (grades 8-12) teachers must have a 30 semester-hour major in their major.

The state of Kentucky also requires supervised student teaching. Contact the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for additional information. Educator certification programs can be taken online or on-site. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Kentucky can be found on Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board webpage.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as in your subject area. The state of Kentucky uses the PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test)   for basic skills (required for entry into some teacher education programs), and both the Praxis II: Subject Exams and Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) exam for subject area expertise.

Kentucky issues three levels of licensure:

Rank III is the provisional certificate given to new educators with an undergraduate degree.

Rank II requires finishing a master’s degree or at least 32 semester hours of graduate credit.

Rank I require 60 semesters of graduate credit, which may include a  master’s degree.

Step 3: Submit a Kentucky Teaching Credential Application

Upon completing your education and testing requirements for teacher certification in Kentucky, you can apply. Here is the Application for Kentucky Certification form. Finish Section I and sign. The superintendent at the school where you did your student teaching experience must sign and complete Section II. The institution where you finished your teacher education program must fill out Section IV.  Mail your application to Division of Certification, Education Professional Standards Board, 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Vermont

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Vermont? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Vermont.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

An undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement for educators in all U.S. states, including Vermont. Educators in Vermont are required to complete an approved teacher education program from an accredited college or university. A list of approved teacher education programs can be found on the State of Vermont Agency of Education website

Some U.S. states also have undergraduate semester-hour requirements for educators seeking certification in specific specialty areas. Vermont does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information. Vermont requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching.

As in most U.S. states, in Vermont, teacher education programs are a combination of curriculum and field experiences. The courses often include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, teaching methodology, and preparing students to research, create and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences include observing classrooms, student teaching, or completing an internship.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

In Vermont, teachers must pass the relevant Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exams and Praxis II content exams. A full list of necessary exams by subject area can be found on the State of Vermont Agency of Education website.

Educators in Vermont begin with a Level I Professional Educator’s License, which is valid for three years and may be renewed. Educators are eligible for a Level II Professional Educator’s License, renewable every five years, once they have: taught for three years; finished three credits or 45 hours of professional development; completed a self-assessment pertaining to the Core Teaching Standards and Progressions or the Core Leadership Standards; and sent documentation of any  licenses or credentials required. You may be able to earn your Vermont teaching credential through interstate reciprocity if you already have a  teaching license or credential from another state.

Step 3: Submit a Vermont Teaching Credential Application

After the completion of all education, experience, and testing requirements, candidates are ready to send their certification applications to the DOE. The first step toward certification is to complete the certification application form. The candidate should send completed application packets to the DOE. License applications take eight to 12 weeks to process, so candidates should attempt to complete their packets as soon as possible.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Pennsylvania

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Pennsylvania? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Pennsylvania stipulates that all certified educators must have a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Also, prospective educators must complete an approved teacher education program that includes student teaching or an internship. Teacher education programs usually include coursework and fieldwork. The coursework typically teachers foundational knowledge, skills, and pedagogy (the theory behind the teaching process). The curriculum must prepare students to manage the classroom and to create meaningful learning experiences. Fieldwork may include student teaching or field observations.

The state of Pennsylvania does not have credit hour requirements but does have subject specifications. Each teacher preparation program will have its own set of coursework requirements to complete the program. Pennsylvania requires a period of student teaching. Read more about educator certification tests. More than 90 different accredited educator preparation programs are available in Pennsylvania. Students may also qualify for a teaching credential through the completion of online programs and programs from universities outside of Pennsylvania. A list of approved educator preparation programs can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To become certified in Pennsylvania, educators must obtain passing scores on a foundational skill test and on all subject area tests. These are the required tests for certification:

Foundational Skills Test

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators

Subject Matter Competence

  • Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge
  • Praxis II Subject Assessments

The Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests supplanted the Praxis I PPST tests and the Praxis II tests for elementary and early childhood in 2012 (spring). Please see Praxis for particular state testing requirements and the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Testing Requirements web page for additional information.

Pennsylvania currently has a two-tier certification system. New educators begin at Level I, which is for six years of teaching experience. After six years, educators must complete a minimum of 24 credits of post-graduate coursework and have completed a teacher induction program set up by their school to obtain Level II certification. To keep a Level II license current, educators must complete continuing education credit units. For educators who are certified to teach in another state, you should know that Pennsylvania maintains interstate reciprocity agreements with 45 other states. 

Step 3: Submit a Pennsylvania Teaching Credential Application

When you have completed all of the obligations described above, you are ready to send your licensure application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education via the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). If you graduated from a teacher education program in Pennsylvania, they would send your official transcripts directly to the Department of Education. If you attended college out-of-state, you must mail official copies of college transcripts directly to the Department of Education. Application fees can be paid online. Send your application and its accompanying documents to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333. Check the status of your application anytime via the TIMS website.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Virginia

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Virginia? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Virginia.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

All U.S. states, including Virginia, require a minimum of an undergraduate degree to receive teacher certification. Potential educators in Virginia are also required to complete an accredited teacher education program from a college or university. A list of state-approved university teacher education programs can be found at the Virginia Department of Education’s list of Approved Educator Preparation Programs.

Every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Virginia Department of Education’s licensure page for more information. Virginia does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements, although it does specify the skills it wants educators in every area or subject to master. The state does require 300-375 clock hours of field experiences, including 150 or more hours of supervised student teaching, depending on your specialization.

Teacher education programs in Virginia are a combination of curriculum and field experiences. The courses often include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, teaching methodology, and preparing students to research, create and implement learning techniques in their field of study. Field experiences include student teaching, observing classrooms, or completing an internship.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

In Virginia, educators must pass a Basic Skills Test requirement and Subject Area Competence assessments related to their teaching specialty area.

Basic Skills Test

Subject Area Competence

  • Praxis II: Subject Exams in your specialty area
  • Praxis Series Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) required for Elementary and Special Education Certification.

Virginia provides several routes to licensure, including university programs approved by the Board of Education, reciprocity for educators licensed by other U.S. states, and alternative ways for qualified candidates. Contact the Virginia Department of Education for more information

Step 3: Submit a Virginia Teaching Credential Application

After completing all education, testing, and experience requirements, candidates can begin the educator certification application process. The DOE requires all candidates to complete a certification application packet found here. Applicants should complete all sections, including their contact information, educational background, experience, and endorsement areas.

Also, candidates must send a non-refundable application fee with their applications. For in-state candidates, the fee is $50, and out-of-state candidates must pay $75. Candidates may include a certified check, cashiers check, money order or personal check addressed to the Treasurer of Virginia. After their application packets are completed, candidates may send the packet to the Virginia DOE.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Louisiana

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Louisiana? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Louisiana.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Louisiana also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification.  Louisiana requires a licensure area of focus, education courses, field experience, and student teaching. Louisiana mandates 180 hours of field experiences and a teaching residency experience (one year) as part of any teacher education program. A list of accredited teacher education programs can be found on the Louisiana Department of Education’s preparation page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as in your subject area. The state of Louisiana requires the PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test)   for Basic Skills, and the Praxis II: Subject Exams and Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching for subject area competence.

The beginning Level 1 Professional Certificate is good for three years. The Level 2 Professional Certificate, renewable every five years, is given to teachers with at least three years of experience and who have completed the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LaTAAP)  , a two-year period of mentoring and assessment that evaluates the teacher’s knowledge of his/her subject area and classroom management skills. The Level 3 Professional Certificate is given to teachers with five years of experience in their area of licensure who have passed the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program (LaTAAP) and hold a master’s degree.

Step 3: Submit a Louisiana Teaching Credential Application

After meeting all of the stated requirements, you can apply for Level 1 Professional Teaching Certification. Your teacher education program’s licensure officer will give you an application packet, upon request. Send your application and attachments to the Louisiana Department of Education, Attention: Certification, P. O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064. You can check your application’s status by clicking here.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Washington

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Washington? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Washington.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Washington requires that certified educators have, at a minimum, an undergraduate degree. In the State of Washington, potential educators must complete a state-approved teacher education program at an accredited college or university, or they must graduate from a state-approved alternative certification program. A list of state-approved teacher education programs can be found on the Washington Student Achievement Council website. 

Although some U.S. states have undergraduate semester-hour requirements for certification in specialty areas, Washington does not list specific course or semester-hour requirements. However, every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information.

Teacher education programs usually are comprised of a combination of curriculum and field experiences. The field experiences component can include observations, student teaching, and an internship. 

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To become a licensed teacher in Washington, you must complete the Basic Skill Test and any Subject Area Competence assessments required for your area of instruction. Find out about Washington’s testing requirements on State’s Professional Educator Standards Board website.

The Basic Skills Test can be completed with the:

The Subject Area Competence is assessed by the:

New educators in Washington State start out with a Residency Certificate and move to a Professional certificate by completing a Professional Licensure Program at a Washington college or university and submitting a ProTeach Portfolio of professional development activities. To receive your Washington state teaching credential, you must complete required courses, field experiences, and standardized exam requirements. If you currently have a teaching credential from another state, you may be eligible for interstate credential reciprocity. Go to the State of Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction site for more on earning your Washington teaching credential.

Step 3: Submit a Washington Teaching Credential Application

Educator candidates must fulfill all requirements before applying for educator certification in Washington. Most first-time applicants must meet the standards set in the Residency Certificate. Candidates must complete the Washington Teacher Certification Application, announcing which certification they are interested in obtaining. First-time applicants should request the Residency Certificate. Candidates must send application forms and information listed in the Application Checklist to local certification offices found here.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Maine

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Maine? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Maine.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Maine also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification.  Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences.

Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Maine can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s  Educator Preparation Programs page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as the subject area that you plan to teach in. Maine requires the PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test) for Basic Skills, the Praxis II: Subject Exams for Subject Area expertise, and the PLT: Principles of Learning and Teaching. Learn more about getting your teaching licensure at the Maine Department of Education.

Step 3: Submit a Maine Teaching Credential Application

Once you complete all of the education, examination, and experience requirements, you can apply for initial teacher licensure in Maine. Use the Application for Initial Certification. Send all of the required documents to the State of Maine Department of Education, Certification Office, 23 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333-0023. After submitting all the materials, you may check the status of your certification anytime online. Additional information concerning teacher licensure in Maine can be found on the Maine Department of Education’s Educator Preparation Programs page.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in West Virginia

Want to become a teacher in the great state of West Virginia? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in West Virginia.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of West Virginia also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. West Virginia does not publish specific course or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the West Virginia Department of Education for more information.

Teacher education programs usually are comprised of a combination of curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum often includes foundational skills and knowledge, creating learning experiences fields of study, and pedagogy. The field experiences component can include field observations, student teaching, and internships. A list of state-approved university teacher education programs in West Virginia can be found on the state Department of Education’s website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To become a teacher in West Virginia, you must complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators suite of exams in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching test and the examinations for your particular licensure areas. The website of ETS, which administers all the Praxis exams, provides an explanation of the required exams by subject areas.

The West Virginia Department of Education sanctions four kinds of teaching licenses:

Temporary Teaching Licenses ( for one year and not renewable), for educators who have completed approved out-of-state teacher education programs, hold foreign licensure or hold out-of-state licenses.

Initial Professional Teaching Licenses (three years, renewable), for educators who have completed approved teacher education programs, obtained their program’s recommendations, and completed the necessary exams.

Professional Five-Year Teaching License (five years, renewable), for educators who have completed Beginning Educator Internships/Inductions, taken six semester hours of college courses, taught for two years and received their superintendent’s recommendations.

Permanent Professional Teaching License (good until surrendered, suspended, or revoked), for educators who have held Professional Five-Year Teaching Licenses, earned their master’s degrees, taught for at least five years, and received their superintendent’s recommendations.

Step 3: Submit a West Virginia Teaching Credential Application

After the successful completion of an educator preparation program in West Virginia, potential educators are ready to be the certification application process. The first step is to download and complete Form 20-T. This form verifies that you’ve graduated from a teacher education program, and meet all of the requirements for certification. All candidates must complete the applicant information page, include official transcripts, a $25 non-refundable processing fee, and an endorsement from their teacher education program.

In West Virginia, educator certification candidates must pass both state and FBI background checks. This is to verify that a potential educator is the best candidate for the position. During the application process, candidates must print and complete Form 7, where they submit to a background check. Candidates must also order and complete fingerprint cards to submit with Form 7. You may request fingerprint cards here. After finishing of all forms and requirements, candidates must send their application to the WVDOE office. Additional info can be found on the DOE website.

3 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Maryland

Want to become a teacher in the great state of Maryland? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Maryland.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Maryland also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification.  However, U.S. states differ in undergraduate course requirements. For example, potential teachers enrolled at the University of Maryland must complete specific courses and credit requirements, depending on a student’s major. See UMD’s College of Education page for additional information about obtaining an undergraduate teaching degree in early, elementary, middle, and secondary education or instructional specialties.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Maryland can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as the subject area that you plan to teach in. For basic skills, Maryland requires that you pass the Pre Professional Skills Test (PPST) or receive a passing mark on the SAT, ACT, or GRE. For Subject Area Expertise, the Praxis II: Subject Exams are used.

To obtain your Maryland teaching credential, you must complete required the appropriate amount of undergraduate courses and standardized exams, and an accredited certification program. Maryland offers four tiers of certification for graduates of traditional teacher education programs:

Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC), issued to new educators who meet all certification obligations and are not yet teaching in a Maryland school or district.

Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I), given to educators after employment at a Maryland public school or accredited nonpublic school.

Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II), given when the candidate completes three years of effective professional experience and six semester hours of courses.

Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), issued to an educator who has met all the above obligations and completed a master’s degree, or finished at least 36 semester hours of post-graduate course work which must include a minimum of 21 semester hours of graduate credit.

Step 3: Submit a Maryland Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply for teaching licensure in the state of Maryland. As part of the Maryland educator certification process, you will be required to establish a new user account to apply online. You can also send the required documents by mail directly to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Certification Branch, 200 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201.