How to Become a Teacher: Step-by-Step Guide to Certification by State

At a Glance

• Typical path: Bachelor's + approved teacher-prep program + state exams
• Alternative route: Bachelor's + post-baccalaureate certification program
• Common tests: Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments
• Student teaching: one semester full-time typically required
• Elementary Teacher median (May 2024): $62,340
• High School Teacher median: $64,580
• Postsecondary Teacher median: $83,980
• Projected growth 2024–2034: +0% (elementary), +1% (secondary)

What Counts as This Kind of Degree?

Teacher certification is a state-issued credential permitting you to teach in public schools. Every state sets its own requirements, typically combining a bachelor's degree, an approved educator preparation program (EPP), passing scores on standardized tests, and supervised student teaching.

Private schools often hire uncertified teachers; public schools rarely do. Reciprocity between states is partial — many states accept another state's license but may require additional coursework or tests.

Who These Programs Suit

• Undergraduates interested in education careers
• Career changers with a bachelor's in another field
• Military spouses and veterans using portable certification pathways
• Emergency-teacher-shortage applicants in STEM, special education, bilingual ed
• International teachers seeking US licensure

Degree and Credential Levels

The table below summarises the main credential levels for this field.

CredentialTypical LengthWhat You Can DoTraditional bachelor's in education4 yearsIncludes EPP and student teachingBachelor's in subject + post-bacc cert1–2 years post-bachelor'sFor career changersMAT or MEd with certification1–2 yearsMaster's-level teacher prep + licenseAlternative certification (TFA, state programs)VariesFast-track for shortage areasNational Board Certification1–3 years post-experienceVoluntary advanced credential with pay bumps

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options

Online teacher prep is widely available but must include in-person student teaching placements. WGU, Western Governors, and many state universities offer online bachelor's and master's in education that lead to licensure. Verify your target state accepts the specific online program.

Career Paths, Salaries, and Job Outlook

Figures below are May 2024 national median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook unless otherwise noted. Actual pay varies by state, specialty, employer, and experience.

RoleMedian Annual Wage (May 2024)Projected Growth 2024–2034Kindergarten Teachers$61,430+0%Elementary School Teachers$62,340+0%Middle School Teachers$63,470+0%High School Teachers$64,580+1%Postsecondary Teachers$83,980+7%Special Education Teachers$66,630+0%

Salaries vary dramatically by state. California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington lead; Mississippi, Florida, and Arizona trail. National Board Certified Teachers earn annual stipends ($2,000–$10,000+ depending on state) on top of base pay.

What Programs Cost

Bachelor's in education at a public in-state university: $40,000–$80,000. Online post-baccalaureate certification programs: $8,000–$20,000. MAT/MEd: $15,000–$60,000. Praxis exam fees: $90–$200 per test. Background checks and license fees: $100–$300.

How to Choose the Right Program

1. Pick your target state. Requirements vary dramatically.
2. Confirm the program is state-approved. Approval, not just accreditation, drives licensure.
3. Plan tests early. Praxis Core can be taken during undergrad.
4. Secure strong student-teaching placement. First-job hiring often starts there.
5. Consider shortage areas. STEM, special ed, and bilingual often offer bonuses and faster pathways.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Completing a program not approved by your target state
• Delaying Praxis tests until the last minute
• Ignoring reciprocity rules when planning a cross-state move
• Picking subjects with low hiring demand over shortage areas
• Underestimating how long alternative-cert programs take

Key Terms Glossary

• EPP — Educator Preparation Program — state-approved teacher training
• Praxis — Educational Testing Service test battery used in most states
• MAT — Master of Arts in Teaching — graduate-level teacher prep with licensure
• MEd — Master of Education — graduate degree in education (may or may not include certification)
• Alternative certification — Non-traditional path for career changers
• TFA — Teach For America — prominent alternative-cert teaching fellowship
• Reciprocity — Interstate recognition of teaching licenses
• National Board Certification — Voluntary advanced professional teaching credential

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a master's to teach?

No — a bachelor's is the floor in every state. Some states require master's completion within a set timeframe after initial licensure.

How long does certification take?

Traditional path: 4 years for bachelor's. Alternative/post-bacc: 1–2 years if you already hold a bachelor's.

Can I teach without certification?

In most private schools yes; in public schools rarely, though emergency credentials exist in shortage areas.

Which subjects are in highest demand?

STEM (especially math and physics), special education, and bilingual/ESL have persistent shortages.

Is teaching a good career financially?

Median $62,000–$65,000 with steady but slow growth. Benefits, pensions, and summer schedule are meaningful non-salary value.

Can I move states easily?

Partially. Most states accept out-of-state licensure with additional coursework or tests; some have full reciprocity.

Key Takeaways

• Certification is state-specific; plan your target state early
• Traditional, alternative, and master's-based paths all lead to classrooms
• Shortage areas (STEM, special ed) offer bonuses and faster entry
• National Board Certification adds meaningful pay stipends mid-career
• Median salaries are $62,000–$65,000; vary significantly by state