If you’ve ever wanted a job where you know you matter, every day is different and you get to make a real difference in people’s lives, then it’s time to explore a career in teaching.
The great thing is that you can start your teaching certification journey at home.
It’s no surprise that the recent COVID-19 outbreak has affected all of our lives in unexpected ways and thrown a lot of our future plans up in the air. Right now, the only thing most of us do know about the future is that we will be spending more time at home than usual.
But despite all this craziness going on in the world, one thing remains the same. Teachers are essential. Although schools shut down across the globe, many teachers continue to engage with students by moving their lessons online.
So although things may seem bleak career-wise for many, one thing that isn’t limited is your pathway to becoming a teacher.
Right now, teachers are in high demand throughout the US. Even before the pandemic started, significant teacher shortages were growing across the country. It goes without saying that there are tons of teaching jobs available.
Because of nationwide shortages, more avenues are opening to help get educators into the classroom quicker and at a fraction of the cost of traditional pathways.
Now online training to become a certified teacher is available to all, known as alternative teaching certification.
Enrolling in an alternative teaching certification course online means you can start studying at home right now and be ready for the classroom by the next academic year.
And why wouldn’t you want to become a teacher?
There are many reasons why teaching is a fulfilling and enriching profession. The value of connecting with others for happiness is undeniable. And working with kids (and their families) means a work-life based on building positive connections with people and helping learners follow their dreams.
On any given day for a teacher, this could mean being a role model, an advisor, a cheerleader all at the same time.
Behind every president, doctor, or scientist is a teacher who inspired them. Your impact as a teacher extends beyond the classroom. Teachers are one of the noblest professions out there.
But on a smaller scale, being a teacher is also awesome because you could be laughing all day since the kids in your class never fail to bring a smile to your face. Or the satisfaction of seeing your work help others grow and blossom into their full potential.
Another reason most teachers love their jobs is that they get back as much as they give.
For starters, think about the number of professional autonomy teachers have. Or the endless learning opportunities available to grow and develop.
And did we mention the global job opportunities as a teacher?
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “should I become a teacher?” ? Now is the time to say yes!
Want to know how you can kickstart your certified teaching career? Keep reading as we unpack everything you need to know to get started in becoming a licensed US teacher while you’re at home.
We’ll answer a few common questions in more detail in the rest of the post, like:
- What kind of teaching can I do?
- What are the requirements for becoming a teacher online?
- How quickly can I become a teacher online?
- Is it hard to become a teacher online?
- What are the benefits of being a teacher?
What kind of teaching can I do?
You can become a certified teacher through an online certification program. This means you can qualify to teach in K-12 classrooms and secondary schools. You’ll need a teaching license to get started.
Teaching licenses
Studying for a teaching license online qualifies you to teach in the mainstream education system. The kind of license you get will specify whether you teach in elementary, middle or high school. Depending on the age group you teach, your previous studies or experience will influence which subjects you teach.
In the rest of this article, we’ll give more insight into online pathways to licensed teaching.
What are the requirements for becoming a certified teacher online?
Since teachers are in high demand right now in the US, there are a lot of opportunities for job seekers looking to get into the classroom.
In the past, teachers in the US were required to do a bachelor’s degree in education. But, now, you can become a teacher without a bachelor’s in education, so long as you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, by doing an alternative teaching certification.
The two main criteria for anyone who wants to study for alternative teaching certification are:
- A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
- Eligibility to work in the US
That’s right – you don’t need any prior teaching experience (although if you do have some, it won’t hurt your application, and your existing skills are sure to be put to good use).
These criteria make getting into teaching a possibility for people at many stages in their lives or careers. New graduates, supply teachers, career changers, experienced educators and Americans living overseas can all start the process to become a teacher.
Do different states have different requirements for becoming a certified teacher?
Yes. Some online teacher certification programs (like this one based in Arizona) can certify you to teach throughout the United States.
However, different states do have different guidelines and you should check the guidelines for your state (or the state you want to teach in) before committing to any online course.
How quickly can I become a certifiedteacher online?
Provided you fulfill the required criteria already (you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject + are eligible to work in the US), it will take as little as 6-9 months to complete an alternative teacher certification program. Meaning you could be ready for the classroom in the next academic year!
Here’s a breakdown of how you can quickly become a teacher in the US with an online certification program.
Step 1: Study, Study, Study!
Intensive core pedagogical modules and field experiences (approx. 6 months)
You’ll complete online, on-demand lessons where you’ll learn how to manage a classroom and gain deeper insights into teaching methods. The study is supported by field experiences to apply what you’ve learned and prepare you to lead your own class.
Step 2: Practice, Practice, Practice!
In-person clinical placement (approx. 3 months)
Put your knowledge into practice in a classroom setting. You’ll learn how to work in a school, build valuable relationships and receive helpful guidance from experienced educators.
Step 3: Get licensed!
Evaluation and assessment (after the 6-9 months of the program)
After you complete the program and fulfill all state requirements, you can apply through your state’s Department of Education to receive your teaching license. As a certified teacher, you’ll be qualified to teach throughout the United States and beyond.
Is it hard to become a certified teacher online?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’ve done most of your studying to become a teacher already. The coursework in the program is intensive and will cover everything you need to know about pedagogy. All you need to do after is learn how to apply your knowledge in the classroom.
The good news is, studying the basics of lesson planning and classroom management is pretty straightforward. And, unlike other professions you might consider, you’ll have the advantage of having already spent many years in school yourself.
Reflecting on your experience as a student can help you focus on the kind of classes or subjects you’d like to teach.
Of course, many people who go into teaching do so because they genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of their students. In other words, they want to be great teachers.
And this comes with time and experience.
In your first few years as a teacher, you’ll have plenty to learn about your job and your students. This is one thing many teachers love about their job.
Every time you go to work, you’ll be challenged and surprised. And you’ll get better and better at teaching every day.
It’s a bit like learning to drive. It takes a little practice to gain the knowledge and skills you need to earn your license. However, the real learning begins after you get your license when you hit the streets yourself.
What are the benefits of becoming a certified teacher?
The first thing that comes to mind might be eight weeks of summer vacation. ?
But while the long summer months are incredible, realistically, most teachers will use at least some of this time to prepare lessons and resources for the academic year ahead.
Next are the salary and benefits teachers in the US can expect.
These include job security, vacation days, sick days, teaching unions, and insurance (usually including medical, dental, and vision coverage.) Teaching also provides a regular salary and a clear pathway for promotions and pay raises throughout your teaching career.
So, those are the benefits of teaching.
But the rewards of teaching are unlike any other profession.
Think back to the teachers who inspired you when you were at school. The profound ways they shaped your life were all in a day’s work for them.
Being a teacher puts you in a position to make a meaningful, tangible difference to your students, and the wider community, daily. As a teacher, you can be responsible for immeasurably improving your student’s lives.
And it’s not just your students who will grow and learn in the classroom! Every day at school can offer a new surprise and a new challenge, making teaching an excellent outlet for anyone motivated by an interest in psychology or creative problem-solving.
These factors make teaching so much more than just a job.
It’s no exaggeration to say that getting certified to teach will change your career and your life.
Start your journey to certified teaching online today!
So, if you can see yourself standing at the front of the classroom, now is the time to make it happen!
Take a look at some of our affordable,state-approved alternative teacher certification courses that run year-round.
If you enroll in the program now, you could be going back to school – as a teacher – this September (and maybe even in a virtual classroom setting if schools remain closed).
Interested in becoming a certified teacher in the US? Talk to an admissions advisor today to learn how you can become a licensed teacher online with one of our state-approvedonline programs.
GET STARTED NOW
accelerated teacher certification programsalternative teaching certificationteacher certification
FAQs
Can you teach in NC without a license? ›
To teach in North Carolina, you'll need a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.
Can you teach in CT without being certified? ›Additionally, secondary school teachers help students develop the skills needed for life after graduation, whether that be college or a career. In all states including Connecticut, secondary education teachers in public schools are required to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level they will teach.
Can you teach in Arizona without a teaching certificate? ›All public schools and many private schools in Arizona require educators to be appropriately certified by the state board of education in order to lead a classroom.
Can I do a teaching degree online? ›Teaching courses online allow you to pursue a career in teaching at any point in your life without taking up valuable time in your career or personal life. The online teaching courses, available through NCC, allow you to gain the qualifications you need to become a teacher in your own time.
How do I get certified to teach in NC? ›Anyone pursuing a North Carolina teacher certificate must hold a bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program in North Carolina. Additionally, there are required examinations and a background check that must be submitted before applying for teacher certification.
Where can I teach without certification? ›For example, some private, charter and not-for-profit schools don't require applicants to have a teaching degree or hold state licensure. If you want to teach in the public school system (either as an elementary or high-school subject teacher), however, you will need a teaching license or teaching credential.
How much do CT teachers make? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Connecticut? The average Public School Teacher salary in Connecticut is $59,991 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $50,103 and $73,146.
How do I get an educator certificate in CT? ›- CONNECTICUT. ...
- Connecticut certification is usually based on completion of a state-approved educator preparation program. ...
- Educators who have completed the equivalent of two school years of full-time teaching in the grade level and subject appropriate to the endorsement requested may waive the planned program requirement.
Connecticut has three levels of certification open_in_new: the Initial Educator Certificate (3 years), the Provisional Educator Certificate (valid for 8 years), issued after at least 10 months of “appropriate successful teaching experience” in a Connecticut public school or 30 months of equivalent experience elsewhere, ...
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in Arizona? ›It can take anywhere from six months to six years to become a teacher in Arizona. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, typically taking four years to complete. You must also be enrolled or have completed a teacher preparation program and pass the AEPA/NES exams.
Why is there a teacher shortage in Arizona? ›
For six consecutive years, a survey conducted by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association has reported not only that Arizona has a teacher shortage but also that the shortage is driven by resignations and attrition.
What is an alternative teaching certificate in Arizona? ›The Alternative Teaching certificate is valid for two years and may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years. The certificate entitles the holder to enter into a teaching contract while completing the requirements for an Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate.
How much is the salary of teachers? ›The average teacher salary in Philippines is ₱ 321,048 per year or ₱ 165 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₱ 276,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₱ 540,000 per year.
How long does it take to become a teacher? ›You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
Which degree is best for teaching? ›While a bachelor's degree in education is the minimum level of education you'll need to become a teacher, you have many options as to what and where you'll teach. You can specialize in special education, secondary education, middle-level education, or early childhood education.
How much do NC teachers get paid? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in North Carolina? The average Public School Teacher salary in North Carolina is $52,894 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $44,176 and $64,493.
How much does it cost to get a NC teaching license? ›Initial Alternative License (Residency License) fee | $100.00. Clearing an Alternative License Fee | $60.00.
How long does it take to become a teacher in NC? ›From there, you must enroll in an approved teacher education program that corresponds to the grade and subject level you are licensed to teach. The program will formulate a plan of study in which you will have three years to complete any and all coursework requirements.
Can you teach without license? ›The Department of Education-National Capital Region (NCR) issued Regional Memo 78, s. 2018 that requires all private schools in the region to strictly comply with the prescribed license for all its teaching personnel, subject to exceptions provided by law.
Can I become a teacher without a degree? ›So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools. There is however no guarantee that the schools you apply for will consider the QTLS qualification as equal to applicants holding QTS.
How do I get a teaching license? ›
The requirements to obtain a teaching credential vary depending on the state in question, but in most cases, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree to apply. In some instances, you may be required to pass an exam or take a course in order to obtain a teaching credential.
Which state has the lowest teacher salary? ›...
Teacher Pay by State 2022.
| State | Teacher Salary |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | $49,761 |
| Mississippi | $47,162 |
Pennsylvania, California and New York have the highest average teacher salaries in the country, compared to all other occupations.
Where do teachers get paid the most? ›| Rank | State | Average Teacher Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $61,254 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $59,222 |
| 3 | New York | $57,919 |
| 4 | California | $57,193 |
How Long Is the CT Certificate Program? To accomplish ARRT requirements: Full-time: 6 months, about 576 clinical hours total. Part-time: 11 months, about 576 clinical hours total.
What states accept CT teaching certification? ›| Alabama | Kansas | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Louisiana | New Mexico |
| California | Maine | New York |
| Colorado | Maryland | North Carolina |
| Delaware | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
An online certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) gives you the training you need to advance in your career and improve your skills and flexibility as a healthcare professional.
Do you need a master degree to teach in CT? ›All teachers in Connecticut are required to eventually earn their master's degree. If you're a first-time teacher who already has a bachelor's degree, earning a master's degree is the ideal step to take in order to enter the profession.
How do I become a teacher with a bachelor's degree in CT? ›To earn initial Connecticut teacher certification, candidates must complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and complete a teacher preparation program. If located in Connecticut, the preparation program attended should be on the state's approved schools list.
Do you need a masters to teach in NY? ›New York State requires teachers to obtain a master's degree in teaching (or a related discipline) within five years of the completion of their initial degree. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork.
Can you teach in Arizona without a degree? ›
But Arizona and Florida have gone one step further by lifting the requirement that teachers hold bachelor's degrees in certain instances. In Arizona, people can now start training to become a teacher without a bachelor's degree , as long as they are enrolled in college and are supervised by a licensed teacher.
How much are teachers paid in Arizona? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Arizona? The average Public School Teacher salary in Arizona is $54,817 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $45,782 and $66,837.
How much do substitute teachers make in Arizona per day? ›Substitute teachers with a valid Arizona substitute teaching certificate will be paid a daily rate of $140 per day.
Is there a need for teachers in Arizona? ›PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Arizona has faced a teacher shortage for years and now we're getting a better understanding of the impact it's having on our schools. A new survey from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association shows thousands of teacher vacancies in the new school year.
What is a highly qualified teacher in AZ? ›Highly Qualified means… ✓ The teacher holds a bachelor's degree. AND. ✓ The teacher has a valid Arizona teaching certificate. —intern, reciprocal, provisional, or standard.
How many teachers are needed in Arizona? ›According to a new survey by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association, there are more than 2,000 general teacher vacancies in Arizona along with more than 800 special education teacher openings.
How do I become a substitute teacher in Arizona? ›- Step 1) Create an account on the Arizona Department of Public Services website. ...
- Step 2) Get your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card. ...
- Step 3) Submit your transcripts to the Arizona Department of Education.
A Teacher of Record directly instructs, evaluates, and assigns grades for core academic subjects.
How do I get a copy of my Arizona teaching certificate? ›- APPLICATION FOR NAME CHANGE OR DUPLICATE COPY OF CERTIFICATE.
- Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490 • Telephone: 602.542.4367.
- SECTION 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION.
- SECTION 2: SERVICE TYPES ($20)
| Job | Average |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $18.33 |
| Substitute Teacher, K-12 | $13.09 |
| High School Teacher | $22.38 |
| Special Education Teacher, Preschool, Kindergarten, or Elementary School | $18.36 |
How much is government teacher salary? ›
The new salary structure is expected to make the least paid teacher in the public service to earn between N150,000 and N300,00 monthly as against the current salary of about N49,000.
How much is the salary increase for teachers in 2022? ›The proposed measure, House Bill (HB) No. 4070, aims to adjust the minimum salary grade level of public school teachers from Salary Grade (SG) 11 currently at PHP25,439 to SG 19 or PHP49,835. The salary grade levels of those occupying higher positions shall then be adjusted accordingly.
What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›But generally, the maximum age limits in the government teachers jobs are 40 years.
How many years does the average teacher teach? ›| Years of teaching experience and grade level taught | Total | Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| Midsize | ||
| Average number of years | 14.2 | 14.1 |
| Years of teaching experience | ||
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 |
- Career guidance counselor. Choosing a career can be an overwhelming process. ...
- School administrator. ...
- Librarian. ...
- Private Tutor. ...
- Corporate trainer. ...
- Adult literacy teacher. ...
- Parenting coach/educator. ...
- Writer.
Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
What is the highest paying master's degree in education? ›- Higher Education Management – M. Ed., MEd, Ed. ...
- Education Administration – M. ...
- Graduate Degrees in Educational Leadership – M. ...
- College and University Professors – Master's and Ph. ...
- Instructional Design – M. ...
- Librarian – M.S. ...
- Special Education – M. ...
- School Counseling – M.
One traditional route to teaching at the elementary, kindergarten, middle or secondary school level is to earn a bachelor of education degree from an approved college, university or teacher education program.
What is a permit to teach in NC? ›Permit to Teach is a non-renewable license offered to teachers who are hired for one year only, paid as a teacher with no experience, in a NC More at Four Classroom, Public school, or Public Charter school. These individuals have less than 18 hours in the content area they teach.
Can I teach in North Carolina with a Florida teaching certificate? ›If you have a valid teaching credential from another state, you may be eligible to earn your North Carolina teaching credential through interstate reciprocity.
Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher in North Carolina? ›
Each Local Education Agency (LEA) sets its own educational requirements for substitute teachers. Most require that potential substitutes have at least a high school diploma and attend in-service training for substitute teachers.
What is lateral entry teaching in NC? ›Lateral entry allows qualified individuals to obtain a teaching position and begin teaching in a classroom while obtaining a professional educator's license as they teach.
What is the pay scale for teachers in North Carolina? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in North Carolina? The average Public School Teacher salary in North Carolina is $52,894 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $44,176 and $64,493.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.
How do I get a teaching license? ›The requirements to obtain a teaching credential vary depending on the state in question, but in most cases, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree to apply. In some instances, you may be required to pass an exam or take a course in order to obtain a teaching credential.
What is the beginning teacher salary in NC? ›How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in North Carolina? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in North Carolina is $39,918 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $33,339 and $48,672.
What states accept NC teaching license? ›| Alabama | Indiana | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
| Hawaii | Montana | Rhode Island |
| Idaho | Nebraska | South Carolina |
| Illinois | Nevada | South Dakota |
| Alabama | Kansas | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| California | Maine | New Mexico |
| Colorado | Maryland | New York |
| Connecticut | Massachusetts | North Carolina |
| Delaware | Michigan | North Dakota |
New increases for starting pay are effective July 1, 2022: Approved substitute teachers classified as Certified (holding a current teaching license or have held a valid teaching license) will earn $130 per day (Group A).
Is substitute teaching worth it? ›Many subs love substitute teaching because it gives them full control over their work lives. Substitute teaching means that you work where you want and when you want, and you never have to worry about working off the clock! If this sounds appealing to you, then substitute teaching might be right for you!
How much do substitute teachers get paid NC? ›
The salary range for a Certified Substitute Teacher job is from $31,141 to $41,849 per year in North Carolina.
What is the best teaching certification to get? ›| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) | BLI |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) | Microsoft |
| 3 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
| 4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| Rank | State | Average Teacher Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $61,254 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $59,222 |
| 3 | New York | $57,919 |
| 4 | California | $57,193 |
To qualify:
School will apply for lateral entry. Teacher has to enroll in a university program or alternative study program. Teacher has to pay but sometimes rural counties will reimburse, depends on the school unit. Need to take 6 semester hours each year to complete the program.