Certifications for Aspiring K-12 Teachers

There’s a growing need for certified K-12 teachers in the United States. In fact, we have an ongoing teacher shortage in many areas. These include general elementary teachers and specialist teachers in critical areas. This is particularly true in special education, science, and math.

So, do you want to take advantage of the job opportunities due to the teacher shortage? If you do, you must be wondering how to become a certified K-12 teacher.

Read on because we’ll discuss the national and state-level certifications. We’ll also discuss online options and tips for success in earning them.

Why is earning certifications for aspiring K-12 teachers important in a teaching career? Certifications are a formal recognition of your teaching skills. As a result, you’re more competitive for jobs, especially in public schools.

Related:

• Special Education Certifications for Undergraduate Students
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Teaching Certifications for Undergraduate Students
• Certifications in Education for Future Teachers
• Why You Should Get Certifications as An Undergraduate Student
• What types of jobs can I get with an online bachelor’s degree in education?

Why Teacher Certification is Essential

Becoming an educator isn’t only about passion for teaching. You must also meet the rigorous teacher certification requirements because these:

• Meet state requirements for teachers 
• Ensure teaching quality

Being a certified teacher also has a positive impact on hiring and salary potential. In most states, certification is a requirement in public schools. Many school districts even offer higher starting salaries to certified teachers.

In some states, additional certifications or endorsements mean pay increases, too. Nationally certified teachers can receive bonuses and stipends. National certification also means more competitiveness for leadership roles.

The teacher licensure process applies to substitute and assistant teaching roles, too. This is true in states like California, Texas, and Illinois.

Indeed, earning a teacher certification demands more work and money. If you want to work and earn money, it’s a must.

National Teaching Certifications

National teaching certifications are advanced credentials recognized across many states. These voluntary credentials often lead to increased salaries and competitiveness for leadership roles.

Praxis Series

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the Praxis exam for teachers. This is actually a set of standard tests known as the Praxis Series. These ensure that aspiring teachers have the content knowledge and skills to be effective educators.

Passing Praxis exams serves many purposes, including:

• Earning your initial teaching certification
• Renewing or advancing your current teaching certification
• Adding additional endorsements to your current teaching license

In over 40 states, passing Praxis exams is a legal requirement to teach in public schools. This is also a requirement for entry into many teacher preparation programs. If you’re seeking out-of-state licensure reciprocity, it may also be required.

There are three major parts in the Praxis Series, as follows.

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis Core) focuses on basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
• Praxis Subject Assessments measure subject-specific content knowledge and skills. These are usually taken near the end of your program or after graduation. It is required for a license in content areas, including:
  • Elementary Education
  • English Language Arts
  • Science
  • Secondary Math
  • Special Education
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) may be required depending on the state. It may require passing the PLT, too. The exam evaluates general pedagogical knowledge for different grades. There’s more focus on classroom management and instructional design.

Here are reliable resources that you can use to prepare for the Praxis exams.

• ETS Official Praxis Prep
• Khan Academy Official Praxis Core Prep
• Teachers Test Prep
• Mometrix Test Preparation

Check your state department of education website, too, for recommended resources.

National Board Certification

The National Board Certification (NBC) is among the best teaching certifications because it:

• Provides professional recognition for excellence in teaching
• Improves teaching skills through a rigorous process and self-reflection
• Leads to financial incentives and increased career growth opportunities

But earning the NBC credential isn’t easy considering its rigorous eligibility requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Preferably from K-12 teacher preparation programs, but not required.
• Completion of at least three years of successful teaching in K-12 settings
• A valid state teaching cases, if applicable in your state
• Completion of a standards-based evaluation process

Plus, the NBC credential is recognized in all 50 states. Such is its value that many states and school districts provide incentives. 

Also, it can open opportunities for leadership roles, such as a teacher leader. NBC holders also become more competitive for grants and research projects.

State-Specific Teaching Credentials

All 50 states have their own specific teacher licensure or certification process. A certification issued in one state doesn’t automatically transfer to another state.

Understanding State Requirements

The state’s Department of Education sets the state-specific teacher credentials. These usually include:

• Degree or coursework requirements
• Student teaching or practicum experience
• Required exams, including state-specific exams
• Background checks and fingerprinting

Some states have a tiered certification system. For example, the certifications can be at initial, professional, and advanced levels.

Here are a few examples of state-specific exams:

• California Subject Examinations for Teachers
• Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
• Florida Teacher Certification Examinations

If you want up-to-date information about your state’s process, here’s how.

• Visit your state’s Department of Education website or teacher certification office.
• Look for the official guide and read the recommended resources.

You can also ask your academic advisor for guidance and information.

Reciprocity Agreements Between States

Since every state has its teacher licensure process, automatic transfers are rare. This is even true for states with reciprocity agreements (e.g., New York and Texas).

Teachers must still meet additional eligibility requirements, such as:

• Completing state-specific coursework
• Passing the state-specific certification exams
• Submitting proof of valid teaching experience

Indeed, reciprocity is useful for teachers planning to transfer states. But it has its limitations, too, including:

• Not all certifications may be transferred, such as temporary or provisional certifications.
• Candidates may be required to meet timelines to complete requirements.

So, if you’re planning to transfer between states, early planning is a must.

Teaching Certifications for Undergraduate Students

Students in K-12 teacher preparation programs can pursue teaching certifications, too. These certifications are usually integrated into the bachelor’s degree itself.

If you want to earn a teaching certification for undergraduates, be prepared to:

• Engage in internships in your sophomore or junior year. Student teaching placements are usually in your senior year.
• Consider early-entry certification pathways or alternative tracks. You may have to meet rigorous GPA and testing requirements. You may be able to teach on an intern or provisional license.

Starting certification preparation as an undergraduate has its benefits.

• Faster entry into the teaching workforce because you’re job-ready after graduation
• More cost savings, especially if the tuition covers certification preparation
• Stronger job prospects, especially in districts that require or prefer candidates with certifications
• Greater confidence, thanks to real-world experiences and built-in support systems

Don’t worry about coming off as overqualified either. Earning a teaching certification for undergraduates demonstrates initiative and commitment.

Online Teacher Certification Programs

Do you want to transition into a teaching career? Do you learn best in a remote environment? If you do, then you must consider online teacher certification programs.

These programs offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Flexible schedules and self-paced learning (e.g., asynchronous classes)
• Convenient access (i.e., anytime, anywhere log-ins)
• Affordable costs (i.e., lower direct and indirect costs)

Online programs prepare students for success in earning the best teaching certifications by:

• Offering a comprehensive curriculum according to certification standards
• Combining practical teaching experiences with didactic learning
• Preparing students for certification exams (e.g., review materials and practice tests)

Passing the Praxis and state exams becomes possible with the right preparation.

If you’re interested, consider Western Governors University, Teach Away, American Board.

Steps to Become a Certified K-12 Teacher

Here’s a basic guide on how to become a certified K-12 teacher.

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Pass the required exams (e.g., Praxis or state equivalent).
• Complete student teaching/internship.
• Apply for state licensure.
• Maintain certification with continuing education.

Remember that every state has its specific teacher licensure process. So, be sure to clarify it with your state authorities first.

Tips for Success in Earning Teaching Certifications

Meeting the teacher certification requirements demands strategic planning, too.

• Start preparing early, preferably during your sophomore or junior year.
• Use free resources and practice tests.
• Network with certified teachers for advice.
• Stay updated on changes to testing requirements.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Indeed, preparing early to earn certifications for aspiring K-12 teachers is a must. This way, you can choose the right program, courses, and fieldwork experience. You’ll be able to meet the certification requirements with little to no difficulty.

• As early as your freshman year, research your state’s certification requirements. If you did not, it’s never too late to start now.

Comparison Table: Praxis vs. State Exams vs. National Board Certification