Are you considering a career as a high school, elementary, or kindergarten teacher?
This page contains information on the teaching degree requirements for both elementary and secondary teachers for math, english, science, social studies, art, physical education, and other subjects taught in the US school system.
Teaching Degree Requirements by State
The prerequisites to obtain a teaching degree and certification are set individually by each state, so each state's requirements will differ slightly. But in general, teaching certification requirements for each state will entail the following:
Teaching Degree Requirement #1: A Bachelors Degree
Regardless if you plan to teach at the elementary or secondary level, most aspiring teachers will be required to complete a 4-year bachelor's degree program that leads directly to certification. For elementary teachers, you will need a major or minor in Elementary Education. Secondary teachers are required to receive degrees in the subject area they would like to teach. For example, math teachers will need a degree in a mathematics related area.
Teaching Degree Requirement #2: Pass the Teaching Exam
Once you have completed your Bachelor's Degree program (or while you're completing it), you will be required to pass a test demonstrating both your knowledge of teaching and your expertise in the subject you would like to teach. In many states, this exam is known as the PRAXIS exam.
For most people, following the about requirements will be the correct path to take to a career in teaching.
But what if you already have a college degree?
Many schools offer programs (usually less than 1 year), that allow current degree holders to get the necessary classes and knowledge to obtain certification. Many states now also offer alternative routes to certification, where qualified candidates can complete a certification preparation course and supervised teaching to become certified.
While teaching degree requirements vary by state, as you can see the path to teacher certification is similar regardless of where you are located.
Teaching Degree Requirements by Subject
The following pages contain detailed information on certification requirements by subject.