Ready to Teach? What You Need to Know About Teacher Licensure Preparation Programs

Nearly 50 million students are enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools in the U.S. Thankfully, about 3 million full-time, well-prepared teachers are there to guide the way.¹

Over the years, studies on teacher effectiveness have highlighted a strong common denominator among educators—preparation. State departments of education grant educator licenses; however, qualified universities offer teacher licensure preparation programs that provide the skills and knowledge that can help you not only pass the licensure examination, but become an effective teacher. Most teacher licensure preparation programs allow you to enter at any stage of your education, whether you are just beginning to consider earning a bachelor’s degree or have already accumulated college credits.

Here’s a basic outline of the steps to follow if you’re considering becoming a K–12 educator:

1. Understand the licensure requirements for the state in which you wish to teach. Simply contact the state’s board or department of education to learn about the specific rules and policies they have in place regarding teacher licensure and teacher certification.
2. Determine whether you wish to teach in an elementary or secondary school, and choose a specialization if you’d like to further focus your studies.
3. Choose a university from which to earn your degree, and make sure the teacher licensure preparation program you need is offered. Some popular degree options include a BS in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching (also known as an MAT degree), and an MS in Education. If you’re earning your degree through a university’s online program, be sure to speak with an nrollment specialist—and your state’s department of education—to confirm that the teacher licensure preparation program is approved in your state.
4. Review university or degree program accreditation when selecting where to study. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation, for example, is a nationally recognized mark of quality for educator preparation programs.
5. Earn your master’s in teaching or a similar degree—yes, this is a big step, but necessary and worthwhile—so that you are eligible to sit for your state’s teacher licensure exam. Your state may require an institutional recommendation form, which, along with your transcripts, verifies that you have completed a teacher licensure preparation program.
6. Pass your state’s teacher certification exam and become a licensed educator.
7. Continue your education. Learning can be a lifelong pursuit. Also, in some states, teachers advance their licensure status as they gain further education and experience.

The number of U.S. students attending elementary and secondary schools is expected to increase 2% by 2028.² This creates a constant demand for highly qualified teachers who are prepared to meet students’ academic needs—and you could be one of them. All you need is a passion for learning, the desire to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in life, and, of course, an education that includes a quality teacher licensure preparation program so you can earn your license and begin to make a difference in students’ lives.

If a career as a certified teacher appeals to you, Walden University—an accredited university with online teaching degree programs—can help you academically prepare for initial licensure. You’ll be guided by dedicated teacher educators and learn from a curriculum that is aligned with licensure requirements.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering online degree programs that can prepare you for teacher licensure at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
²Source: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/PES/section-1.asp

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.