Do you dream of becoming a teacher in the U.S.? The United States is known for its educational excellence, and teachers are highly valued and respected across different states. The country also offers excellent career opportunities for teachers with great benefits and job security. With options available from elementary to middle and high school, there will surely be a teaching opportunity that fits your interests.
However, if you are thinking about becoming a teacher in the U.S., there are a few things you need to know. Note that specific steps are involved, and being a certified teacher can vary from state to state. That’s why we have created this article to guide you through the steps to becoming a teacher in the USA.
How to Become a Teacher in the U.S.
Step 1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
The first step towards becoming a teacher in the USA is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Most states require that prospective teachers have a degree in education or a major in the subject they wish to teach. Some positions, like administrators or supervisors, may require a higher level, like a master’s degree. In addition to completing the necessary coursework, students must complete a student-teaching experience to gain classroom experience.
For instance, Boston University offers the Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Development, a four-year undergraduate education degree program. You can also pursue a Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Development from New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Step 2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
After obtaining a degree, the next step to be a teacher in the United States is to complete a teacher preparation program. Most undergraduate programs in education require at least one semester of in-person training, also known as student teaching. Teaching while still studying will allow you to practice running or managing a classroom while receiving feedback and assistance from instructors or your college tutors. You could also pursue this as an internship program.
Typical internships in the USA last about 1,038 hours overall and involve working 10-20 hours per week. It may be paid or unpaid, depending on the host school and the state you are in. For example, an intern teacher makes over $30,000 annually in some states like California and Texas. Additionally, teacher interns on a J-1 visa may get sponsorship from the Center for International Career Development.
Step 3. Prepare for the State Certification Exam
To become a teacher in the United States, you must take relevant tests depending on your state. Understanding the requirements will help you plan accordingly and earn your certificate. Before being allowed to take the exam, you must prove that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications from an accredited college or university. You must also have completed either an internship or a teacher preparation program.
Additionally, you will undergo various background checks and fingerprinting to earn your teaching certificate in most states. For example, before taking a teacher certification in Arizona, your application must correspond to the type of certificate you are applying for. You must also seek clearance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
It includes presenting a copy of your Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints or IVP fingerprint card. You will also submit the official transcripts from the university or college where you obtained a degree and pay a non-refundable application fee.
Step 4. Pass the State Teacher Certification Exams
Prospective teachers must pass state teacher certification exams to become licensed to teach in a public school. Once certified in their state, they can earn a national teaching certification accepted in all states. These exams will typically cover subjects ranging from reading, writing skills, teaching methods, and subject-specific knowledge.
There are tests like the Praxis Core exam, a computer-delivered test that seeks to test your writing, reading, and mathematics skills. On the other hand, the Praxis Subject test includes over 90 tests to help you demonstrate your knowledge and teaching skills in your teaching subject.
Step 5. Earn a Teaching License
After completing all the steps above, you can now apply for your teaching license after completing all necessary coursework, exams, and classroom experience. The specific licensing requirements will vary from state to state, but they will generally include a background check and proof of passing the state teacher certification exams.
Many states in the U.S. also require teachers to have a license from a state or national accredited body, such as the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, the National Board Certification (NEA), or the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Public schools require teachers to obtain a teaching license, while private schools may have different teacher job criteria.
Earning a teaching license may be optional if you are not teaching in public schools, but it can help you access better teaching jobs and enhance your credibility.
FAQs: How to Become a Teacher in the U.S.
Can a Foreigner Become a Teacher in the U.S.?
As an international student, you can become a teacher in the USA if you have the right qualifications, such as proficiency in English, an American bachelor’s degree, and related professional experience or at least two years of teaching. Depending on the grade level you would like to teach, you might also need to pass background checks and clearances.
Additionally, A J-1 visa allows international students to teach in the USA through the Department of State and the Alliance Abroad Group exchange program. You can tutor for up to three years at primary and secondary schools.
Overall, becoming a teacher in the USA requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for education. Pursuing an educational career in this country is beneficial, as it provides a conducive environment for teachers, with good benefits and various teaching options in all the states. Anyone can become a teacher in the United States by obtaining the right degree and passing certification exams, undergoing preparatory programs, and earning a teaching license.
We hope this article about how to become a U.S. teacher was insightful. If you want to pursue a teaching profession in the United States, you can start by studying in the country, and our Study in the USA Page and the Open Courses in the USA can help you with that!
