Teaching Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire earned top scores for preparing its teachers in early reading instruction, according to a recent report released by The National Council on Teacher Quality. More than 80% of its teacher prep programs received grades of “A” or “B” as compared to just 51% of the rest of the country. A state that works that hard to ensure its teachers are highly qualified makes New Hampshire an ideal state to consider for teaching programs.
How Do I Become a Teacher in New Hampshire?
There are multiple routes to become a licensed teacher in New Hampshire. The most straightforward is the traditional pathway, which involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education and passing the state exam. For those switching careers who may have degrees in other fields, several alternative certification routes are available. Career and technical teachers have an entirely different pathway, and teachers moving to New Hampshire from other states have yet another licensing path. Read on for additional credentialing information from the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Traditional Pathway to Becoming a Teacher in New Hampshire
Becoming a teacher through the traditional route begins with earning a bachelor’s in education from an approved teaching program in New Hampshire. Depending on which subject and grade level you plan to teach, you will also seek an endorsement from the state. New Hampshire teachers must also pass required tests from the Praxis exam series, which will vary according to the educator’s content area and grade level.
Becoming a Teacher Through Alternative Certification or as a Career Switcher
Teachers who are switching careers may hold degrees in a subject other than education. They may also have a great deal of work experience in the workforce and want to share their knowledge with younger learners. In this regard, New Hampshire offers several alternative certification pathways.
Teachers Moving to New Hampshire from a Different State
Out-of-state applicants should be aware that in New Hampshire, reciprocity includes the acceptance of either another state’s approved teaching program or a teaching license with specific experience.
Teachers who move from other states to New Hampshire, therefore, have two options to pursue licensure.
Average Salaries and Projected Job Growth for New Hampshire Teachers
Teachers in New Hampshire can expect annual salaries that are on par with national average salaries, with a growth rate slightly lower than the national average of 3%-4%. However, the need varies by area of the state. If you hope to teach in a rural area, those parts of New Hampshire may have more opportunities.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth |
| Elementary School Teachers | $59,930 | 2% |
| Middle School Teachers | $60,290 | 2% |
| Secondary School Teachers | $60,720 | 2% |
| Postsecondary Teaching | $94,477* | Varies by subject |
*Averaged from all postsecondary salaries
Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job growth information from CareerOneStop.
Teacher Training Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers many state-approved teacher preparation programs for students to consider. The following schools provide a wide range of options for both undergraduate and graduate degrees and offer a variety of different specialty areas for their students. In addition, some teaching programs in New Hampshire provide both traditional, on-campus degrees while others offer opportunities for long-distance learning and online degrees.
Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester)
At SNHU, students can pursue many degree options, ranging from a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science to a Master of Education or even a Doctor of Education. This small, private university of 3,000 students prides itself on offering affordable tuition rates to its students, with 30% discounts for U.S. service members as well as spouses of active-duty military members. Among the many specialty content areas offered here are music education, early childhood special education, and middle school science education. SNHU is known for its wide array of online degree programs, but it also offers many on-campus programs in the education field.
Plymouth State University (Plymouth)
In addition to undergraduate degrees, Plymouth State University also offers many master’s and doctoral degrees in education, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and other graduate-level certificates. Plymouth State trains teachers by using a cohort method for the field experiences of its students. The university also participates in the Regional Student Program, which allows New England students to attend at reduced tuition for programs that are not available within their own state’s schools.
Tuition 2020-2021 (estimated)
University of New Hampshire (Durham, Manchester)
UNH offers teaching programs at the undergraduate, certificate, and graduate levels. The school also offers an online M.Ed. in Educational Studies. According to UNH, 96% of its graduates go on to teach or work in an education-related job. No matter which program or degree you pursue, you will be encouraged to promote social change as an educator through the program’s emphasis on reflective critical inquiry. One way the school aims to promote social change is through its Teacher Residency for Rural Education program, where students receive a 50% tuition reduction, a $28,000 stipend, and a master’s degree in just 15 months.
Tuition 2020-2021 (estimated)
Saint Anselm College (Manchester)
The Teacher Education Programs (TEP) at this Catholic liberal arts university prepares its undergraduate students for teaching careers using a clinical practice model. This method places students in one of 26 urban, suburban, and private school settings starting in their sophomore year. Students elect either an elementary or a secondary school track to earn their bachelor’s degrees, and their program culminates with a capstone clinical experience.
Keene State College (Keene)
Keene State College provides an expansive teaching program offering bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate teaching certificates for students already holding bachelor’s, master’s degrees, and post-master’s certification for those wishing to become school administrators. KSC is unique as a teaching prep program in encouraging its undergraduates to study abroad. The school prides itself on closely advising its students, and its faculty are all current or former educational professionals.
New Hampshire Teacher Resources
