Teaching Training Programs by State
There’s a critical teaching shortage in America, making one of the most noble professions more important than ever. Teaching can be an extremely rewarding career, as you can share your enthusiasm for learning or a particular subject with the decision makers of the future. If you think a teaching career might be right for you, read on. We’ll guide you in finding the best teacher training programs near you and introduce you to popular teaching specialties so you can find the right program for you.
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Finding Teaching Degrees Near You
Teaching offers many career options, as there are many grade levels and subjects to choose from. The first step in deciding which program is right for you is to consider your career goals. For example, if you know you want to teach children under the age of 12, you should consider getting your degree in elementary education. If you want to teach special education, on the other hand, you’ll want to select a program that prepares you for teaching students that learn differently than traditional students.
To find teacher training programs near you, consider the following:
Teaching Salaries by State
Teaching salaries vary based on a wide range of factors, such as how long you’ve been teaching, location, cost of living, and the local political climate.
Nationwide, high school teachers make a median salary of $60,320 (2018). According to 2018 BLS reports, the five states with the top salaries for high school teachers include:
New York$85,300
| State | Average Salary |
| California | $80,510 |
| Massachusetts | $80,020 |
| Alaska | $77,920 |
| Connecticut | $76,980 |
Types of Education Degrees
Before you enroll in an education degree program, you need to choose a degree path based on your career goals. You can select either an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program. Use the following chart to learn more about types of education degrees.
| Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s | EdD | |
| Total Time to Complete Degree | 2 years | 4 years | 1-3 years | 3-5 years |
| Average Cost of Degree | $12,000-$30,000 per year | $35,000-$47,000 per year | $8,000-$30,000 per year | $21,000-$55,000 total |
| Jobs Degree Prepares You For | Early child educator; support staff positions, like substitute teaching, paraeducator, classroom aid, or childcare specialist | Teacher at any public school, no matter what grade level; many middle through high school teachers earn a specialization in a particular subject | Administrator and leadership positions; teaching at a community college | Upper administration and leadership roles; university professors; education researcher; curriculum director; educational policy maker |
Admission and Program Requirements by State
Admission, degree, and program requirements vary by program and may vary by state, but typically include the following at each degree level:
Associate degrees are offered at community colleges or universities, where a diploma or GED are required. A background check may also be necessary.
Bachelor’s degrees are required to become a teacher in public schools. Some bachelor’s education programs may accept freshman and sophomore students into their program. Tests like basic skills tests and Praxis assessments are required to enter programs in most states. Undergraduate students must complete student teaching hours, known as field experience, for graduation.
Graduate programs are competitive and may require an undergraduate GPA of over 3.0. In most states, master’s applicants are required to take the GRE, provide letters of recommendation, and may be required to provide writing samples. Some graduate programs ask candidates to have a minimum number of hours educating children while others are fine with a statement of purpose.
Doctor of Education (Ed.D) applicants need to hold a master’s degree and provide a writing sample in academic research. Most states prefer candidates with at least five years of field experience and a 3.0 GPA.
Popular Teaching Specialties
The most in-demand teaching specialties may vary by state, but these are the most underserved subjects nationwide:
State Requirements for Teaching
Although the U.S Department of Education oversees national requirements for all educators, each state maintains a board of education to control teaching licensure. Most states require at least a bachelor’s degree and certification to teach. Prospective teachers must meet the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which includes:
- Pass a basic knowledge and skills test: Applicants must pass a basic skills test for admission to an education program, which covers reading comprehension, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- Bachelor’s degree: Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school that’s approved by your state’s board of education helps with state certification and licensure. Providing official transcripts may also be required for licensure.
- Content exam (if applicable): To teach in a particular subject, a content exam toward the end of a program will be required. Content or specialization exams vary by state and are frequently revised based on current practices.
- Performance assessment: A writing-intensive assessment, designed to test performance, will be required. It is referred to as the EdTPA in most states and is typically completed during your student teaching experience.
Licensing Requirements: State by State Guide
Before working as a teacher, state certification or a teaching license is required. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require the following for licensing:
Teacher Reciprocity Across States
Because licensure is handled by state school boards, requirements vary. If you become licensed to teach in one state and decide to move to another, you will need to obtain new licensure if the states do not hold a reciprocity agreement. You must meet each state’s requirements and earn licensure before you can teach, regardless of how long you’ve been teaching.
Most states offer reciprocity agreements that allow teachers to move between states easily. Reciprocity allows teachers to fill teacher shortages nationwide, alleviating some of the steps to obtain new state certification.
The Interstate Agreement was created in 2011 to allow a licensed teacher to earn certification in one state and teach in another. These states agree to recognize the teaching credentials issued by the other. New York, for example, has an agreement with California. Be advised that just because one state accepts another’s license, doesn’t mean the reverse is true. For example, although Georgia accepts licenses from Connecticut, Connecticut does not accept licenses from Georgia.
You may need to meet additional criteria if you do not maintain all the new state’s requirements, even if they have an agreement. Most states require out-of-state teachers to complete additional training prior to teaching. Although you won’t have to undergo a new teacher education program, you may need to take a test or complete a classroom experience to ensure you meet the new state’s standards.
Check each state’s agreements and what additional requirements may apply. Six states offer full teacher license reciprocity, where a fully licensed teacher is automatically eligible for a standard teaching license. You can search each state’s specific requirements on the Education Commission website.
Approved Teaching Programs by State
Are you interested in pursuing a fulfilling career as an educator? A state-approved educator preparation program is the first step towards joining the 3.6 million public school teachers in the United States.
Before you select a teaching program, however, it is important to ensure the program you attend meets state requirements for licensure. To make this process easier, we’ve compiled a list of links to state-approved educator preparation programs in all 50 states. When appropriate, we have also noted links that lead to PDFs. (Don’t worry—none of them download.)
