Do I Need to be Certified?

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Do I Need to be Certified?
Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. This article includes contact information for state education offices so you can begin the process.

Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. Why is that so? Simply because it adds one more important credential to your resume. That will help keep you marketable for many years to come.

Here is the contact information you need to find out what the specific requirements are in the various states and territories.

AlabamaMainePennsylvania
AlaskaMassachusettsRhode Island
ArizonaMichiganSouth Carolina
ArkansasMinnesotaSouth Dakota
CaliforniaMississippiTexas
ColoradoMissouriUnited States DOD Schools
ConnecticutMontanaUtah
DelawareNebraskaVermont
District of ColumbiaNevadaVirginia
GeorgiaNew HampshireWashington
HawaiiNew JerseyWest Virginia
IllinoisNew MexicoWisconsin
IndianaNew YorkWyoming
IowaNorth Dakota
KansasOhio
KentuckyOklahoma
LouisianaOregon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be certified to teach in public schools?
Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements, making certification important to keep you marketable for many years to come.
Are private schools required to have certified teachers?
Many private schools do not require you to be certified.
Why is obtaining teacher certification beneficial?
Obtaining certification adds one more important credential to your resume.
Where can I find specific teacher certification requirements by state?
You can find state–specific certification requirements through official state contact information listed by state, such as Alabama, California, and New York.
Do teacher certification requirements apply to United States DOD Schools?
Yes, United States DOD Schools have their own teacher certification requirements.

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