Top 10 High School Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for high school teachers in the job market because they demonstrate a teacher’s commitment to their profession and their willingness to stay current with educational standards. In addition, certifications show potential employers that a teacher has taken the time and effort to complete specialized training in order to become proficient in certain areas. This can be especially important for teachers who are looking to specialize in certain subject areas or teach advanced courses, as having certifications can make them more attractive candidates for those positions. Finally, certifications can also provide an edge over other applicants when it comes to salary negotiations.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for High School Teachers and explain how they can help to enhance a high school teacher's career.

What are High School Teacher Certifications?

High school teacher certification is a process of becoming a qualified instructor for high school students. It involves completing an accredited teacher education program, passing required tests, and fulfilling state-specific requirements. The certification process also provides teachers with the skills and knowledge to create effective learning environments that meet the needs of their students.

High school teacher certification enables educators to effectively teach in their field of study by providing them with specialized training in curriculum development, classroom management, assessment techniques, and other essential teaching skills. Additionally, it serves as proof that an educator has met the standards necessary to teach at the secondary level. Having this credential demonstrates a commitment to teaching and allows teachers to be competitive when applying for higher-level positions or more advanced roles within their schools or districts.

Finally, having high school teacher certification can open doors for career advancement opportunities such as leadership roles or opportunities to specialize in certain areas of expertise. It can also give teachers access to professional development opportunities that can help them stay up-to-date on current educational trends and best practices.

Pro Tip: Make sure you understand the requirements for high school teacher certification in your state or country before you begin the process. Knowing what is required ahead of time will help ensure that you are able to complete all of the necessary steps in a timely manner and avoid any potential delays or complications.

Related: What does a High School Teacher do?

Top 10 High School Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to High School Teachers today.

1. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is the practice of teaching English to non-native speakers. It involves helping learners acquire and develop the skills needed to use English effectively in a variety of contexts. TESL can be done in person, online, or through distance learning.

Getting certified in TESL typically requires completing an accredited program or course that focuses on teaching English as a second language. Most programs are offered at universities and colleges, although there are some online options available. Depending on the program, it can take anywhere from one semester to two years to complete a TESL certification program.

The cost of getting certified in TESL will depend on the type of program you choose and where you take it. Generally speaking, university-level programs tend to be more expensive than online courses, but they also offer more comprehensive instruction and support from experienced instructors.

In addition to tuition costs, you may also need to purchase additional materials such as textbooks or study guides for your coursework. You may also need to pay for any exams or tests required by your program.

2. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a certification program that allows teachers to teach English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL). It is designed for those who want to teach English abroad and in other countries.

The TESOL certification program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the type of coursework and the amount of time you have available. To get certified, you must complete an accredited TESOL program that includes both theoretical and practical components. The theoretical component covers topics such as language acquisition, linguistics, teaching methodology, and more. The practical component involves teaching practice with real students in a classroom setting.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$3000 USD for online courses or up to $5000 USD for in-person courses.

In addition to completing the coursework, most institutions also require applicants to pass an exam before they can be certified. This exam tests your knowledge of TESOL principles and practices. Once you have completed all requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your official TESOL certificate which is valid for two years.

3. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit organization that certifies teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in their field. The NBPTS was established in 1987 to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the United States by recognizing accomplished teachers and providing them with professional recognition. To become certified, teachers must meet rigorous standards set by the NBPTS.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the certification process. During this time, teachers must complete four components: a written portfolio, an assessment center, a video performance assessment, and an online assessment. Each component requires significant preparation and practice.

To get started on the certification process, interested teachers should visit the NBPTS website to learn more about eligibility requirements and application procedures. The cost of certification varies depending on the state in which you live; it can range from $2,000 to $4,000 or more.

4. Special Education Certification

Special Education Certification is a credential that allows an individual to teach students with special needs. It requires specialized knowledge and skills in order to provide effective instruction to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. In order to become certified, individuals must complete a state-approved program and pass the appropriate exams.

The amount of time it takes to obtain Special Education Certification varies by state, but typically ranges from one year to four years depending on the type of certification desired. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required, and some states may require additional coursework or experience.

In order to obtain Special Education Certification, individuals must complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the appropriate exams for their state. These exams are designed to test knowledge of special education topics such as assessment, instructional strategies, behavior management, and more. After passing these exams, individuals must submit their application for certification along with any other required documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation.

The cost of obtaining Special Education Certification also varies by state but can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the type of certification desired. This cost includes fees for application processing, exam fees, background checks, and any additional coursework or training required by the state.

5. Educational Leadership Certification

Educational Leadership Certification is a type of certification that is designed to help school administrators and other education professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead schools, districts, and other educational organizations. The certification program typically requires completion of a series of courses and exams, which may include topics such as school law, educational finance, curriculum development, personnel management, and instructional leadership.

The duration of the certification process varies depending on the specific requirements of the program. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to three years or more to complete all the coursework and exams required for certification.

In order to get Educational Leadership Certification, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites such as having a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. They must also have at least two years of teaching experience in an accredited school setting. After meeting these requirements, individuals can apply for admission into an approved Educational Leadership Certification program at an accredited college or university.

The cost of obtaining Educational Leadership Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program and any additional fees associated with taking courses or exams. Generally speaking, students should expect to pay between $2,000-$4,000 for tuition costs plus any additional fees associated with taking courses or exams.

6. Bilingual Education Certification

Bilingual Education Certification is a certification that allows educators to teach students in two languages. The certification is designed to help teachers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to support bilingual learners in their classrooms. It focuses on the development of language proficiency, cultural understanding, and instructional strategies for teaching bilingual students.

In order to obtain Bilingual Education Certification, educators must complete a state-approved program that includes coursework, fieldwork, and an assessment of their bilingual teaching skills. Depending on the state, programs can take anywhere from one year to three years to complete. In some states, such as California and Texas, teachers may also be required to pass an examination or demonstrate proficiency in the target language before they are eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining Bilingual Education Certification varies by state and program type. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$10,000 depending on the length of the program and other factors such as location and quality of instruction. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for examinations or other requirements related to certification.

7. School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification is a certification process that is required for individuals who wish to become school counselors. This certification process is designed to ensure that school counselors have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality counseling services to students in the K-12 educational setting.

The certification process typically takes between two and three years to complete, depending on the individual's prior education and experience. Generally, individuals must first obtain a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. After completing their master’s degree, they must then pass a state-approved exam in order to be eligible for certification.

In addition, most states require school counselors to complete continuing education credits each year in order to maintain their certification. The cost of obtaining and maintaining school counselor certification will vary depending on the individual's state of residence and the type of program they choose to pursue.

Overall, obtaining school counselor certification requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it as it provides individuals with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students.

8. Technology Integration Certification

Technology Integration Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of technology integration. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of expertise in integrating technology into instruction, curriculum development, and assessment. The certification is offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

In order to become certified, individuals must complete an online course and pass the ISTE Technology Integration Certification exam. The online course consists of seven modules covering topics such as instructional design, digital citizenship, and educational technology tools. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and is administered online.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or self-study for the exam. The cost for taking the online course is $399 USD, while self-studying for the exam costs $299 USD.

It typically takes between two and four months to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the exam.

9. Reading/Literacy Specialist Certification

Reading/Literacy Specialist Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of reading and literacy. It is typically earned through a combination of coursework, supervised practice, and passing a certification exam.

The amount of time it takes to complete the certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to two years to complete all of the requirements.

To get certified as a Reading/Literacy Specialist, an individual must first have at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. After completing their degree, they must then complete coursework specific to reading and literacy instruction. This may include courses such as language development, assessment techniques, instructional strategies, and more. Once coursework is completed, individuals must then gain supervised experience teaching reading and literacy skills in a classroom setting or other educational environment. Finally, they must pass a certification exam administered by their state or school district before becoming certified as a Reading/Literacy Specialist.

The cost of certification depends on the program chosen and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for tuition alone. Additional costs may include fees for textbooks and materials, travel expenses for attending conferences or workshops related to reading instruction, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with completing the certification process.

10. Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification

Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification is a credential that certifies an individual to teach mathematics at the secondary level in public or private schools. It is typically required for teaching math at the middle school, high school, and college levels.

The process of obtaining Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification varies by state, but generally requires completing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field, passing certain examinations, and completing additional coursework and/or student teaching requirements. The amount of time it takes to obtain certification depends on the individual’s background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to five years to complete all of the necessary steps for certification.

In order to become certified as a Secondary Mathematics Teacher, individuals must first meet any prerequisites set forth by their state's Board of Education or Department of Education. This may include completing an approved teacher preparation program or earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field from an accredited institution. After meeting these prerequisites, applicants must then pass certain examinations such as the Praxis II Subject Assessment Exam for Mathematics and/or other tests specific to their state.

In addition to passing exams, applicants may also be required to complete additional coursework or student teaching hours before they can be certified as Secondary Mathematics Teachers. Depending on the state, this could involve taking courses in areas such as instruction methods and classroom management techniques. Student teaching requirements vary by state but typically involve spending some time observing experienced teachers in action and then leading classes under their supervision.

The cost of obtaining Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification varies depending on factors such as where you live and which examinations you need to take. Generally speaking, fees associated with taking exams range from $50-$200 per test while tuition costs for teacher preparation programs can range from several hundred dollars up into the thousands depending on your institution.

Do You Really Need a High School Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and aspirations. If you want to become a high school teacher, then yes, you will need a high school teacher certificate. This certificate is typically obtained by completing an undergraduate degree in education or a related field and passing the necessary exams to become certified.

Having a high school teacher certificate can open up many career opportunities for those interested in teaching at the secondary level. It can also provide stability and job security as it is often required for continued employment in most states and districts. Additionally, having a high school teacher certificate can give teachers the opportunity to earn higher salaries, receive better benefits, and gain access to more resources that are essential for providing quality instruction.

On the other hand, there are some individuals who may not need a high school teacher certificate depending on their particular situation. For instance, some people may be able to teach at the secondary level without having a teaching certification if they have prior experience working with students in a related field or if they have specialized knowledge that is applicable to teaching at the secondary level. Furthermore, individuals who are already employed at schools as non-teaching staff members may be able to transition into teaching roles without obtaining additional certification if they possess certain qualifications such as academic degrees or years of relevant experience.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a high school teacher certificate depends on what your individual goals are and what opportunities exist for you within your current situation.

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FAQs About High School Teacher Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a high school teacher?

Answer: Generally, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree and complete state-approved teacher preparation program. Depending on the state, you may also need to pass licensing exams or obtain additional certifications.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a high school teacher?

Answer: The amount of time needed varies by state, but typically it takes between four and six years to become certified. This includes completing an undergraduate degree, a teacher preparation program, and any necessary licensure exams or certifications.

3. Are there different types of high school teacher certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different types of high school teacher certifications depending on the subject area you wish to teach and the specific requirements in your state. Some common certifications include elementary education, secondary education, special education, English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and foreign languages.

4. Do I need certification to teach online courses?

Answer: Yes, most states require teachers to be certified in order to teach online courses at the high school level. Each state has its own set of regulations regarding online teaching credentials so it is important to check with your state’s department of education for more information.

5. Can I become a high school teacher if I already have a master’s degree in another field?

Answer: It depends on the field you have your master’s degree in and the specific requirements in your state for becoming a high school teacher. In some cases, individuals can obtain alternative certification if they already have a master's degree in another field that is related to teaching (e.g., math or science).