Top 11 Language Arts Teacher Certifications

Certifications in language arts are important for a language arts teacher in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the teacher has a high level of knowledge and expertise in the subject matter. Additionally, certifications provide evidence that the teacher is qualified to teach language arts at a certain grade level or to lead certain types of classes. Certifications also show that the teacher is committed to their profession and willing to invest time and effort into furthering their professional development. Furthermore, certifications can open up many more job opportunities for language arts teachers, as many schools require certification in order to be hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Language Arts Teachers and explains how they can contribute to a language arts teacher's career.

What are Language Arts Teacher Certifications?

Language arts teacher certification is a credential that confirms an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively teach language arts in a K-12 classroom setting. This certification typically requires completion of an approved program, such as a bachelor’s degree in education or English, and successful passage of a standardized test.

Having language arts teacher certification can help individuals seeking teaching positions by providing evidence of their qualifications. It can also demonstrate to employers that an individual is knowledgeable about the subject matter, familiar with current teaching methods, and capable of developing engaging lesson plans for students. Additionally, having language arts teacher certification may open up opportunities for career advancement since most states require teachers to hold this credential before they can advance to certain administrative roles. Finally, language arts teacher certification can serve as proof that an individual meets the standards set by state boards of education, which may be necessary when transferring between schools or districts within a state or even between states.

Pro tip: Research the language arts teacher certification requirements in your state before applying. Different states have different requirements, so it's important to make sure you meet all the qualifications and have the necessary documents ready before submitting your application.

Related: What does a Language Arts Teacher do?

Top 11 Language Arts Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Language Arts Teachers today.

1. National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood is a voluntary certification that recognizes teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in teaching English language arts to students in grades 6-12. The certification process takes approximately one year to complete and consists of four components: content knowledge assessment, video portfolio, written portfolio, and computer-based assessment.

The content knowledge assessment requires teachers to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter by completing a series of multiple-choice questions. The video portfolio requires teachers to submit a 10-minute video demonstrating their ability to plan and deliver effective instruction. The written portfolio requires teachers to submit five written pieces that reflect their teaching practice. Finally, the computer-based assessment requires teachers to answer questions related to their teaching practice.

The cost of National Board Certification varies depending on the state you live in but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,500 USD.

2. National Board Certification in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/English Language Arts

National Board Certification in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/English Language Arts is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the highest level of teaching excellence. It is designed to recognize teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their subject area, as well as the ability to apply those skills in the classroom. The certification process takes three years to complete and involves submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating mastery of the National Board Standards for English Language Arts.

The first step in the process is to complete an application with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). After completing the application, candidates must register for an Assessment Center session where they will submit their portfolio and take an assessment. Upon successful completion of this step, candidates receive their certificate.

The cost of National Board Certification in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/English Language Arts varies depending on where you live, but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,000. This includes registration fees and assessments costs.

3. International Reading Association (IRA) Reading Specialist Certification

The International Reading Association (IRA) Reading Specialist Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of educators in the field of reading. It is designed to validate and recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful teaching of reading.

To obtain this certification, an individual must complete a comprehensive application process including submitting official transcripts and passing a written examination. The application process typically takes about six months to complete.

In order to be eligible for the IRA Reading Specialist Certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time teaching experience in the field of reading instruction or literacy education, as well as a master's degree in reading or literacy education from an accredited institution. Applicants must also have completed at least 18 semester hours of coursework in literacy/reading instruction and assessment.

The cost to apply for the IRA Reading Specialist Certification is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes.

4. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) English Language Arts Teacher Certification

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) English Language Arts Teacher Certification is a professional certification program that is designed to prepare teachers to teach English language arts in elementary, middle, and high schools. It is administered by CAEP and is recognized by many state education departments.

The CAEP English Language Arts Teacher Certification Program consists of two parts: an initial certification program and a renewal program. The initial certification program requires applicants to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework in English language arts, including courses in literature, composition, linguistics, and teaching methods. Applicants must also pass the Praxis II exam in order to be eligible for certification. Once they have successfully completed the requirements of the initial certification program, they can apply for their certificate.

The renewal program requires applicants to complete 15 semester hours of coursework every five years in order to maintain their certification status. This includes courses related to current trends and practices in English language arts instruction as well as professional development activities such as workshops or conferences.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes 1-2 years for applicants to complete the initial certification program depending on how quickly they can complete their coursework and pass the Praxis II exam. The renewal process typically takes less time since it only requires 15 semester hours every five years.

In terms of cost, the fees associated with obtaining CAEP English Language Arts Teacher Certification vary depending on the institution offering the coursework and other factors such as whether or not you need to take additional tests or purchase textbooks. Generally speaking, however, it costs approximately $1,000-$2,000 for the entire process from start to finish.

5. American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Certified Teacher-Librarian

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Certified Teacher-Librarian is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and commitment of school librarians. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved excellence in the field of school library media services and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

To become AASL Certified Teacher-Librarian, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid state teaching certificate or equivalent;
• Hold a master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program;
• Have at least three years of successful experience as a school librarian;
• Demonstrate knowledge of current research and trends in school library media services;
• Demonstrate leadership in the field of school library media services;
• Participate in continuing education activities related to school library media services; and
• Pass an AASL Certification Exam.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all the requirements for AASL certification. The cost for the exam is $250.

6. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator is a professional certification program that recognizes educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in using technology to improve teaching, learning, and leading. The ISTE Certified Educator credential is designed to help educators stay current with the latest educational technology trends and best practices.

It typically takes around two months to complete the ISTE Certified Educator program. The program consists of self-paced online learning modules, an assessment test, and a portfolio submission. The cost of the program varies depending on the type of membership you have with ISTE. For non-members, the cost is $299; for members, it’s $199; for student members, it’s $99; and for educator members, it’s free.

To get certified as an ISTE Certified Educator, you must first create an account on the ISTE website. After creating your account, you will be directed to the course page where you can purchase or access your course materials. Once you have completed all of the required modules and passed the assessment test with a score of at least 80%, you will then need to submit your portfolio which includes evidence of your work related to using technology in education. Once your portfolio has been reviewed by ISTE staff and approved, you will receive an email notification that you have been awarded the ISTE Certified Educator credential.

7. National Writing Project (NWP) Writing Instructional Leadership Certificate

The National Writing Project (NWP) Writing Instructional Leadership Certificate is a professional development program designed to help teachers become leaders in the field of writing instruction. The program is open to any teacher who has completed at least three years of teaching experience and has an active NWP membership.

The program consists of four online modules that focus on topics such as writing instruction, assessment, and leadership. Each module takes approximately two hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. At the end of each module, participants are required to submit a reflection paper that demonstrates their understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of all four modules, participants will receive their NWP Writing Instructional Leadership Certificate.

The cost for this certificate varies depending on the state or region you live in. Generally, it costs between $50-100 USD for all four modules and materials needed for completion.

8. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Advanced Professional Certificate in English Language Arts Teaching

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Advanced Professional Certificate in English Language Arts Teaching is a professional development program designed to recognize and reward experienced teachers who have demonstrated excellence in the teaching of English language arts. This certificate is intended to recognize those teachers who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field and are committed to continuing their professional growth and development.

The certificate requires successful completion of three courses: Foundations of Language Arts Education, Curriculum Development for Language Arts Education, and Assessment Practices in Language Arts Education. Each course is offered online through NCTE's Learning Center platform, and students must complete all three courses within two years to receive the certificate.

The cost for the three courses ranges from $395-$495 depending on when you register for them. The cost includes access to course materials, instructor feedback, and assessment activities.

In order to be eligible for the NCTE Advanced Professional Certificate in English Language Arts Teaching, applicants must have at least five years of teaching experience in an accredited school or college setting; hold a valid state teaching license; have earned at least a bachelor's degree; and demonstrate knowledge of current educational trends related to language arts instruction.

9. International Literacy Association (ILA) Certified Literacy Leader

The International Literacy Association (ILA) Certified Literacy Leader (CLL) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of literacy. It is designed to help educators, administrators, and other professionals demonstrate their expertise in literacy instruction and leadership.

To become an ILA Certified Literacy Leader, applicants must complete a series of online courses and assessments. The courses cover topics such as literacy assessment, instructional strategies, research-based practices, and professional development. After completing the courses, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the certification.

The entire process typically takes six to eight months to complete. Applicants should plan on spending at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam.

The cost of becoming an ILA Certified Literacy Leader varies depending on the program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD.

10. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator - Library Media Specialist

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator - Library Media Specialist is a professional certification program designed to recognize educators who demonstrate excellence in the use of technology to support student learning. This certification is open to library media specialists, librarians, and other school library professionals.

To earn the ISTE Certified Educator – Library Media Specialist credential, applicants must complete an online application and submit evidence of their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the ISTE Standards for Library Media Specialists. Once approved, applicants will need to successfully pass a written assessment that covers all six ISTE Standards for Library Media Specialists.

The entire process typically takes 1-2 months depending on the individual’s availability to complete the application and assessment.

To get started on your journey to become an ISTE Certified Educator – Library Media Specialist, you will need to create an account on the ISTE Certification Portal and submit your application along with any required documentation. Once your application has been approved by ISTE staff, you will be able to register for and take the assessment.

The cost of becoming an ISTE Certified Educator – Library Media Specialist varies based on membership status with ISTE. For non-members, it costs $395 USD; for members it costs $295 USD; and for students it costs $195 USD.

11. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Mathematics Content Knowledge Certificate

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Mathematics Content Knowledge Certificate is a professional development program that provides educators with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of mathematics content. The certificate is designed to help teachers develop their teaching skills and improve student learning.

The NCTM Mathematics Content Knowledge Certificate requires completion of four courses: Foundations of Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics & Probability. Each course consists of 10 modules that are self-paced and can be completed in as little as three months or as long as one year. The cost for each course is $200, for a total cost of $800 for the entire certificate program.

In order to receive the NCTM Mathematics Content Knowledge Certificate, teachers must complete all four courses within two years and pass an online assessment at the end of each course. Upon successful completion, teachers will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their professional profile or website.

Do You Really Need a Language Arts Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, a language arts teacher certificate may be necessary in order to teach in a particular school district or institution. In other cases, it may not be required but still beneficial in helping one gain additional knowledge and skills related to teaching language arts.

For those who are interested in pursuing a career as a language arts teacher, obtaining a certificate is an important step to take. Not only does it demonstrate that one has taken the time to learn about the subject matter, but it also shows employers that they have met certain criteria and standards for teaching language arts. It’s also a great way to network with other professionals in the field and gain valuable experience.

In addition to providing credentials that demonstrate expertise in teaching language arts, having a language arts teacher certificate can also provide other benefits. For example, some schools may offer higher salaries or more job opportunities for teachers who have completed certification programs in their subject area. Furthermore, having such credentials can help build trust with parents and students alike, since they know that the teacher has taken the time to become properly qualified for the job.

Overall, whether or not someone needs a language arts teacher certificate is up to them and their individual goals. It can certainly be beneficial in helping one become more knowledgeable and experienced in their field, as well as open up new doors of opportunity when seeking employment as a teacher of language arts.

Related: Language Arts Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Language Arts Teacher Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become a language arts teacher?

Answer: To become a language arts teacher, you must have a bachelor’s degree in English, education or a related field, plus any state-required certification or licensure. In some states, additional coursework may be required.

2. How do I get certified as a language arts teacher?

Answer: To become certified as a language arts teacher, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program and meet any additional requirements set by the state you plan to teach in. Most states also require that you pass tests such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam and the Praxis Subject Assessments for Language Arts Teachers (PLT).

3. What is the difference between certification and licensure?

Answer: Certification is awarded by an accredited school or organization and demonstrates competency within a certain area of teaching. Licensure is awarded by the state and verifies that an individual has met all of the requirements necessary to teach within that particular state.

4. Are there any specializations available for language arts teachers?

Answer: Yes, many states offer specializations in areas such as reading instruction, writing instruction, English literature or composition/rhetoric. Depending on your state's requirements, these specializations can be pursued through additional coursework or professional development opportunities.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Typically, certifications need to be renewed every five years with evidence of continuing professional development activities such as workshops, conferences and courses taken related to language arts teaching.