Top 11 School Teacher Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for school teachers in the job market, as they provide evidence that a teacher has the necessary qualifications and experience to succeed in a particular position. Certifications show potential employers that a teacher has taken the initiative to gain additional expertise and knowledge in order to better serve their students. They also demonstrate the teacher’s commitment to professional development, which is highly valued by employers. Additionally, certifications can help teachers stand out from other applicants, making them more attractive to hiring managers. Finally, certifications can provide access to higher-paying positions or specialized roles within certain school districts or organizations.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for School Teachers and explain how they can contribute to a school teacher's career by providing increased knowledge and job opportunities.

What are School Teacher Certifications?

School teacher certification is a process of verifying that an individual has met the educational and professional requirements to teach in a public or private school system. Certification is typically required by state boards of education; although, some states have alternative pathways to become certified as a teacher. The process typically involves completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing a subject knowledge test, and submitting to a background check.

School teacher certification ensures that teachers have the necessary skills and expertise to provide quality instruction to students. It also provides assurance to parents and administrators that teachers are qualified and capable of teaching the subject matter they are assigned. Furthermore, it can help teachers advance their careers by providing them with credentials that demonstrate their professional qualifications. With the right certifications, teachers may be able to apply for higher-level positions such as curriculum developer or principal.

Ultimately, school teacher certification helps ensure that all students receive adequate instruction from qualified educators who possess the necessary skills and competencies for teaching in today’s classrooms.

Pro Tip: Research the requirements for teacher certification in your state thoroughly before beginning the process. Each state has different requirements, so be sure to know what is needed to obtain certification before you start.

Related: What does a School Teacher do?

Top 11 School Teacher Certifications

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

1. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is a field of study that focuses on teaching people who are learning English as an additional language. It involves teaching students how to use the language in a variety of contexts, including speaking, reading, writing and listening. TESL can be used to teach both adults and children.

The length of time it takes to get a TESL certification varies depending on the program you choose, but most programs require at least 100 hours of instruction. This includes classroom instruction, online coursework, and practicum experience. Many programs also require applicants to have some prior teaching experience or knowledge of linguistics or second language acquisition.

There are many ways to get certified in TESL. You can take courses at a college or university, attend workshops offered by professional organizations such as TESOL International Association (TIA), or complete an online program from an accredited institution. The cost for these programs varies widely depending on the school you choose and the type of certification you pursue. Generally speaking, costs range from $500-$2,000 USD for certification programs.

In addition to getting certified in TESL, it is important to stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in the field by attending professional development workshops and conferences. This will help ensure that you are providing your students with quality instruction that meets their needs and helps them reach their goals.

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

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a professional certification that allows individuals to teach English as a second language in various settings. TESOL is designed for those who are interested in teaching English to non-native speakers, either domestically or abroad.

The TESOL certification program typically takes between 6 and 12 months to complete, depending on the institution offering it. The program consists of both online and in-person courses that cover topics such as linguistics, methodology, and culture. In addition, many programs require students to complete practicum hours or student teaching experiences.

To get certified in TESOL, you will need to find an accredited program that meets your needs. You can do this by researching programs online or by contacting local universities or language schools directly.

The cost of the TESOL certification program varies depending on the institution offering it and the length of the program. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for a full certification course.

3. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit organization that works to advance the quality of teaching and learning by setting high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. It was founded in 1987 with the mission of improving student achievement by advancing the quality of teaching through national board certification.

NBPTS certification is a voluntary process that takes approximately one year from start to finish, depending on the individual's experience and preparation. The process includes completing an application, providing evidence of teaching effectiveness, passing an assessment in pedagogical knowledge, and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of the NBPTS standards.

To become certified by NBPTS, candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time teaching experience in a public or accredited private school, as well as holding a valid state teacher license or certificate. Candidates must also complete an online application and submit all required documents before being considered for certification.

The cost to apply for NBPTS certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 to $2,000 or more depending on the program chosen and other factors such as any additional fees associated with taking assessments or submitting portfolios.

4. Early Childhood Education Certification

Early Childhood Education Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood education. It is typically required for individuals who wish to teach or work with children aged birth to 8 years old in a variety of settings, including daycare centers, preschools, and elementary schools.

The amount of time it takes to get Early Childhood Education Certification varies depending on the program chosen. Some programs may take as little as six months to complete while others may take up to two years. Generally speaking, most certification programs require at least 120 hours of coursework and hands-on experience.

To get Early Childhood Education Certification, you must first complete the necessary coursework and hands-on experience requirements for your chosen program. After completing these requirements, you must then pass an exam administered by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Once you have passed this exam, you will be awarded your certification.

The cost of Early Childhood Education Certification can vary depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with taking exams or obtaining materials needed for coursework. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1,000 in total costs.

5. Special Education Certification

Special Education Certification is a process that allows individuals to become certified as special educators. This certification is required in order to teach special education classes in public schools. It is also necessary for individuals who wish to work with children with special needs in private settings, such as daycare centers or therapeutic programs.

The process of obtaining Special Education Certification varies from state to state, but typically involves completing an approved program of study, passing a certification exam, and meeting any other requirements set by the state. Most states require a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field before beginning the certification process.

The length of time it takes to obtain Special Education Certification can vary greatly depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary coursework and exams for certification.

In order to get Special Education Certification, individuals must first complete an approved program of study. This typically includes courses in child development, special education law and regulations, instructional methods and strategies for teaching students with disabilities, assessment techniques, behavior management strategies, and classroom management techniques. Once this program has been completed successfully, individuals must then pass a certification exam administered by their state board of education or other regulatory agency before they can receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining Special Education Certification depends on the individual’s educational background and experience level as well as the specific requirements set by their state board of education or other regulatory agency. Generally speaking, costs may include tuition fees for coursework, fees associated with taking the certification exam(s), and any additional fees required by the state board of education or other regulatory agency.

6. Reading Specialist Certification

Reading Specialist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of reading instruction. The certification is offered by the International Reading Association (IRA) and is available to teachers, administrators, librarians, and other professionals who work with children in the area of reading.

In order to obtain Reading Specialist Certification, applicants must complete an approved program at an accredited college or university. The program typically consists of courses related to reading instruction, such as literacy assessment, instructional strategies, curriculum design, and classroom management. Depending on the institution offering the program, it may take anywhere from one year to two years to complete.

In addition to completing an approved program, applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the IRA. The exam covers topics such as phonemic awareness, fluency development, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and assessment techniques.

The cost of obtaining Reading Specialist Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition for programs can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per semester or academic year. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the IRA's comprehensive exam which typically costs around $200 USD.

7. Mathematics Teacher Certification

Mathematics Teacher Certification is a process that involves completing specific coursework and passing an exam to demonstrate competency in teaching mathematics. It is required for teachers who wish to teach math at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

The length of time it takes to get Mathematics Teacher Certification depends on the state in which you are applying. Generally, it can take anywhere from one semester to two years of coursework and/or professional development activities.

To get Mathematics Teacher Certification, you must first meet the requirements set by your state’s department of education. These requirements vary from state to state but typically involve completing a certain number of credit hours in mathematics and/or education-related courses as well as passing a certification exam. Once these requirements have been met, you will be eligible for certification.

The cost of Mathematics Teacher Certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 for application fees and additional fees for any required exams or courses.

8. Science Teacher Certification

Science Teacher Certification is a process that allows teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in teaching science-related topics. It is required for those who want to teach science in public schools, as well as many private schools. The certification process typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the state and the requirements of the school district.

In order to get Science Teacher Certification, applicants must first meet certain educational requirements. This may include obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, such as biology or chemistry. In addition, some states may require applicants to have completed a certain number of hours of student teaching experience before they can be certified.

Once these educational requirements are met, applicants must then pass an exam administered by their state's department of education. This exam tests the applicant's knowledge of science-related topics and their ability to teach them effectively. Depending on the state, this exam may also cover other subjects such as math or language arts.

The cost of Science Teacher Certification varies from state to state but generally ranges from $50-$200 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam. Additionally, some states may require applicants to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status over time.

9. Social Studies Teacher Certification

Social Studies Teacher Certification is a process that enables an individual to become certified to teach social studies in a public school setting. It typically requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, as well as the successful completion of state-mandated exams and other requirements. The amount of time it takes to get certification can vary depending on the state, but it generally takes between two and four years.

In order to get Social Studies Teacher Certification, individuals must first complete an accredited undergraduate degree program in education or a related field. This typically includes courses such as history, government, economics, geography, and sociology. After completing their degree program, individuals must then pass any required state-mandated exams for teacher certification. These tests may include an assessment of content knowledge and pedagogical skills. Additionally, some states may require additional coursework or training before granting certification.

The cost of Social Studies Teacher Certification can vary depending on the state and institution where the individual is obtaining their degree program. Generally speaking, individuals should expect to pay tuition fees for their degree program as well as any applicable fees associated with taking the required exams for certification.

Overall, Social Studies Teacher Certification is an important step for those wishing to teach social studies in public schools. It requires dedication and hard work but can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about teaching this subject area.

10. Technology Education Teacher Certification

Technology Education Teacher Certification is a certification that allows individuals to teach technology-related courses in K-12 schools. This certification is typically obtained through a state’s Department of Education and requires the completion of an approved teacher preparation program. The length of time it takes to obtain this certification varies by state, but typically takes between one and two years.

To get certified as a Technology Education Teacher, individuals must first complete an approved teacher preparation program. This program may include coursework in educational theory and practice, technology education curriculum, instructional strategies, and classroom management. Upon completion of the program, individuals must then apply for certification with their state’s Department of Education. During this process, they will be required to submit documentation demonstrating their completion of the teacher preparation program as well as any other necessary requirements such as passing scores on licensing exams or background checks.

The cost for obtaining Technology Education Teacher Certification also varies by state but can range from several hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the requirements set forth by the state’s Department of Education. Additionally, some states may require individuals to pay for additional fees such as application fees or exam fees.

11. English Language Arts/Literacy Teacher Certification

English Language Arts/Literacy Teacher Certification is a type of certification that allows teachers to teach English language arts and literacy courses in the United States. It is a requirement for all public school teachers who wish to teach these subjects.

In order to obtain this certification, you must first have a bachelor's degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university. You must then pass the Praxis II English Language Arts/Literacy test. This test covers topics such as reading, writing, speaking and listening, language conventions and usage, and content knowledge in English language arts/literacy. The cost of the exam varies by state but typically ranges from $90-$200.

Once you have passed the Praxis II exam, you will need to apply for your teaching license through your state’s education department. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a teaching license so it is important to research your state’s specific requirements before applying. Generally speaking, most states require that applicants complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass additional exams such as the Basic Skills Test or Subject Area Exams. Depending on your state’s requirements, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to receive your teaching license after passing the Praxis II exam.

The cost of obtaining an English Language Arts/Literacy Teacher Certification varies depending on several factors such as the cost of tuition for any required classes or programs, the cost of any exams needed for licensure (such as Praxis II), and any other fees associated with obtaining a teaching license in your state (such as background checks). Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3,000 depending on these factors.

Do You Really Need a School Teacher Certificate?

Yes, a school teacher certificate is essential for anyone who wants to become a professional teacher. It is an official document that proves the holder has met the educational and professional qualifications necessary to become a certified teacher. The certificate also serves as proof of competence in teaching, which is required by schools and other educational institutions when hiring teachers.

A school teacher certificate provides evidence that an individual has completed the appropriate education, training and experience necessary to teach in any subject at any level. It also shows that the person has the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality instruction to children and adults alike. Additionally, it ensures that teachers are competent in their chosen field of specialization, such as mathematics or language arts.

Having a school teacher certificate also demonstrates a commitment to teaching by showing that the individual is willing to go through all of the steps necessary to become certified. This includes completing coursework, passing examinations and engaging in supervised practical experience. Furthermore, it can help teachers gain access to better job opportunities since they will be considered more qualified than those without certification.

In summary, having a school teacher certificate is essential for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in teaching. It not only validates an individual’s qualifications but also shows dedication and commitment towards their chosen profession.

Related: School Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About School Teacher Certifications

1. What is a teacher certification?

Answer: Teacher certification is a process that requires teachers to complete certain educational and professional requirements in order to become certified to teach in a specific state or school district. This typically includes completing an accredited teacher preparation program, passing a subject matter test, and meeting other requirements such as background checks.

2. How do I obtain a teacher certification?

Answer: Obtaining a teacher certification typically involves completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing the appropriate subject matter tests, and meeting any other requirements set forth by the state or school district. It is important to research the specific requirements for your desired teaching job before beginning the process.

3. Is there an age limit for becoming certified as a teacher?

Answer: Generally speaking, there is no age limit for becoming certified as a teacher. However, some states may have additional restrictions on the age of applicants depending on the type of teaching position they are seeking.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a teacher?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a teacher can vary depending on several factors such as which state you are applying in, how quickly you complete your coursework and pass required tests, and whether or not you have met any additional requirements set forth by the state or school district. In general however, most candidates can expect it to take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all necessary steps for obtaining certification.

5. Are there any renewal requirements for maintaining my teaching certification?

Answer: Yes – most states require teachers who hold certifications to periodically renew their credentials in order to remain eligible for teaching positions within their jurisdictions. The exact renewal requirements will vary by state but generally involve completing continuing education credits and/or taking additional subject matter tests every few years in order keep one’s credential valid and up-to-date with current standards and best practices in education.