How to Get a Teaching Certification in the U.S.
Moreland University provides online teaching certification programs and resources and reading materials to answer your most important questions around getting your teaching license to teach in the United States and abroad.
How to Get a Teaching Certification in the U.S.
Moreland University provides online teaching certification programs and resources and reading materials to answer your most important questions around getting your teaching license to teach in the United States and abroad.
Become a U.S. certified teacher
You may be an experienced educator who works at a charter school or international school that is now being asked to obtain additional qualifications, or you may be new to the teaching profession and figuring out the steps you need to take to start your career as an educator.
No matter where you are in your path to become a U.S. certified teacher, we’ll walk you through the basics. To get more detailed information, please download our guide to teacher certification.
Your Guide to U.S.
Teacher Certification
We provide answers to your most important questions around getting your teaching license to teach in the United States and abroad.
Get a copy of Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification to learn more and start your path to become a U.S. certified teacher.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license.
To earn your teaching license, you will need to complete required coursework and testing and then apply to the state where you want to teach. Each state in the U.S. has unique requirements to obtain a teaching license or certificate.
Understanding the specific requirements of the state in which you want to be licensed as a teacher is a critical step in your successful journey to pursue your teaching license.
What is Teacher Certification?
Teacher certification is a government issued document used to ensure that highly qualified and trained teachers are entering the education profession in a given state/school district. Because teacher certification is issued by government agencies, educational institutions cannot issue teacher certification. They can, however, assist you to meet the eligibility requirements for educator certification.
What are the requirements for a U.S. teaching certification?
Teacher certification or licensure requirements vary depending on state laws, but typically the process of certification includes:
Completion of Bachelor’s Degree (or foreign equivalent).
Completion of accredited teacher preparation program. Some programs provide you with a Bachelor’s Degree and preparation for teacher certification at the same time.
Each state in the U.S. has unique requirements to obtain a teaching license or certificate. To obtain a teaching license or certification, candidates apply directly to the appropriate state/government agency.
Reciprocity does not happen automatically; you need to go through the required steps by each state to attain a teaching certificate through reciprocity.
9-Month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Program.
Alternative pathway to teacher certification.
100% online.
Nationally accredited.
How do you prepare and apply for a U.S. teaching license?
No matter where you plan to teach, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a professional teaching license. That usually means you need to attend a teaching program to take the necessary coursework and gain subject knowledge and/or clinical teaching experience.
At Moreland University, we provide training leading towards eligibility for educator licensure or certification at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional online teacher certification programs.
Moreland University is an approved Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) in Florida, Washington DC, Arizona, and West Virginia. Upon completion of our teaching program, the Registrar’s office will ensure you have the necessary Moreland University documents required by the licensing agency.
You may explore our flagship teacher certification preparation program, TEACH-NOW® or Master’s degree programs to get you prepared to apply for a U.S. state teaching license in as fast as 12 months.
Join an Info Session
Connect with our faculty and alumni.
Our live info sessions cover everything from admission requirements, to learning outcomes, and even practical applications of our degree programs.
Where are you on your path to teacher certification?
Whether you are pursuing a teaching license in the United States or internationally, we can help. Explore our flagship online teacher certification preparation program to get you prepared to apply for a U.S. state teaching license in as fast as 12 months.
International
To issue a formal teaching qualification, most countries require a baccalaureate degree, a teacher preparation program, demonstration of subject knowledge, and a clinical teaching experience.
Baccalaureate Degree
Teacher Preparation Program
Subject Knowledge
Clinical Practice
Teacher Certification
United States
There are 50 states (including the District of Columbia) the offer teaching creditials in the United States. TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is approved in three states: DC, AZ and WV.
50 States Have Specific
Certification Requirements
Accredited Approved Certificate
Preparation Provider in
DC, AZ, FL and WV
Teacher Certification
in 4 States
Reciprocity Agreements Among
Most States + Recognition by
Most Countries
Get your questions answered.
No matter where you are in your path to become a U.S. certified teacher, Moreland University is here to find the best teacher preparation and certification solution for your unique needs.