Info on Teacher Certification
Teacher Certification
States normally require certification to teach in their public schools. Most universities offer certification programs. Certification requirements vary from state-to-state, but one may transfer certification to another state relatively easily once it is obtained. Other options to get into the classroom more quickly include alternative certification programs and deficiency plans.
Deficiency Plans and Emergency Certification
Allow you to begin teaching immediately. A special plan is drawn up for you to begin teaching with the expectation that you will get certified within 3 years.
National program trains you to teach during the summer. Places you into a disadvantaged public school for two years. You earn teacher certification by taking classes in the evenings while you are teaching.
Provides certification information, job banks, and other information about public education in each state.
Find out what one must do to get certified in the state of your choice.
Teaching in Public Schools
Public schools normally require state teacher certification for employment, though you may teach without certification in some districts by obtaining a deficiency plan. Public schools are funded by the state, local, and federal governments. Below, find information about education departments, job banks, and charter schools.
Provide information about public education in your state including teacher certification and job vacancies.
Searchable by school characteristics, district, location, or name. From the National Center for Education Statistics.
Charter schools are public schools offered a higher level of autonomy than regular public schools.
Teaching in Private Schools
Most private schools do not require teachers to be certified. College students often begin teaching in private schools directly after graduation. Below is a list of private school directories, job banks, and teacher placement agencies. If you would like to teach in private schools, administrators sometimes recommend sending unprovoked resumes and cover letters to the schools of your choice.
Large bank of private school job offerings.
Directory of private day schools and boarding schools.
List of boarding schools in the US.
Private School Employment Networks and Placement Agencies
Match your credentials with possible job openings. Most agencies are free for teacher candidates to apply. Most ask for letters of recommendation, but other information may be submitted online.
Free to apply. Matches your application with prospective employers. Used by many private schools nationally. Website includes a list of jobs, internships, and summer opportunities.
Search firm for private schools. Free to apply. Also runs job fairs.
Post your resume (Cost: $25). View teaching jobs for free.
Miscellaneous Teaching Job Info
Below, find employment opportunities and job banks for public and private schools, information and directories about teaching overseas, and other options including the Peace Corps and Teach for America.
Learn about teaching overseas in American schools. Includes a list of jobs. Note: teaching overseas often requires teaching certification and experience.
Lists jobs overseas.
Overseas Job Placement Agency. Requires fee.
Resources for teaching in schools on US military bases.
The Peace Corps offers teaching opportunities abroad in developing countries.
National program trains you to teach during the summer. Places you into a disadvantaged public school for two years. You earn teacher certification by taking classes in the evenings while you are teaching.
Teach English in Japan. This one-year program allows you to teach English in Japanese Schools.
Web66 maintains the Internet's oldest and most complete list of school web servers.
Summer Teaching Opportunities
These programs allow college students to teach during the summer. These may help you to decide whether you would like to teach when you leave college.
A national program in 39 cities. You will teach enrichment classes to a small group of middle school students. You will be able to devise your own curriculum and take control of your own classroom.
The Summerbridge program branch in Houston. An 8-week program through June and July. $750 living allowance for college students with up to $1,250 available for financial aid.
